Natural History of Iowa I: Geology

Name: ____________________ Class (please circle one): MWam MWpm Kahl

1. What is the oldest layer of rock in Iowa exposed at the surface(name it's geologic period and give it's location in the state)?

2. What is the most common type of rock found on the surface in Iowa (sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous)?

3. What important energy producing mineral was mined in Iowa?

4. What geologic layer was the mineral in questions #3 found in Iowa?

5. What kind of habitat provided the organic matter for the formation of the mineral mentioned above?

6. How long ago was the organic matter of question #5 deposited?

7. What minerals were mined in northeast Iowa near Dubuque?

8. What current minerals are mined in Iowa?

9. What mineral is currently mined beneath the Scott Area Landfill?

10. How recently were there glaciers in Iowa?

11. What geologic structures indicate the presence of glaciers in Iowa?

12. Name the major geologic/landscape regions of Iowa (briefly decribe their location also):