Isabella Uhlik - PSC 103 - Earth Sciences

Stratigraphy On Morro Rock Morro Rock @ Morro Bay CA The erosion that exposed the layers was most likely caused by natural weathering processes, including wind, water, and wave action, which gradually wore away the softer surrounding rock to reveal the harder volcanic plug.   The layers appear to be similar, indicating they are likely composed of the same or similar types of rock/material. This similarity suggests a consistent volcanic process that deposited layers of ash, lava, and volcanic debris over time. We can greatly assume that these layers were created by successive volcanic eruptions that deposited ash, lava, and other volcanic materials because of its passed activity with frequent eruptions, lava flows, and ash falls. The creation of all the layers likely spanned millions of years, with each volcanic event contributing to the buildup of the layers. Isabella Uhlik Morro Rock - May 27th, 2024  

 Erosion Prevention  Seawall @ The Road to Morro Rock In this picture is a Seawall that was built side the ocean too builds and protect the road beside it. Seawalls are coastal defense structures constructed along coastlines to protect land and communities from the force of the sea and water erosion.  This seawall has transomed this location because it allows for the building of the road that leads to Morro Rock. Also, it protects the beach that is on the other side of the road. if the wall was not there then the harbor water would poor over into the beach. This is a man-made structure, but man used rocks in order to build it. They changed the landscape to allow the road to be built and to protect water erosion on the beach. They used the rocks to block and divert the water flow.  I would say that this structure is mighty successful. The only worry or issue for the future is if the rocks themselves begin to erode due to the water or if people decide to move the rocks...

 Volcanic Geological Feature Morro Rock @ Morro Bay Morro Rock is a volcanic plug, which formed when magma solidified within the event of an active volcano. Over time, the surrounding softer rock eroded away, leaving the harder volcanic plug exposed. Morro Rock formed approximately 23 million years ago during the Miocene epoch. This formation is part of a series of ancient volcanic plugs in the region known as the "Nine Sisters."   When Morro Rock was part of an active volcanic system, it likely appeared as a classic volcanic mountain. This would include a central vent from which magma, ash, and volcanic gases would have been emitted. Surrounding the vent would have been various volcanic features such as lava flows, pyroclastic deposits, and possibly a volcanic crater. The outcrops of Morro Rock show physical characteristics of igneous rock, such as a fine to coarse-grained texture, dark color, visible minerals, and jointing or fractures. The rocks appear to be intrusive bec...

 Single Element Minerals Iron @ the Baker Building  Iron is used for the essential production of hemoglobin in our bodies. Without iron, our cells wouldn't receive the oxygen they need. Iron is also important for maintaining healthy muscles, bone marrow and overall organ function. Furthermore, iron is the primary raw material for making steel. Steel is widely used in construction, machinery, vehicles and countless other applications.   Iron makes up about 5% of the Earth's crust and is the fourth most abundant element after oxygen, silicon, and aluminum. Iron ores are mined from the ground in massive open-cast mines in countries like Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, China and South Africa. Iron is extracted from its ores through a process called smelting.  The environmental consequences for mining iron are that it's such high demand leads to continuous mining and processing, generating large amounts of solid and liquid waste. Iron ore tailings, released after m...