Geomechanics Activity #1
Geologic Time
(Place answers on college ruled paper to be handed in.  Make sure name, date, and title are on the geomechanics activity.)

Exercise #1: In the following geological profile, list from oldest to youngest, the rock formations labeled.  Indicate and describe at least one unconformity.

Exercise #2: The following graphics represents an overhead view of the new Millenium Hall building on campus.  It also contains some core boring data at the bottom (taken before construction).  Sketch what exists in-between the core borings of B1, B3, and B4.   Such that, make a sketch of the geological profile of the ground that was in the area of Millenium Hall before construction.  (You can print out this graphics and draw in the soil layers on the bottom chart.)  This exercise will give you a taste of what a structural geologists often does. Note: This exercise is one part science, one part experience, and one part guess. So I do expect some variations in the sketches. Prior to many excavation projects, a subsurface profile is constructed based upon soil reports.

Exercise #3: Suppose you have been hired by a Southwestern (U.S.) Native American tribe to perform an archeological dig. You find some human bones at a location that you need to date. You send them off to the laboratory so that a measurement of the present ratio of 14C/12C atoms in the bones can be done.  The laboratory measured this ratio of 14C/12C to be 2.5x10-13.  How old are the bones?  Show all your work.  

Possibly Useful Hints:
Log10(X)=Y, bY=X        
Log10(X)m = (m)Log10(X)
The ratio of 14C/12C in living organisms is 1.2x10-12.

[Note: If you are excavating and happen upon what appears to be an archeological site containing possible artifacts, you will be committing a felony if you continue to dig while aware of the potential archeological importance. Contact local or state historical societies. A state is sometimes divided into archeological districts that have an expert representative.]

Exercise #4: Suppose you have been contracted to renovate an old house.  The homeowner approaches you inquiring about the hazards of radon gas within the home you are renovating.  Write a paragraph on how you would respond to such an inquiry.  Your response should include:

I.  What is radon gas?
II.  Why is it considered a hazard?
III.  EPA's view on minimum allowable concentrations without remediation.
IV. Limitations of science on the subject.

For questions or comments regarding these pages contact Dr. Alan Scott / scotta@uwstout.edu / this page was last updated August 30, 2007