LESSON PLAN

Week:
Taught By: -------------
Date: _______

Subject: Introduction to Mining Methods/ Techniques Course

Time: 120 min
Topic: Physiographic Features Of Earth
Objective(s):Student will know about
Introduction to theory Pf Plate tectonics
Minerals Definitions and Mode of Occurrence
Physical Properties of minerals
Skill Focused on: Introduction to Geology and Geological Investigation
Resources: Marker, Board, Multimedia
Text book: Introduction to investigate Rocks parameters & Techniques developments
Methodology:
First I’ll give brief introduction about Geology & Geological Methods

Geology is the scientific study of the Earth's solid materials, including rocks, minerals, and the processes
that shape and alter them over time. It is a broad field that encompasses various sub-disciplines, such as
mineralogy, petrology, geomorphology, paleontology, and sedimentology.

Geologists investigate the Earth's history, structure, and composition to understand how it has evolved
over millions of years. They also study geological processes, such as plate tectonics, erosion, and
deposition, which shape the Earth's surface and create its diverse landscapes.

Geological investigation is a fundamental aspect of geology, involving the systematic collection and
analysis of geological data to answer specific questions or solve problems. It is often conducted through
fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and the use of specialized tools and techniques.

Physiographic Features Of Earth

The Earth's surface is characterized by a diverse range of physiographic features, which include
landforms, water bodies, and other natural features. Here are some of the major physiographic features of
Earth:
Continents: The Earth's landmasses are primarily divided into seven continents, namely
Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and South America. Continents
are large, continuous land areas that are surrounded by oceans.

Mountains: Mountains are elevated landforms with steep slopes and high peaks. They are
typically formed by tectonic forces and can be found on all continents. Examples include the
Himalayas in Asia, the Andes in South America, and the Rockies in North America.

Plateaus: Plateaus are elevated flat areas of land with steep sides. They are generally larger
in extent than mountains and are often formed by volcanic activity or uplift from tectonic
forces. The Tibetan Plateau in Asia and the Colorado Plateau in North America are examples
of plateaus.
 Plains: Plains are extensive, flat or gently rolling areas of land with low relief. They are
typically formed by sediment deposition from rivers, wind action, or the retreat of glaciers.
The Great Plains in North America and the Indo-Gangetic Plain in South Asia are examples
of plains.

Valleys: Valleys are low-lying areas between mountains or hills, often carved by rivers or
glaciers. They can range from narrow and steep-sided to broad and gently sloping. Examples
include the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Rift Valley in East Africa.

Deserts: Deserts are arid regions characterized by little or no rainfall. They can be sandy,
rocky, or a combination of both. Examples of deserts include the Sahara Desert in Africa, the
Arabian Desert in the Middle East, and the Mojave Desert in North America.

Oceans: Oceans are vast bodies of saltwater that cover a large portion of the Earth's surface.
The major oceans are the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and
Arctic Ocean. They are home to a wide variety of marine life and play a crucial role in
regulating the Earth's climate.

Rivers: Rivers are flowing bodies of water that typically originate from mountains or
highlands and flow into oceans, lakes, or other rivers. They play a vital role in shaping the
landscape and provide important water resources. Examples include the Nile River in Africa,
the Amazon River in South America, and the Mississippi River in North America.

Lakes: Lakes are large bodies of water surrounded by land. They can be freshwater or saline
and can vary in size from small ponds to massive lakes like the Great Lakes in North
America or Lake Baikal in Russia.

Volcanoes: Volcanoes are openings in the Earth's crust through which molten rock, ash, and
gases erupt. They are often found at tectonic plate boundaries or hotspots. Examples include
Mount Vesuvius in Italy, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and Mauna Loa in Hawaii.

Introduction to theory Pf Plate tectonics

Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains the movement and interactions of the Earth's lithospheric
plates. It provides a framework for understanding the dynamic nature of our planet's surface and the
processes that shape it. The theory of plate tectonics has revolutionized the field of geology and is
essential for comprehending various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity,
mountain building, and the distribution of landforms and oceans.

The theory of plate tectonics proposes that the Earth's lithosphere, which consists of rigid plates that float
on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them, is divided into several large and numerous smaller plates.
These plates are in constant motion, moving relative to one another at rates of a few centimeters per year.
The interactions between these plates give rise to various geological phenomena and landforms.

There are three main types of plate boundaries where the movement and interaction of plates occur:

Divergent Boundaries: At divergent boundaries, plates move away from each other. This
process leads to the formation of new crust as magma rises from the asthenosphere and
solidifies to create new oceanic lithosphere. Divergent boundaries can be found along mid-
oceanic ridges, such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
 Convergent Boundaries: Convergent boundaries occur when two plates collide. There are
three types of convergent boundaries: oceanic-oceanic, oceanic-continental, and continental-
continental. When oceanic and continental plates collide, the denser oceanic plate typically
subducts beneath the continental plate, creating subduction zones and often giving rise to
volcanic activity and mountain ranges. The Andes in South America and the Cascade Range
in North America are examples of oceanic-continental convergent boundaries. When two
continental plates collide, neither subducts, but instead, the plates deform, fold, and uplift,
forming large mountain ranges like the Himalayas.

Transform Boundaries: Transform boundaries occur when two plates slide past each other
horizontally. The most well-known example of a transform boundary is the San Andreas
Fault in California, where the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate slide past each
other. Transform boundaries are characterized by intense seismic activity.

The theory of plate tectonics is supported by a wide range of evidence, including the mapping of
earthquake and volcanic activity, magnetic patterns in oceanic crust, the distribution of fossils, and the
alignment of mountain ranges. It has provided a unifying explanation for many geological phenomena
and continues to be refined and expanded upon through ongoing scientific research.

Understanding plate tectonics is crucial for predicting and mitigating natural hazards such as earthquakes
and volcanic eruptions. It also plays a vital role in our understanding of the Earth's history, the
distribution of natural resources, and the evolution of life on our planet.

Definitions and Mode of Occurrence

Certainly! Here are some key definitions related to plate tectonics and their modes of occurrence:
 Lithosphere: The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and a
portion of the upper mantle. It is divided into several distinct tectonic plates that move and
interact with each other.
 Tectonic Plates: Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that fit together
like a jigsaw puzzle. These plates include both the continental and oceanic crusts and are
constantly moving due to the underlying convective currents in the asthenosphere.
 Plate Boundaries: Plate boundaries are the regions where tectonic plates interact and their
relative motion is manifested. There are three main types of plate boundaries: divergent
boundaries, convergent boundaries, and transform boundaries.
o Divergent Boundaries: Divergent boundaries occur when two tectonic plates move away
from each other. This movement creates a gap or rift, where new crust is formed as magma
rises from the mantle and solidifies. Divergent boundaries are associated with the
formation of mid-oceanic ridges and rift valleys on continents.
o Convergent Boundaries: Convergent boundaries occur when two tectonic plates collide.
Depending on the types of plates involved, there are three subtypes of convergent
boundaries:

Oceanic-Oceanic Convergence: This occurs when two oceanic plates collide. One plate
typically subducts beneath the other, forming deep-sea trenches and volcanic arcs.
Subduction zones like the Marianas Trench and the Tonga Trench are examples of oceanic-
oceanic convergence.

Oceanic-Continental Convergence: When an oceanic plate collides with a continental

plate, the denser oceanic plate subducts beneath the less dense continental plate. This leads
to the formation of coastal mountain ranges and volcanic activity. The Andes in South
America and the Cascades in North America are examples of oceanic-continental
convergence.
 Continental-Continental Convergence: When two continental plates collide, neither
subducts due to their low density. Instead, the collision causes intense deformation, folding,
and uplift, resulting in the formation of extensive mountain ranges. The Himalayas, formed
by the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, are a prime example of
continental-continental convergence.

c. Transform Boundaries: Transform boundaries occur when two tectonic plates slide past each other
horizontally. They are characterized by intense shearing and can result in significant seismic activity. The
San Andreas Fault in California is a well-known example of a transform boundary.

These definitions and modes of occurrence highlight the fundamental concepts of plate tectonics and the
various ways in which tectonic plates interact and shape the Earth's surface

Physical Properties of minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic substances with a definite chemical composition and a
crystalline structure. They possess a variety of physical properties that can be used to identify and classify
them. Here are some of the key physical properties of minerals:

Color: The color of a mineral refers to the hue it exhibits in reflected light. While color can
be visually distinctive, it is not always a reliable property for mineral identification since
many minerals can occur in different colors.

Streak: Streak refers to the color of the powdered form of a mineral. It is determined by
rubbing the mineral on an unglazed porcelain plate. The streak color can sometimes differ
from the mineral's external color and is often more reliable for identification.

Luster: Luster describes the appearance of the mineral's surface in reflected light. It can be
categorized as metallic (shiny like metal), submetallic (less shiny), or non-metallic (dull or
glassy). Examples of non-metallic luster include vitreous (glassy), pearly, silky, or resinous.

Hardness: Hardness refers to a mineral's resistance to scratching. The Mohs scale of

hardness is commonly used to compare minerals' relative hardness. It ranges from 1 (softest)
to 10 (hardest), with talc as the softest mineral (Mohs hardness of 1) and diamond as the
hardest (Mohs hardness of 10).

Cleavage and Fracture: Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along planes of
weakness, producing smooth, flat surfaces. The quality and number of cleavage planes can
vary among minerals. Fracture, on the other hand, describes the way a mineral breaks when
it does not exhibit cleavage. Common fracture types include conchoidal (smooth, curved
surfaces) and uneven (rough, irregular surfaces).

Crystal Form: Many minerals have a distinct crystal form or shape, resulting from their
internal atomic arrangement. Crystals can exhibit various geometric shapes such as cubes,
pyramids, prisms, and needles. However, not all minerals form well-developed crystals.

Density: Density refers to the mass of a mineral per unit volume. It is typically expressed in
grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). Different minerals have different densities due to
variations in their chemical composition and atomic arrangement.
 Transparency and Opacity: Transparency refers to the ability of light to pass through a
mineral. Minerals can be transparent (allowing light to pass through), translucent (allowing
partial light transmission), or opaque (blocking light completely).

Magnetism: Some minerals exhibit magnetic properties and can be attracted to magnets.
This property is often associated with the presence of iron or other magnetic elements within
the mineral's composition.

These physical properties, along with chemical composition and other characteristics, help geologists
identify and classify minerals. By examining these properties, geologists can determine the mineral's
identification.

Activity – 1 Earth minerals as whole, Surface minerals and underground minerals.

Activity – 2 Types of Minerals and properties Evaluations.
Success Criteria:

 Assessment plan
A couple of question will be asked from students to clarify the understanding of the whole class, for
example
 What do you understand by tectonics plate
 Discussion on Different techniques and its types of rocks.

C.W: Write down the Physical properties of minerals

H.W: Write On importance of Earths properties as a structural.