G103/203 OBJECTIVES

Chapter 8 - The Earth's Interior (pg 212-216)

1. Describe the nature of seismic waves as they travel through the earth. Consider velocity, shadow zones, travel through solids and liquids, the significance of their behavior, etc.

2. Give the depths and significance of the following discontinuities:

Mohorovicic Gutenberg Lehman

3. Differentiate between the following regions of the earth's interior and give the relative thickness, composition, and specific gravity of the following:

oceanic crust mantle

continental crust core

5. Within the earth’s mantle, differentiate between the following:

upper mantle low velocity zone

lower mantle asthenosphere

6. Describe the “geothermal gradient”, the methods of heat flow, where each type is encountered, and the location and source of heat for the earth’s interior.

7. Give the dominant elements and variations in minerals that make up layers within the mantle based on increased heat and pressure. What is the relationship between olivine, spinel and perovskite within the earth’s mantle? (G203 students)

8. Describe the use of seismic tomography in our understanding of the earth’s interior. How does it work and what does it indicate?

9. Discuss the mechanism responsible for the earth's magnetic field and describe the historic behavior of the field's variations.

10. Describe the earth’s core. Consider differences between the inner and outer core, their composition, temperature and phase.

11. Describe the significance of the P and S wave shadow zones within the earth’s interior.

Chapter 2 - Plate Tectonics

1. Understand how each of the following forms of evidence suggested the theory of continental drift.

a. fossil evidence - including Glossopteris & Mesosaurus

b. glaciation

c. paleoclimates

d. age, composition, and structure of continental rocks

2. Describe how each of the following have supported plate tectonic theory:

polar wandering magnetic reversals

paleomagnetism age and composition of the seafloor

seafloor spreading

3. Understand the concept of magnetic (geomagneitc) reversals and be able to differentiate between normal and reverse polarity.

4. Describe features of each of the following plate boundaries and understand how they interact together.

a. divergent (constructive, spreading center)

b. convergent (destructive, three types)

c. transform fault (conservative) boundary

5. Discuss evidence used by Alfred Wegener to support his theory of "continental drift" and list reasons why his idea failed to gain support by others.

6. Describe and discuss the processes currently going on in the East African Rift, Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden today.

7. Describe the evidence for plate tectonics provided by the deep ocean drilling. What types of research was conducted by the research vessel Glomar Challenger?

8. Describe the origins and tectonic significance of hot spots (plumes).

10. Describe a continental break-up using the following terms: (203 students)

mid-ocean ridge rift valley

linear sea upwarping

11. Discuss the driving mechanism/s responsible for the motion of global plates.

12.Terms to know:

Accretionary wedge Continental volcanic arc

Ocean Trench Island arc

Rock Magnetism polarity epochs