FDSCI 201 Exam 1 Study Guide (General Concepts/Plate Tectonics)
General Instructions: The purpose of this assignment is to help you focus on important concepts and to assist you in test preparation. It is not a report and does not require outside sources, but if you use them, they must be cited. Responses must be in your own words. Do not use direct quotes. Do not copy material from other sources. My recommendation is that you look over the questions, study to understand them, then write a response from memory, as though you were completing an essay exam, and afterward check it. If there is something you don’t understand, bring it up in class. Your final responses need to be typed using correct spelling and punctuation (this will be part of your grade).
Definitions: In a sentence or two, define each of the following terms. These must be in your own words.
Hazard
Disaster
Catastrophe
Natural
Linked event
Magnitude
Frequency
Urbanization
Mitigation
Prior history
Precursor
Warning system
Risk analysis
Retrofitting
Catastrophism
Uniformitarianism
Chemical properties
Mechanical properties
Core
Mantle
Crust
Inner core
Outer core
Mesosphere
Asthenosphere
Lithosphere
Shrinking Earth Theory
Continental drift
Seafloor spreading
Plate tectonics
Convection
Oceanic ridge
Deep-sea trench
Magnetic pole
Magnetic reversal
Polar wandering
Divergent plate boundary
Convergent plate boundary
Transform plate boundary
Hot spot
Continental rift
Isostasy
Short Answer: Write a short “essay” on each of the following topics. Some can be answered in a sentence or two; others may take a few paragraphs. Be concise, yet complete in your responses. Examples and sketches can often help convey an idea. I am looking for your ideas as they come from your mind.
Discuss whether or not the frequency and magnitude of natural disasters has increased from the past. If so, give possible scientific explanations.
What role does urbanization play in the frequency and magnitude of natural disasters?
What is “mitigation?” What are some measures taken toward mitigation? How effective has mitigation been in reducing property damage and loss of life?
Define the Theory of Continental Drift, list the evidences that support it, and explain why it was ultimately rejected by the scientific community.
Define the Theory of Seafloor Spreading, list the evidences that support it, and explain how it resolved the conflict associated with the Theory of Continental Drift.
Describe the process of mantle convection (e.g. What is it? How does it work? What makes it work? Why is it important?).
What are magnetic reversals; how are they recorded in rocks; and why are they important?
Explain the concept of apparent polar wandering.
Why does the seafloor drop in elevation away from oceanic ridges?
Why does the thickness of sediment overlying basaltic oceanic crust increase away from oceanic ridges?
Describe the characteristics (e.g. tectonic setting, geographic location, nature of volcanism, earthquake pattern) of a divergent plate boundary.
Describe the characteristics (e.g. tectonic setting, geographic location, nature of volcanism, earthquake pattern) of a convergent plate boundary.
Describe the characteristics (e.g. tectonic setting, geographic location, nature of volcanism, earthquake pattern) of a transform plate boundary.
Describe the characteristics (e.g. tectonic setting, geographic location, nature of volcanism, earthquake pattern) of a hot spot.
Compare and contrast the three types of convergent plate boundaries.
What is the main role of transform plate boundaries? Compare and contrast the three types. Include simple figures.
Sketches: Should consist of simple drawings with appropriate labels.
Make simple sketches comparing the two primary ways in which the Earth is subdivided from its center to its surface. Name each subdivision and indicate the single most significant factor that distinguishes it from the others.
Make a cross-section showing the basic tectonic model.