Weathering and Soils

• Differentiate, in photos, between mechanical and chemical weathering processes on Mars & Earth
• Discern, in hand sample, weathered vs. non/lesser weathered material
• Recognize and discern a soil and define soil-forming factors
• Critique the presence of "soil" observations on Mars

It is advisable that students are familiar with basic lithology and mineralogy to be successful in these activities and homework sets.

Compiled In-Class Activities and Homework

• Instructor Version (Acrobat (PDF) 926kB Nov20 16)
• Student Version (Acrobat (PDF) 919kB Nov20 16)

In-Class Activity

• In-Class Activity 1: Break a Rock! (need rock, hammers, handlens)
  
• Student Version (Acrobat (PDF) 511kB Nov20 16); Instructor Version (Acrobat (PDF) 607kB Nov20 16)
• In-Class Activity 2: Soils on Mars?
  
• Student Version (Acrobat (PDF) 565kB Nov20 16); Instructor Version (Acrobat (PDF) 641kB Nov20 16)
  

Homework/Lab

• Homework 1: Chemical vs. Mechanical
  
• Student Version (Acrobat (PDF) 809kB Nov20 16); Instructor Version (Acrobat (PDF) 788kB Nov20 16)

• Depending on class size, samples for every student would be advisable to proceed with In-Class Activity 1. With classes size >20 or more students, simply provide a demonstration and have students record the methods and outcomes of what they are observing
• For In-Class Activity 1 conduct the exercise in a lab environment and/or outside

Methods of assessment are within each individual In-Class Activity and Homework.

1. Image File: Weathering and Soils (PowerPoint 2007 (.pptx) 5.7MB Feb2 14)
2. This NASA webpage has a search function for many images related to weathering. http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/spaceimages/details.php?id=PIA12994
   
   e.g., the word "soil" will pull up images of both Earth and Mars
   
3. Mars "blueberries" spherules NASA announcement: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mer/multimedia/pia16139.html