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1stMidterm Study Guide

I have broken up the course in terms of modules in the e-book and the weeks inwhich they were covered. Some questions will refer to material covered in class,which rewards those of you who attend class regularly.

Module 1/Week1

This is basically an introduction to the course. There are only a few things youwill need to know.

1. The four spheres of the earth and how they interact. This exercise is useful;

2. The scientific method. There is an interactive exercise in the early part ofthe module.

3. The four laws of geology. Do this exercise in the module;

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Module 2/Week2 - Minerals

1. The concept of building blocks and how atoms, molecules, crystals androcks form a chain of materials from least complex to most complex. The

exercise in the e-book shown below is a good place to test your knowledgeand review the topic.

2. Make sure you understand how silicates are built with silica tetrahedral.3. You will not have to answer complex questions on the mineral groups but

you must know that silicates are important rock forming minerals and arethe key constituents of nearly all rocks. The carbonates are also important

as they the major constituent of shallow marine rocks.4. Properties are useful to know but will not be covered in depth.This is a useful link;

http://www.alddevelopment.com/demo87/lab/lab2/minlab3.html

5. Understanding the relationship between the crystal structure and the form ofthe mineral helps you understand the building block approach. Look atthese links;

http://www.alddevelopment.com/demo87/lab/lab2/minlab6.html http://www.alddevelopment.com/demo87/lab/lab2/minlab7.html

6. Skim over the exercise on chemical bonding to make sure you understandthe basics of how different chemical species combine to form rocks. I willnot ask detailed questions on this, but you may need a basic understandingto answer one or more questions.

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Module 3/Week3 Rock Cycle and Earth History

1. Understand the processes and materials in the rock cycle and make sure youcan explain how one rock can be transformed into another, via the processes ofthe rock cycle. The exercise in the e-book below will help you.

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The three rock ID problems are a good test of your understanding of the rockcycle.

2. Understand how rocks and structures are dated through relative dating. Thefour laws are important tools. There is a good exercise to test your knowledge inthe e-book

3. Absolute dating involves the decay of unstable radioactive elements to theirstable, daughter elements. If you can explain this diagram, you should beOK.Go to this link for review;http://www.indiana.edu/~g103/theinteractiveearth/3-Rock%20Cycle%20and%20the%20Age%20of%20the%20Earth/absdec/absdecay.swf

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Module 4/Week4 Igneous Rocks

1. The most important aspect of igneous rocks to remember is how themineral content and the cooling history allow us to classify igneous

rocks in a logical way. The diagram and demo shown below, from the e-book, will help you. Understand how mafic and felsic magmas differ.

2. Review the three types of volcanoes in terms of size, eruption type andtypical rock type forming in each.

3. You must be able to understand the types of intrusive structures andhow they are classified. Do the exercise below

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Module 5/Week5 Sedimentary Rocks

1. The key to understanding sedimentary rocks is understanding the physicaland chemical processes that break down existing rocks and create the

clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks. Review these demos in the e-book.

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2. Make sure you understand the exercises from the e-book shown below.

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Module 6/Week6 Metamorphic Rocks

1. The interaction of heat, pressure, and stress are the key tounderstanding how existing rocks are transformed by syntectonic

recrystallization.

2. Make sure you understand the differences between contact, regional,and dynamic metamorphism.

3. Review the interactive grade diagram from the e-book shown below