Isabella Uhlik - PSC 103 - Earth Sciences

Isostasy - The Study of Floating (Buoyancy)  Pickleball vs. Pool @ The Cal Poly Rec Center Isostasy or isostatic equilibrium is the state of gravitational equilibrium between Earth's crust and mantle such that the crust "floats" at an elevation that depends on its thickness and density. In this picture we can see a plastic ball that been placed into a pool. The ball is mostly submerged in the water because it has holes, so it fills with water and is barely able to float and stay above the surface of the water. However, because it still floats, we know that the relative density of the ball has to be lower than the density of the water because it is able to float.  Close up of the ball to show the holes and how the ball is almost entirety covered in water from being mostly submerged.  Me and the almost sinking Pickleball.  Isabella Uhlik  Cal Poly Rec Center Pool - April 29th, 2024

 Erosion - Water Flow  Cement Fountain @ Science Building Erosion is a process by which the surface of the earth is worn away by  natural forces such as water, wind, glaciers, or waves. For example, this fountain outside the science building has experienced erosion since it was built and continues to experience it to this day.  This fountain was built for decoration but the constant sitting water and the flow of water on the cement and the rocks inside have been affected by erosion over time. We can see on the outside the change in color of the rock (the yellowing) and the overall visible disintegration of the stone, we know it has experienced erosion.   The fountain itself even when not running holds still water which causes the rocks to hold water in them which over time due to frost or other changing in temperature can break the rocks down. We can see that these rocks look kind of soggy, they have experienced erosion from the water. The sediment has...

Weathering! @ The YTT Dormitories   Weathering is the deterioration of rocks, soils and minerals through contact with water, atmospheric gases, sunlight, and biological organisms. For example, rust is a type of weathering.   I found an example of weathering right outside my dorm! This is a metal light post that has been experiencing some rust near its base for some time now. I think this was formed fairly recently at least within the last year or so, but it will continue to get worse with continued water and oxygen exposure.  Here is a closer look at the rusting. Rust is an example of chemical weathering and forms when iron reacts with oxygen with the addition of moist air or water. We know that it has rusted because of the visible deterioration of the metal and the change in coloring. It's now weaker and has a red coloring.  This is a selfie of me and my example of weathering which was a light post in the flower bed right outside my dorm.  Isabella Uhlik -...

My Rock! @ The Cal Poly P.  I found my rock on the trail while hiking up to the Cal Poly P. I chose this specific rock because of the way it has 2 separate colors. It stood out to me. I think my rock was formed at its location is just a. Part of the mountain that was broken off through weathering and erosion from people walking on it, kicking it etc. I also think it could have formed from rolling or being affected from rain.  Took this picture to show the textures of the rock but also just to capture the beautiful place it was found.  Me and my rock :) Isabella Uhlik - April 6th, 2024