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 environmental 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 Environmental Geology. 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. Which of the following is not enhanced (increased) during flooding:
   1. a river's erosive power
   2. the amount of sediment a river can carry
   3. the size of sediment a river can carry
   4. the velocity of a river
   5. the value of houses in the floodplain

2. Narrowing the channel of a river without varying its discharge or depth will cause the water to have _________ velocity and __________ erosive power.
   1. higher; more
   2. higher; less
   3. lower; more
   4. lower; less
   5. I don't even want to guess.

3. _____________are caused by the gravitational force of the moon and __________ are caused by winds and storms over the oceans.
   1. Winds, tides
   2. Tides, longshore currents
   3. Tides, waves
   4. Waves, tides
   5. Tidal waves, tidal waves

4. Which of the following events is likely to trigger a landslide?
   1. heavy rainfall
   2. an earthquake
   3. a hot, dry summer
   4. all of the above
   5. A & B only

5. The majority of the Earth's fresh water is located in ________________.
   1. the oceans
   2. the ice caps
   3. groundwater
   4. rivers and streams
   5. Lake Superior

6. Sinkholes:
   1. result from the collapse of underground caverns
   2. are caused by geothermal energy and associated with hot springs
   3. are most common in humid areas where the bedrock is limestone or marble
   4. A & B
   5. A & C
   

7. The landform in the photo at right is a(n) _________________________ and results from _______________________.
   1. baymouth bar; liquor sales by the harbormaster
   2. angle of repose; sediment oversteepening and avalanching of loose sediment
   3. tombolo; sand connecting at rocky headland with the mainland
   4. spit; longshore drift from the top toward the bottom of the field of view
   5. spit; excess phlegm or saliva ejected from the mouth

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

• Illustrate and label the major features of a meandering river system (meander bends, point bars, cutbanks, levees, floodplains, oxbow lakes. How does this system differ from a braided river system? How are gradient and discharge defined (for river systems)? How is sediment carried by river systems? What is the relation between velocity and sediment size for erosion and deposition?
• tributaries vs. distributaries, flooding, base level, longitudinal profile, graded streams, deltas, alluvial fans, terraces, drainage basins, drainage patterns
• What conditions are necessary for mass wasting to occur? What is the angle of repose? What factors affect the stability of slopes? Identify three types of mass movement and three triggering mechanisms.
• liquefaction vs. solifluction
• talus, debris
• creep vs. slides vs. slumps vs. flows vs. avalanches - see Figure 12.6
• Explain the origin of waves and tides. What is their impact on coastal regions? How do waves change as they approach a shoreline?
• Explain how wave refraction is related to: a) longshore drift and b) the erosion of a headland and formation of seastacks.
• Identify how scientific, economic, and political interests intract in a barrier island setting. Know the parts of a shore profile and understand the inputs and outputs of a sand budget.
• Recognize and understand the origin of the following coastal/shoreline landforms/processes: headlands, coves, tombolos, seastacks, wave-cut terraces, spits, baymouth bars, tidal inlets, lagoons