23rd Annual Consortium of Geologists

Welcome attendees

Opening Remarks

• Thank you for coming

• Purpose of this session– Review recent research data in light of current

theories on the formation of Earth’s surface– Determine if a new or revised theory is needed

Current Theory

• “Baked Apple” theory– As the Earth cooled it became wrinkled like a

baked apple resulting in mountains, oceans and continents forming where they exist today.

• Land Bridges– From time to time in the past land bridges

would form between continents then disappear.

Procedure

• You will be presented with new data (evidence) and given 5-10 minutes to discuss with your breakout group.– Can the evidence be explained by the current

theory?– Does it suggest a new theory? Why, why not?– Remember you believe the current theory.

Procedure

• Notes should be taken on the data and the discussion in your group.

• The session will reconvene and debate additional questions about the data.– Scientists, like most people, are reluctant to

change– New theories take a preponderance of data.

Procedure

• At the end of the conference you will write a 1 page summary of the evidence provided and the theory your group developed.– Clearly explain how the evidence supports your

theory.

New Data Set 1

Questions

• What evidence was presented?• Does the current theory explain this

evidence?• What could explain this evidence?• Is this sufficient evidence for a new/revised

theory?• What questions would still need to be

answered?

Data Set 2

Questions

• What is the new evidence?• What connections do you see between this

evidence and the data given to you earlier?• Does this evidence support a new or revised

theory? • What would your new theory be?• Is there any evidence missing in your

theory?

New Data 3

Questions

• What new evidence was provided?

• How does this affect your previous ideas?

• What is your theory now?

Wrap-up

• The evidence you saw was actually presented over many years, however the process you followed was the same as many geologists around the world followed during the early to mid 1900’s.

• Class/homework – complete your 1 page summary.

Wrap-up

• Class/homework – On a separate sheet of paper write your 1 page

summary of the evidence provided and the theory your group developed.

– Clearly explain how the evidence supports your theory.