Study Guide: Earth and Environmental Science

Study Guide: Earth and Environmental Science Midterm Exam 2006 WMHS 1. Know the values of for metric prefixes: kilo-, centi-, milli- (to some base unit: liter, meter, gram, ect.). Also be able to determine which type of measurement unit would be appropriate for a particular distance or measurement. (p. 741)

2. Earth Science is an intergraded science ( is a combination for other science studies). Be able to list some of these main areas of study. (p. 2-3)

3. Know the different types of maps (ex. Robinson and Mercator) and why all “flat” maps show some type of distortion. (pp. 12-13)

4. Know the most important rule to follow in the laboratory. (p. 732)

5. Know the difference between longitude and latitude and how they are measured on a globe or map. (p. 11)

6. Understand how the internal structure of minerals is created and list some of their other characteristics. Know how minerals are classified (grouped). (pp. 44-49)

7. Know and describe the major properties of minerals. How important is each? (p. 50-53) 8. Be able to explain the difference between chemical and mechanical weathering. Be able to identify the major factor that effects soil formation. (pp. 126-130) (p. 135)

9. Be able to explain the difference in soil texture (clay, silt and sand). (p. 134)

10. Know the different “horizons” of a soil profile and the characteristics of each level (using a diagram). (p.138)

11. Know the major differences between igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock. Be able to explain how each originates and could change with time (the rock cycle). Be able to give examples of each type of rock. (pp. 66-69) (pp. 86-87)

12. Know how the depth of a rock layer is important in determining the age of the rock (relative dating). Be able to briefly describe Nicolaus Steno’s three principles used in relative dating. (pp. 338-339)

13. Understand that all of the energy that drives the rock cycle comes from magna and the sun.

14. Be able to give evidence of Wegener’s continental drift hypothesis and explain how the theory of plate tectonics is different. Know where these plates are located. (pp. 248-249) 15. Know the different layers of interior Earth and be able to describe each ones’ characteristics. (p. 235)

16. Know the difference between divergent, convergent and transform fault boundaries. (p. 255)

17. Explain the property of paleomagnetism as evidence of plate tectonics. (pp. 255-256)

18. Be able to explain how and why earthquakes occur. Know what type of energy is stored in rocks to produce this. Know the instrument used to record an earthquake wave. Know the difference between three types of seismic waves. (pp. 218-219) (pp. 222-223)

19. Be able to list the advantages and disadvantages of solar and wind energy. (pp. 102 & 104)

20. Understand the limitations of using hydroelectric energy (the number of sites available). (p. 105) 21. Know the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources and be able to give examples of each. (p. 94)

22. Know the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear energy. (p. 103)

23. Be able to identify the major causes of air pollution. Know why carbon dioxide is referred to as a “greenhouse gas”. (p. 110)

24. Know how to determine the age of a fossil using the half life of an radioactive isotope. (p. 348)

25. Understand how that geological fault lines can be used to give information about Earth’s past history. Know which type of rock would give the most evidence. (pp. 348-340)

26. Know the divisions of the geologic time scale. Know which era is known as “ancient life”. (p. 369)

27. Be able to explain how minerals are formed in the earth. (p. 45)

28. Know how to calculate density, mass or volume using the density formula. (p. 53) (p. 738)