UNIT I
QUESTION 10
Describe the characteristics a substance must possess in order to qualify as a mineral.
QUESTION 11
How is a scientific hypothesis different from a scientific theory? How does a scientific theory differ from a regular theory (i.e., a non-scientific theory in the way the term is used by lay people)?
QUESTION 12
List and describe the different characteristics of sedimentary rocks and discuss the processes that change sediment into sedimentary rock.
QUESTION 13
Imagine that you are a mineralogist and you have just received a single, small sample of a mineral with which you are not familiar. Discuss how you might go about identifying that mineral using some of the mineral identification properties discussed in Chapter 1. Which properties would you find less useful? Why?
Your response should be at least 200 words each in length.
UNIT II
QUESTION 8
Briefly describe at least six depositional features created by glaciers.
QUESTION 9
Why are flash floods common in arid climates?
QUESTION 10
Discuss the three different paths that water could take once it falls in the form of precipitation.
QUESTION 11
Why is wind erosion more effective in deserts than in more humid regions?
QUESTION 12
When examining the geology of a region for potential useable aquifers, what characteristics, or factors would you consider? Discuss at least three environmental concerns related to groundwater.
Your response should be at least 200 words each in length.
UNIT III
QUESTION 9
Briefly describe what happens at a subduction zone
QUESTION 10
Explain why Africa and South America are moving apart.
QUESTION 11
Explain how an accretionary wedge forms.
QUESTION 12
What evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support his hypothesis of continental drift? What additional evidence was added later (post-World War II) as oceanographers began to explore the ocean floor? How do these two ideas unite to form the theory of plate tectonics?
Your response should be at least 200 words each in length.
Total of 2600 words. Put ALL references after each answer and not on 1 page. Put the unit numbers back in place! 200 words each question.