Zion National Park

Background Information

Zion National Park is famous for its large geologic structures that contain a glimpse into the Earth’s history. The large structure of Navajo sandstone displays the cross sections of deposited material that was once flowing sand dunes. The limestone and siltstone formations contain fossils dating back millions of years. Due to the most recent interesting geologic and topographic structures, Zion national park has been used as a location for refuge and farming by native populations such as the Anasazi and Paiute. 

Modern day Italy has been built on the remains of many various volcanoes, some more or less active than othe0rs. These volcanoes have formed from the subduction of the African plate underneath the Eurasian plate, an event that has been slowly occurring for several million years. Cities in ancient history have been destroyed by the eruption of these volcanoes. Yet, to this day some of the most famous wines in the world are produced on the slopes of extinct or hibernating volcanoes, as the soil itself is perfect for growing grapes. 

There are many places in the world that, due to the important features of their geology, have resulted in affecting our modern lives for better or worse. The underlying rock features that exist to this day formed at some point in history through various forces that are discussed throughout the course of class. We spend plenty of time talking about the rocks themselves, but a bit less so on the modern-day impact that these changes that occurred millions of years ago have on our everyday life. 

Focus

In this writing assignment, you are tasked with discussing a geologic feature or set of geologic features that we see have important use in the modern world. This could be about protected parks, or it could be about the development of an industry. Discuss the formation of the geologic structure(s) and the modern effect(s) we see from its existence. 

Goals

Students will be expected to research a topic on their own and gather facts and data from whatever sources they come across. Students will also be expected to write technically, avoiding ‘fluff’ and emotion in their writing.