The Exam

My exams are designed to test more than just your ability to memorize the definitions of new terms and concepts (though, of course, that is important as well). Often I try to ask questions that test your ability to critically think about the relation between topics that we have discussed or to synthesize facts into a more complete whole. In short, I'm trying to get at not just your knowledge of geology, but more importantly your understanding of geology. This is not always easy to do on a multiple choice exam. My multiple choice questions are intended to have one best answer, but often a number of plausible wrong answers. I am not trying to be tricky - rather I'm trying to get an idea of how fully you understand the material. The ability to think critically and synthesize ideas is the essence of good education. Keep this in mind as you study the material.

Also, please understand that this study guide is not intended to be exhaustive (read as: there will be material on the exam that is not specifically covered in this study guide). To best prepare for the exam I recommend that you:

• Read the assigned chapters in Essentials of Geology, 10th ed.. Make sure you understand the material (especially the concepts and terminology). Some students find it helpful to outline the material in the chapters.
• Review your lecture notes. Compare them with the lecture outlines on the class website. It may be useful to discuss the lecture material with a classmate and compare notes.
• Work through the entire Exam Study Guide. Look up things that you're not sure of. Break down the style of my exam questions and try to anticipate how I might vary these questions to cover different material.
• If there's anything that you don't fully understand then seek assistance. I'm happy to help during office hours or any other time you can find me to ask a question. E-mail me your questions if you like. There's also a free tutor available for the class. Contact the Kelly Center to schedule an appointment.

Some sample multiple choice questions: (there will be 40 on the test)

1. The "plates" of plate tectonics are made up of the Earth's __________________, which are collectively referred to as the _________________.
   1. inner and outer core; core
   2. upper and lower mantle; mantle
   3. crust and upper mantle; asthenosphere
   4. upper mantle and crust; lithosphere
   5. none of the above

2. The tentative explanation for a problem during the early stages of a scientific investigation is called a(n) ______________.
   1. hypothesis
   2. observation
   3. experiment
   4. theory
   5. law

3. At a divergent plate boundary ______________.
   1. plates spread apart and new oceanic crust is formed
   2. plates converge and new oceanic crust is formed
   3. plates slide past each other and crust is neither formed nor consumed
   4. plates converge and oceanic crust is consumed back into the mantle
   5. plates spread apart and old oceanic crust is consumed

4. The age of the earth is ___________ years. This is known by isotopic dating of _________.
   1. 4.5 billion; crustal rocks
   2. 4.5 billion; meteorites
   3. 4.5 million; mantle rocks
   4. 4.5 trillion; meteorites
   5. 4.5 million; crustal rocks

5. Which of the following periods is part of the Mesozoic Era?
   1. Cambrian
   2. Devonian
   3. Jurassic
   4. Tertiary
   5. Quaternary

6. After two half-lives have passed, how much of a radioactive parent isotope remains in a mineral?
   1. 1/2
   2. 3/4
   3. 1/4
   4. 1/8
   5. It depends on the length of the half-life.

7. The process of weathering turns ______________ into sediments.
   1. sedimentary rocks
   2. igneous rocks
   3. metamorphic rocks
   4. all of the above
   5. none of the above

1. Examine the cross section above. Determine the relative order of events depicted.
2. Understand how the principles of superposition, original horizontality, lateral continuity, and crosscutting relations apply to this cross section. What type of unconformity exists in this diagram and what is its significance (both in general terms and in terms of specific geologic events that are implied by it)?

In addition, here is a list of some topics that you should understand:

• What are the steps in the scientific method? How does the application of the scientific method differ in geology from other sciences?
• Early history of the Earth and the Solar System; What evidence do we have of these events?
• Basic cross section of the Earth: inner core, outer core, mantle (lower and upper), crust (oceanic and continental), lithosphere, asthenosphere. Identify the physical state of each (solid, liquid, partially liquid).
• The driving force behind plate tectonics; the three different types of plate boundaries.
• What is (are) the difference(s) between Wegener's theory of Continental Drift and modern Plate Tectonic theory? In what ways are they the same? What was (were) the critical flaw(s) in Wegener's theory?
• Diagram the rock cycle. What are the three major rock types and how does each form? Describe the processes that are intermediate between the rock types (i.e., the interactions within the cycle).
• Relative vs. Absolute Age Dating; Principles of relative age dating; Radioactive decay; Correlation of rock units
• The Geologic Time Scale and its subdivisions (Eons, Eras, and Periods); Major events in Earth's history