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fairfax county
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• Wikipedia entry. |
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coastal plain and piedmont
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Fairfax lies partly in the Atlantic Coastal Plain province and partly in the Piedmont province. • Coastal Plain: Wikipedia entry — U.S. Geological Survey discussion — Geology of Virginia discussion.• Piedmont: Wikipedia entry — Geology of Virginia discussion. |
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fall zone or fall line
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The Fall Zone separates the Coastal Plain from the Piedmont. • Wikipedia entry — U.S. Geological Survey discussion. |
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rock types
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During our trip, we will see igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. • Igneous Rock: Wikipedia entry — James Madison University discussion.• Granite: Wikipedia entry. • Metamorphic Rock: Wikipedia entry — James Madison University discussion. • Slate: Wikipedia entry. • Diabase: Wikipedia entry. • Sedimentary Rock: Wikipedia entry — James Madison University discussion. • Sandstone: Wikipedia entry. |
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sediments
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We will see abundant evidence of the weathering, erosion and deposition of sediment. • Weathering: Wikipedia entry — Picture of weathering rind.• Erosion and Deposition: Discussion. • Alluvium: Wikipedia entry. • Saprolite: Wikipedia entry — Picture. |
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introduction to plate tectonics
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Nothing in geology makes sense without plate tectonics. • U.S. Geological Survey pamphlet.• Wikipedia entry. |
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taconian or taconic orogeny
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The older Piedmont bedrock originated during this geologic event. • Paleontological Research Institution discussion. (PDF)• James Madison University discussion. |
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breakup of pangea
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The younger Piedmont bedrock originated during this geologic event. • Paleontological Research Institution discussion. (PDF)• James Madison University discussion. |
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building of coastal plain
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The Coastal Plain deposits are more recent. • Paleontological Research Institution discussion. (PDF)• James Madison University discussion. |