GLG101: Introduction to Geology I (Physical)

Spring 2003

Professor Matt Fouch

Study Guide for Exam #2

In this first part of the course, we covered the Chapters 6-10 (NOT Chapter 11), and Interludes B and C. The most important facts and concepts for you to know and understand are listed below. The exam will be in-class, closed everything, with multiple choice and true/false questions. You will not be allowed to wear hats or sunglasses (unless prescribed by a doctor). Please remember to bring your ASU ID and a Number 2 pencil on exam day.

Ø Magma and Igneous Rocks (Chapter 6)

• Why should we care about igneous rocks?
• Distinguish magma vs. lava, intrusive vs. extrusive
• Explain how igneous rocks are named, based on composition and texture
• What happens when magma crystallizes, what determines size of a crystal?
• The relationship between plate tectonics and volcanism (mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, hotspots)
• What is viscosity? What factors control viscosity?
• What makes a dark or light silicate rock? What are the names for these types (mafic and silicic)
• How do we melt rocks?
• What are the different forms of magmatic intrusions?
• NOT responsible for Bowen’s reaction series!

Ø Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks (Chapter 7)

• Know the differences between detrital (clastic) and chemical sedimentary rocks.
• Know the processes behind physical and chemical weathering.
• Know examples of physical and chemical weathering processes.
• How does sediment become a sedimentary rock?
• What is soil made of?
• Know the characteristics of clasitic sedimentary rocks (sorting, shape, etc.).
• Know the characteristics of sedimentary structures (stratification, cross-bedding, etc.).
• Know the relationship between clast size and depositional environment.
• Understand the types of environments where sedimentary rocks are formed.

Ø Metamorphic Rocks (Chapter 8)

• What processes contribute to metamorphism?
• What are the main types of metamorphism?
• What determines the mineral assemblage of a metamorphic rock (composition; temperature and pressure of formation)
• Know the textures of metamorphic rocks.
• What is the difference between prograde and retrograde metamorphism?
• What is the difference between high-grade and low-grade metamorphism?

Ø The Rock Cycle (Interlude B)

• What are the three major rock groups?
• What is the process by which each of these groups forms?

Ø Volcanic Eruptions (Chapter 9)

• What materials come from volcanoes?
• Name the materials extruded during a volcanic eruption
• What factors determine eruptive style? (degree of violence)
• List the types of volcanoes, their physical features, their lava types, and some examples
• What are the different volcanic landforms?
• What are the different types of lava?
• What are the different types of pyroclastic deposits?

Ø Earthquakes (Chapter 10)

• What is an earthquake?
• What is seismology?
• Why and where do earthquakes occur?
• What is the difference between a seismometer, a seismograph, and a seismogram?
• Know the difference between hypocenter and epicenter.
• Know what a fault is and the various types of faults (reverse, normal, strike-slip).
• What are aftershocks? What are foreshocks?
• How are P and S waves different? (velocity and particle motion)
• How do we use P and S waves to locate an earthquake?
• What factors can contribute to destruction due to earthquakes?

Ø Seeing Inside the Earth (Interlude C)

• How thick is Earth’s crust beneath continents and oceans? (two different values)
• What is the Moho?
• What is a shadow zone?