Graded Assignment

SCI112A: Earth Science | Unit 4 | Lessons 7 and 8: Laboratory: Interpreting Geologic History

Name:

Date:

Graded Assignment
Lab Report: Interpreting Geologic History
Answer the questions below. When you are finished, submit this assignment to your teacher by the due date for
full credit.
In this laboratory experiment, you will write a narrative history of a rock section found in the Grand Canyon. You
will describe and explain the events starting with the Vishnu Schist forming and ending with the unconformity
above the Redwall Limestone in the Mississippian. Your description should include environmental changes.
Example:

Sea level lowered, and the Esplanade Sandstone was deposited in a beach environment.

Erosion, and the sea level rose.

Hermit Shale deposited in a deeper sea.

Sea level drops, returning the area to a beach environment where the Coconino Sandstone was
deposited.

1.

Interpret the bottom half of the cross section below. Start with the Vishnu Schist and end with the Redwall Limestone.

Scoring:

8 points for correct order

Teacher grading area

Score

8 points for Proper Environmental Changes

Teacher grading area

Score

4 points for Attention to detail and completeness

Teacher grading area

Score

Answer:
Start your narrative here:

Vishnu Schist forms.

Zoroaster Granite intrudes the Vishnu Schist.

Erosion of the schist and granite.

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Page 1 of 4

Graded Assignment

SCI112A: Earth Science | Unit 4 | Lessons 7 and 8: Laboratory: Interpreting Geologic History

(5 points)

2.

There is one of each type of unconformity in this diagram. Name at least one of each of
them by indicating the layers that they are between. An unconformity is not a layer, rather it
is the missing piece of the story.

Score

Nonconformity:
Answer:

Angular unconformity:
Answer:

Disconformity:
Answer:

Your Score

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Copying or distributing without K12s written consent is prohibited.

___ of 25

Page 2 of 4

Graded Assignment

Symbol

SCI112A: Earth Science | Unit 4 | Lessons 7 and 8: Laboratory: Interpreting Geologic History

Name

Environment

Sandstone

Beach or nearshore environment

Limestone

Forms in warm shallow seas

Shale

Igneous Rock
(Granite)

Metamorphic Rock
(Schist)

Igneous intrusion

Deep sea

Formed when rocks melt and then recrystalize

Formed when rocks are severely deformed without melting; in

this cross section, the Vishnu Schist represents the original
surface in the area

Magma melting and rising from deeper levels

Hint: How can you tell the difference between an intrusion and rocks melting in place? Rocks melting in place
usually appear as a large mass, whereas intrusions seem to have risen up from a source.

2006 K12 Inc. All rights reserved.

Copying or distributing without K12s written consent is prohibited.

Page 3 of 4

Graded Assignment

SCI112A: Earth Science | Unit 4 | Lessons 7 and 8: Laboratory: Interpreting Geologic History

2006 K12 Inc. All rights reserved.

Copying or distributing without K12s written consent is prohibited.

Page 4 of 4