|
Department of Geology and Environmental Science
Below is a list of geologic web sites available. Most were originally created for a specific class, but they are also constructed for general use. The list below does not include course web sites.James Madison University Geologic Web Sites |
|
| Minerals | An introductory site exploring primarily the minerals found in introductory geology classes. This site will continue to expand to be more inclusive as time goes by. |
| Igneous Rocks | This is a visually rich site with many dozens of sharp, clear, closeup images of various igneous rocks, all tied into a classification scheme. In addition are Bowen's Reactions Series and rock forming minerals, descriptions of various igneous classification schemes, tectonic associations of igneous rocks, primers on reading phase diagrams, and many other things. The site starts off with an introduction for the novice, and builds to progressively more sophisticated levels. |
| Sedimentary Rocks | This site follows the pattern of the Igneous Rock sites. If you want to look up a rock, see a picture or two, get a description, go to the alphabetical listing. Other pages in the site give theoretical background on classification and interpretation. |
| Metamorphic Rocks | This site follows the pattern of the Igneous and Sedimentary Rock site. If you want to look up a rock, see a picture or two, get a description, go to the alphabetical listing. Other pages in the site give theoretical background on classification and interpretation. |
| A Plate Tectonic Primer | This site is being created to help the 4th grade teachers at Kiester Elementary School, Harrisonburg, Va. and the Waynesboro, Va. schools, prepare to teach the SOL's on rocks and minerals. The site, however, is open to anyone who might find it useful. This is a work in progress and I would appreciate feedback on what is useful, not useful, and what can be added to make the site more helpful in preparing to teach the SOL's. |
| The Wilson Cycle | The Wilson Cycle is the opening and closing of an ocean basin. It is the simplest model we have that illustrates not only the workings of the theory of plate tectonics, but also the various mechansism by which most of the rocks on earth are generated. The cycle is developed in 9 stages A - I, and is written so that someone with a basic knowledge of geology can follow it easily. Imbedded within the stages are also numerous links to pages with additional details for those interested. |
| Tectonic Rock Cycle | The core question in geology is whether the earth is evolutionary, or not. James Hutton in the last century believed not, at least for most of his life, with the quote, the earth "has no vestige of a beginning, no prospect of an end." This site explores the rationale behind the arguments that the earth is evolutionary. It is the most theoretically abstract model for the evolution of rocks on Earth. This also has nine stages I - IX, with numerous links to details. |
| Geologic Evolution of Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic Region | The most ambitious site. I have been trying to learn and understand Mid-Atlantic geology since I arrived at JMU. This web site is the culmination of this work, although it is still incomplete. Fall, 2000 I will begin a book version of this topic. |
| Last Update: 12/01/00 | e-mail: (Fichtels@jmu.edu) |