The author conducted field research at three locations, observing rocks, trees, plants, and animals. At the third location, a hike near Heavenly, the author found most of the samples and learned more about their surroundings. Samples included mafic diorite and brown chert rocks, Jeffrey pine trees containing ant nests, Collomia linearis and Penstemon newberryi plants, and tree borers on a fallen log. The author documented principles of geology observed like weathering, erosion, inclusions and unconformities.

1. Field Research
By Belen Garza

2. Introduction
For my field research I went to three separate locations. The first, was
my the forest around my apartment. I searched for rocks, trees, and
animals. One of the rocks were found there. The second location was
my parents house, there I found rocks, plants and a squirrel although I
failed to take a picture, sadly! The third place I visited was a hike up by
heavenly. There is where I observed and found most of my information.
I enjoyed this project because simple rocks and plants became much
more than that, I could see things I didn’t know were there before,
inclusions, burrows, signs of wildlife I hadn’t noticed before. It was very
time consuming finding and CORRECTLY identifying everything I could
but I think I did a good job considering it is my first field research with
increased knowledge of my surroundings!

3. Weathering, Erosion and Soil
• Weathering includes several physical and chemical processes that
alter surface and near surface rocks.
• Erosion involves the removal of weathered material by running
water, wind glaciers and waves (Monroe 137).
• I included pictures of areas where I noticed water had run through
and removed weathering.
• In most areas there had been large connecting rocks and the running
water removed the soil that was made from erosion.
• Most rocks had sign of discoloration where water had passed by.
• Also because the location was in high elevation wind currents could
have contributed.

4. Jeffery Pine
• The Jeffery Pine is the most dominant type of tree in my hometown.
• One of it’s distinguishing features is it’s brown cone.
• It’s seed disperse by wind or small animals.
• They can live up to 400-500 years.
• They have evolved to withstand warm days and cold nights. Also their seeds
are protected by inward facing needles on the pinecones (el Balfour).
Some new cones

5. Flora
• The first plant I found was what I
believe to be Collomia Linearis, Tiny
Trumpet (Southwest). It can grow up
20 inches. It has evolved to survive in
the shade of wooded areas.
• I believe the second plant
is penstemon newberryi,
mountain pride. It can grow
up to 12 inches and is bright
pink, which is why I enjoyed
it. It has evolved to thrive in
rocky, high elevation
mountains (Southwest).

6. Ants
• The ants that I observed were using the outward
roots of a Jeffery Pine.
• Ants have evolved to find means of survival in
good shelter. They dig underground passage
ways where they live and commute together
(Lasius). These particular ants (black garden
ants) nest in soil and to protect themselves from
rain, they utilized the bottom of the branch.

7. Tree Borers
On my trip I also documented tree borers on a fallen log. Tree
borers are groups of insects that ley eggs in them. You can
see many tiny holes which is how I identified what it was.
This can cause trees to slowly weaken and decay, an in
extreme cases where the tree is upright and the infestation is
not treated, it can cause trees to fall (Waterworth).

8. Mafic, Basalt & Sedimentary Rock
Mafic Diorite (Konigsmark).
I found this rock in the forrest by shaded
trees and Jeffery Pines. identified this
rock by:
• the white and black spotted pattern
• More white than black.
• There is presense of quartz.
• It is formed deep within the crust
from cooling magma (Diorite).
Brown Chert (Konigsmark).
I identified this rock by
• Chert can vary in color although
dark orange brown is one of them.
• Shiny glossy feel that it gave.
• When wet it turned more orange, It
breaks off easily and is found nearly
everywhere.
• Early on was used for tools. (Chert).
Slate
I found these rocks at my parent’s house
I identified this rock by:
• Mostly grey in color.
• Silky in sun.
• Breaks into flat pieces.
• Recognized easier because it’s used for
Landscaping(Neighborhood Rocks).

9. Principle of Inclusions
The principle states that
if inclusions (or clasts) are found
in a formation, then the inclusions
must be older than the formation
that contains them (Monroe, 94).
Older

10. Angular Unconformity
An erosional surface on tilted
or folded strata over which
younger strata were deposited
(Monroe 424).

11. Works Cited
Chert. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2017, from http://geology.com/rocks/chert.shtml
Diorite. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2017, from http://geology.com/rocks/diorite.shtml
El Balfour, G. (2017, January 16). Pinus Jefferyi. Retrieved June 25, 2017, from
http://www.conifers.org/pi/Pinus_jeffreyi.php
Konigsmark, T. (n.d.). Geologic Trips Sierra Nevada. GeoPress.
Lasius niger: Caresheet. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2017, from http://www.antfinity.com/caresheets/lasius-niger-
caresheet/
Monroe, J. S., & Wicander, R. (2015). The changing earth: exploring geology and evolution(7th ed.). Stamford,
CT: Cengage Learning.
Neighborhood Rocks (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2017, from http://saltthesandbox.org/rocks/grayslate.htm
Southwest, T. A. (n.d.). Penstemon Newberryi, Mountain Pride. Retrieved June 23, 2017, from
http://www.americansouthwest.net/plants/wildflowers/penstemon-newberryi.html
Southwest, T. A. (n.d.). Collomia Linearis, Tiny Trumpet. Retrieved June 23, 2017, from
http://www.americansouthwest.net/plants/wildflowers/collomia-linearis.html
Waterworth, K. (2015, March 25). Tree Borer Insects – How To Identify Tree Borers. Retrieved June 24, 2017,
from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-borer-insects.htm