Geology of Mission Creek

OBJECTIVES
        1.    Students will learn to identify rocks in the Mission Creek area.
        2.    Learn about how the geology of Mission San Jose Area effects Mission Creek watershed.

METHOD
        Rocks will be identified by type from the Mission Creek Area.

MATERIALS
        Copies of geologic map of Niles and La Costa Quadrangles, rock and sediment samples from Mission Creek Area, Swift GH microscope and Student Sheet 3

BACKGROUND
        What can geologic maps tell us?  A geologic map can provide information regarding the geology, age, and formation of a specific area.  Our studies of the Laguna Creek Watershed encompass many factors.  One important aspect of the project is the monitoring of sediment influx and erosion happening along the water system.  In order to have a better understanding of how geology effects the watershed, it is necessary to study Mission Creek geology, as Mission Creek is the head waters for the Laguna Creek Watershed.

PROCEDURE
        What kind of rocks can be found in the Mission Creek area?  How do these rocks effect Mission Creek? In this activity students will answer these questions by identifying rock samples found in the Mission Creek area.  Students will utilize a geologic map of the area to assess the type of sediment influx and erosion into Mission Creek.
        Look at the rock samples at each station.  Fill in the chart found on Student Sheet 3.
        Identify the sediments by creating a sediment card chart.  Use a Swift GH microscope to characterize grain size, color and composition.
        Locate on your map areas where erosion and sediment influx might be more likely to occur.

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