Trilobite
Geology
Merit Badge

Mr. R.
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"Geology is the window from the past we use to see the future." 
                                                                                                                         - Kerry W. Rasmussen 

 
Mr. R's Geology Passport© (a 4"x5" pocket guide) is available in PDF format to print out for non-profit use (requires free Adobe Acrobat© Reader).  Passports are copyrighted, but scouts and troops may use them free of charge if they create only one per scout.  BSA councils must first contact Mr. R. before creating large quantities for scout camps, merit badge fairs, etc. (a small nominal fee will be charged).

 
Req#
1
 Explain what geology means. 
Geology: The scientific study of the Earth, its origins and evolution, the materials that make it up, and the processes that act on it.

Mt. Etna, Sicily
 

 
Req#
2
 Make a collection of at least 10 different earth materials or geological specimens from your locality or an area of special interest to you. Label, to the best of your ability, classify, and explain the origin, and use of the materials collected.**
  • Amethyst Galleries, Inc.  Physical characteristics of minerals including pages on hardness, specific gravity, color, streak, cleavage, luster, and crystal systems.  (excellent) 
**NOTE: Alternatives:
In place of requirement 2, you may present a collection of 10 different rocks, with specimens of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks properly marked, cataloged and displayed.
-or-
You may present a collection of 10 different minerals (or ores) properly marked, cataloged, and displayed. Also identify each of the 10 minerals and give their sources and possible uses.
 

 
Req#
3
 Define rock. Discuss and define three classes of rocks. List the characteristics of each class, how they are formed, and how they are named. 

Rock Cycle
 

 
Req#
4
 Define mineral. Tell how to identify minerals. Tell how rocks and minerals differ. List five of the most common rock-forming minerals. Tell how they are identified. Tell how hardness, specific gravity, color, streak, cleavage, luster, and crystal form are useful in identifying minerals.

Chalcopyrite
To remember the Mohs scale try remembering this phrase: 
The Geologist Can Find An Ordinary Quartz, (that) Tourists Call Diamond! 

 
Req#
5		 Secure a topographic map of your how 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. 

 
Req#
6
 Draw a diagram of the hydrologic cycle and discuss it and its effects with your counselor.

http://web.bryant.edu/~langlois/ecology
/hydrologiccycle.html

 
Req#
7
 Do ONE of the following:
a. Tell about the occurrence of volcanoes on land and in the ocean. Describe the difference between intrusive igneous rocks and extrusive igneous rocks. 
b. Describe the major steps in the geologic history of a mountain rage. Describe the anticline, syncline, fault, strike, dip and an unconformity. Discuss the relationship between mountain building and erosion in forming the present landscape. 
c. Describe the major features of an ocean floor between the shorelines on either side. 

USGS 
NOTE:  To remember the difference between anticlines and synclines, many learn the following saying:
"Angels go up while Sinners go down"
Anticline
Syncline

 
Req#
8
 Make a chart showing the geological eras and periods and show in what geologic time the rocks in your region were formed. 

 
Req#
9
 Do ONE of the following:
a. Tell what fossils are and how they aid in understanding the story of the earth's history. 
b. Make a collection of 10 different fossils and identify them to the best of your ability. 
c. Discuss with your counselor the theory of continental drift. 

 
Req#
10
 Discuss two environmental problems related to geology. Tell how land-use planning relates to geology. Tell why faulting, landslides, waste disposal, pollution, water supply, and subsidence are important in land-use planning. Give an example of poor use of land in your area or an environmental hazard in your area related to geologic features or processes. 
SUBSIDENCE: The sinking or depression of the land surface as a result of too much ground water withdrawal (or overwithdrawal of any mined fluid such as petroleum). Sink holes can be caused by subsidence.

Where did the swimming pool go?
 SINKHOLES are common where the rock below the land surface is limestone, carbonate rock, salt beds, or rocks that can naturally be dissolved by ground water circulating through them. As the rock dissolves, spaces and caverns develop underground. Sinkholes are dramatic because the land usually stays intact for a while until the underground spaces just get too big. If there is not enough support for the land above the spaces then a sudden collapse of the land surface can occur. These collapses can be small, as this picture shows, or they can be huge and can occur where a house or road is on top.
USGS

 
Req#
11
 Do ONE of the following:
a. Describe five energy sources, how they occur, and how they are used today. Describe the source of the products supplied by your local utilities. Tell which of these products are related to geologic processes. 
b. Visit a mine, oil or gas field, gravel pit, stone quarry, or similar area of special interest to you. Make a collection of geologic specimens found at the site visited. Tell about the geology of the place.

Designed by Robyn Embry

 
Req#
12
 Do ONE of the following:
a. Read a pamphlet about careers in geology. Tell what you learned. 
b. Visit with a geologist, other than your counselor. Tell what he does. Find out how he prepared for the job.

 
Req#
13
 Discuss with your counselor what you have learned about careers in geology and how to prepare for them.

 

BSA Advancement ID#: 58
Pamphlet Revision Date: 1985
Requirements last updated in 1985
 


This site was reviewed by
Paul Bybee, PhD
Utah Valley State College
 
 


 

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Webpage updated December 2003
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