Example Test 1

Example Test 1

Note: On the actual test, I provide space for each answer. The printed test is four pages long.

Instructions:

The first 12 questions refer to the slides we will view together in class. The 13th slide is a reference to help you with the test. Please use the space provided to answer the questions.

1. 4 pts What is the difference between catastrophism and uniformitarianism? Use each approach to explain the earthquake damage shown.

2. 3 pts How is the figure shown related to the history of Dubuque? Give three examples.

3. 4 pts Why does Minnesota have so many lakes? Explain three results of the process that formed them.

4. 4 pts Dubuque is on the edge of the white area at the center of the figure shown. What are two effects of what is represented?

5. 2 pts Were the rocks shown likely transported by water or ice? Why?

6. 3 pts What are three ways in the figure shown that the farmer has attempted to reduce erosion? Explain.

7. 4 pts What are the four ways elements bond to form minerals? Extra credit: Name a mineral with each type of bond.

8. 4 pts Explain the process you would go through to attempt to determine if the mineral shown is a) quartz, b) calcite c) gypsum, or d) halite. Do not simply say which one you think it is. Say how you would check properties to determine which mineral is shown.

9. 4 pts What is the process shown? What are three other characteristics of water that result from hydrogen bonds?

10. 3 pts How do felsic and mafic rocks differ in (a) melting point, (b) density, and (c) color?

11. 4 pts James Hutton spent hours observing and drawing the rocks shown. What are two features he noticed that helped him develop the theory of uniformitarianism? Explain.

12. 4 pts Thought question: How does geology relate to the making of underwear in North Carolina? (Include at least 3 steps.) Why have most textile mills now left that area?

13. 6 pts Briefly summarize three stories from this section and explain their relevance to geology. (For credit, you must provide at least two sentences per story.)

14. 3 pts What makes a prediction scientific or not? Give an example.

15. 3 pts What is the difference between relative and absolute dating? Explain in terms of a brother or sister.

16. 3 pts What is radioisotopic decay? What is it used for?

17. 3 pts Explain the phrase, “Resistant rocks stand high in relief.” Why do waterfalls occur?

18. 4 pts Pick one environmental issue Iowa faces, either discussed in this class or in the news. Why is it an issue? What is or can be done about it?

19. 3 pts What are evaporites? Name two.

20. 3 pts Thought question: How does geologic history connect to agriculture in Iowa? Show the connection through at least three steps.

21. 3 pts Phosphorus is a nutrient essential for growth but can be a problem when it pollutes our waterways. Explain why Iowa faces a problem with nutrient pollution. Why does it matter?

22. 2 pts Water contains hydrogen and oxygen. Oxygen has two isotopes, one heavier than the other. How does this affect evaporation? How can we take advantage of this to determine past conditions? (Think of the isotope dance.)

23. 4 pts What is the difference between a rock and a mineral? What are three properties of a mineral?

24. 9 pts Sketch and label the rock cycle, including the processes that form the rocks.

25. 6 pts What are three things that contribute most to you doing well in this course? What are three things that do not contribute or get in the way of your success? (Don’t just put an answer and it’s opposite for the two, such as studying, not studying. That’s worth only one point, not two.)

26. 5 pts What was one review question not used on the test that you prepared for? Answer it.