Midterm Exam

The exam will assess your degree of achievement of the main learning objectives for the first half of this course. These learning objectives include: 

1. Students demonstrate the ability to use the scientific method (italicized objectives represent a course SLO - see syllabus)
2. Demonstrate an appreciation for the magnitude of geologic time and the Geologic Time Scale
3. Students can describe the geologic processes, the relative movement of plates, and the distinguishing landforms associated with each type of plate boundary 
4. Students can describe the evolution of landforms and geologic structures in the context of constructive and/or destructive geologic processes
5. Students can relate tectonic stresses to plate boundaries, (geologic structures, crustal deformation, and the building of mountains - have not yet been covered and therefore will not be tested)
   
6. Contrast tectonic plate (plate), tectonic plate boundary (plate boundary), and plate tectonics
7. Identify the layers of Earth and compare and contrast the lithosphere and asthenosphere 
8. Students can use physical properties to identify minerals and explain mineral-forming processes
9. Students can explain the rock cycle, differentiate among the three types of rocks, and use texture and composition to identify common rocks and their origins
10. Describe the processes that form common igneous rocks
11. Describe how the ratio between Fe/Mg and silica dictates the color and composition of igneous rock
12. Describe how and where magma forms and evolves 
13. Identify intrusive igneous features
14. Students can describe the eruptive and physical characteristics of different types of volcanoes
15. Describe the intrusive and extrusive rocks associated with each volcano
16. Students can describe the role weathering, mass wasting, and erosion play in shaping Earth’s surface and can provide and/or identify examples of each of these processes
17. Describe how weathering, mass wasting, and erosion are geologically destructive forces
18. Use the "maturing" of mineral grains to make interpretations of geologic history 
19. Describe the processes that form different types of sedimentary rocks
20. Use texture, fossils, and structures to interpret environmental conditions
21. Interpret slopes and landforms using contour lines
22. Determine elevations, relief, and gradient
23. Interpret and create topographic maps and profiles

Instructions

Read each question carefully and choose the best answer(s). Because several questions contain multiple correct answers be sure to consider all answer choices. 

The exam is open notes but not open to classmates, roommates, parents, friends, etc. You are expected to exercise academic integrity and do your own work. 

You will see these questions again on the final exam. 

You have 60 minutes and 1 attempt so be sure you're prepared before you start. This timed test assesses your understanding of learning objectives, not your ability to search for answers. 

Be sure to review the correct answers tomorrow so you can learn from any mistakes.