This course is a study of the fundamentals of physical geology. This is the first part of a two-semester sequential science course. Topics studied in physical geology include the characteristics and orgin of minerals; the mechanisms and processes of volcanism, plutonism, metamorphism, weathering, erosion, sedimentation and lithification; and the evolution of land forms. In addition, the course examines the tectonic processes of continental drift, seafloor spreading and plate tectonics.