Activity 1: Caribbean Geological Timeline Investigation
Construct detailed geological timelines using Caribbean rock formations and fossil evidence
Geological dating & timeline analysis
Learning Objectives
- • Analyze rock layers to determine relative ages
- • Use fossil evidence to date geological formations
- • Construct accurate geological timelines
- • Investigate Caribbean island formation history
- • Connect geological events to climate changes
Investigation Materials
- • Rock and mineral samples from Caribbean
- • Fossil replicas and identification guides
- • Geological maps of Caribbean islands
- • Magnifying glasses and measuring tools
- • Timeline construction materials
- • Digital microscopes for detailed analysis
Timeline Construction Process
1
Rock Layer Analysis (35 minutes)
Examine stratification and apply principles of superposition
2
Fossil Dating Investigation (40 minutes)
Use index fossils and radiometric dating principles
3
Timeline Synthesis (20 minutes)
Integrate evidence into comprehensive geological history
Key Time Periods
- • Cretaceous: Caribbean formation begins
- • Paleogene: Volcanic arc development
- • Neogene: Modern island configuration
- • Quaternary: Sea level changes
Caribbean Geological Evidence
Limestone Formations
- • Coral reef fossils in Barbados
- • Marine sedimentary layers
- • Sea level change indicators
- • Karst landscape formation
Volcanic Sequences
- • Basaltic pillow lavas
- • Pyroclastic deposits
- • Intrusive igneous bodies
- • Metamorphic core complexes
Fossil Records
- • Planktonic foraminifera
- • Rudist bivalves
- • Coral species evolution
- • Terrestrial vertebrate remains
Activity 2: Paleoclimate Reconstruction Laboratory
Analyze ice cores, tree rings, and sediment cores to reconstruct past climate conditions
Climate analysis & data interpretation
Learning Objectives
- • Analyze proxy data for climate reconstruction
- • Interpret ice core and sediment core data
- • Investigate natural climate variability
- • Compare past and present climate patterns
- • Evaluate human impacts on climate systems
Climate Proxy Materials
- • Simulated ice core samples
- • Tree ring cross-sections
- • Sediment core models
- • Pollen identification guides
- • Isotope ratio data sheets
- • Climate graphing software
Analysis Protocol
1
Proxy Data Collection (30 minutes)
Measure and record climate indicators from multiple sources
2
Data Analysis and Graphing (35 minutes)
Create climate timeline graphs and identify patterns
3
Climate Prediction Modeling (15 minutes)
Use historical data to predict future climate scenarios
Climate Indicators
- • Oxygen isotope ratios
- • Tree ring width variations
- • Pollen assemblage changes
- • Coral growth band analysis
Caribbean Climate History
Ice Age Impacts
- • Sea level changes of 120+ meters
- • Land bridge formations between islands
- • Species migration patterns
- • Coral reef development cycles
Recent Climate Trends
- • Hurricane intensity changes
- • Ocean temperature warming
- • Precipitation pattern shifts
- • Coral bleaching events
