Geologic Thinking and Interpretation

Introduction to Geologic Thinking

• Geologists reason differently due to the vastness of geologic time, dealing with millions to billions of years.
• Missing data and non-linear processes require geologists to think in complex ways.

Interpretation of Geologic Features

• When observing an outcrop, geologists focus on:
  • Important features to observe
  • The overall geologic story of the region
• Example: Hutton's Unconformity at Sickor Point, Scotland:
  • Vertical layers of mudstone (older)
  • Nearly horizontal layers of red sandstone (younger)
  • Interpretation involves understanding the sequence of deposition, compression, tilting, and erosion.

Geologic Storytelling

• Geologic thinking is both interpretive and historical.
• Geologists build stories by:
  • Observing the oldest layers (ocean sediments)
  • Understanding events such as mountain formation, volcanic activity, and sediment deposition
  • Acknowledging missing time in the geologic record

Unique Skills of Geoscientists

• Long View of Time: Understanding Earth's age and processes over millions of years.
  • Example: Viewing volcanic eruptions as steps in mountain formation.
• Systems-Based Approach: Interpreting complex interactions and feedback loops.
• Field Observations to Data:
  • Translating field observations into readable data and maps.
  • Importance of symbols and communication among geoscientists.
• Spatial Thinking: Visualizing three-dimensional structures in two dimensions.
  • Requires natural ability, learned skills, and specialized tools.

Philosophical Insights

• Geoscientists possess unique skills compared to other scientists:
  • Long-term temporal perspective
  • Systems thinking
  • Field-to-data translation
  • Spatial visualization

Feedback Loops

• Critical in understanding Earth's processes.
• Positive feedback loop example:
  • Initial cooling -> more snow and ice -> more reflection of sunlight -> further cooling.

Learning in the Field

• Observations crucial for interpreting geology.
• Inscribing observations into maps and symbols to communicate with others.

Spatial Thinking in Practice

• Envisioning expansive connections, subsurface structures, and translating between dimensions.
• Example task: identifying cross sections of a river to practice spatial thinking.

Conclusion

• Geologic thinking involves deep time, complex systems, field learning, and spatial visualization.
• Skills to be developed throughout the semester with practical examples and exercises.