Tell how hardness, specific gravity, color, streak, cleavage, luster, and crystal form are useful in identifying minerals. See the Basics of Rock and Mineral Collecting Earth Processes 5. Secure a topographic map of your locality or an area of special interest to you. Explain the origin of the landscape, including any unusual features. Account for any influences of the landscape on the location of towns, parks, highways, railroads, airports, industries, or similar structures.
Maps are an essential part of a geologist's working tools.
Topographic maps are very detailed and use lines to show contours, or the mountains and valleys, of an area. Draw a diagram of the hydrologic cycle and discuss it and its effects with your counselor. Tell about the occurrence of volcanos on land and in the ocean. Describe the difference between intrusive igneous rocks and extrusive igneous rocks. Describe the major steps in the geologic history of a mountain range.