Describes the operation principles, construction, and accessories of a land or survey gyrocompass. Indicates an agreement within O.1 degree in the direct comparison of the gyro-north with the astronomic north. (CC)

Describes a graduate-level tectonics course which includes the historical basis for modern tectonics concepts and an in-depth review of pros/cons of plate tectonics. Tectonic features discussed include: ocean basins; volcanic arcs; continental margins; continents; orogenic belts; foreland fold and thrust belts; volcanic/plutonic belts of orogens;…

Basic concepts associated with seismic wave propagation through the earth and the location of seismic events were explained in part 1 (appeared in January 1983 issue). This part focuses on the construction of a student seismometer for detecting earthquakes and underground nuclear explosions anywhere on the earth's surface. (Author/JN)

Provides results of a survey of employment patterns of women in the geoscience fields. Results are compared to a similar 1971 survey; trends indicate that while the position of women has improved they are still under-employed and underpaid in most fields. (SL)

Describes acoustical systems utlilized for mapping ocean floors. (SL)

Describes a demonstration of Coriolis acceleration. Discusses two different meanings of "Coriolis" and two causes of Coriolis acceleration. Gives a set-up method of the demonstration apparatus by using a rotary disk with rubber tubing for tap water, switches, lamps, battery, and counterweight. Provides two pictures with operating method.…

Different types of earthquakes are described and the ability of seismologists to predict when and where earthquakes will happen is discussed. The reputation seismologists have in regard to predictive ability based on public opinion and the news media is discussed. (KR)

This activity packet provides educators with a series of hands-on classroom and outdoor education activities for grades 9-12 that focus on geology using the Pilot Mountain State Park. The packet was designed to meet established curriculum objectives of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's Standard Course of Study. Three types of…

Discusses ways in which a taffy candy bar can be used to illustrate, by analogy, deformations of the earth's crust under compressive stress. (MLH)

Describes a demonstration of P and S (longitudinal and transverse waves), using students' bodies as media, to explain seismic waves in a geology course. (GA)

Describes a learning activity when students construct a model of a buried valley by using computer assistance. Explanation of the problem includes mathematical models and illustrations. (MA)

Expansion of activity and confirmation of new technological directions characterized several fields of exploration geophysics in 1977. Advances in seismic-reflection exploration have been especially important. (Author/MA)

Describes an introductory geophysics course for physics majors. (SL)

Presents an annotated list of references for activities and demonstrations on earthquakes and seismology. Activities relating to faults and fault planes are not included. (BC)

Continental crust underlies the continents, their margins, and also small shallow regions in oceans. The nature of the crust (much older than oceanic crust) and its dynamics are discussed. Research related to and effects of tectonics, volcanism, erosion, and sedimentation on the crust are considered. (JN)