Eaps 106 Exam 2 Study Guide

EAPS 106 Exam 2 Study Guide: Mastering Earth's Systems

This comprehensive study guide covers key concepts for EAPS 106 Exam 2, focusing on Earth's dynamic systems. We'll explore essential topics, provide example questions, and offer strategies for effective exam preparation. Remember to consult your textbook, lecture notes, and any additional materials provided by your instructor for the most accurate and complete information.

I. Plate Tectonics and Plate Boundaries

This section forms a crucial foundation for understanding many geological processes. Mastering this will set you up for success.

A. Types of Plate Boundaries:

• Divergent Boundaries: Focus on seafloor spreading, the formation of mid-ocean ridges, and the creation of new oceanic crust. Understand the associated volcanic activity and shallow earthquakes. Be prepared to identify examples like the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
• Convergent Boundaries: This is a complex area. Know the three types:
  • Oceanic-Continental: Understand subduction, the formation of volcanic arcs (like the Andes Mountains), and the occurrence of deep earthquakes.
  • Oceanic-Oceanic: Similar to oceanic-continental, but resulting in volcanic island arcs (like Japan). Understand the formation of deep ocean trenches.
  • Continental-Continental: Focus on the collision of continental plates, the formation of mountain ranges (like the Himalayas), and the absence of volcanism (mostly).
• Transform Boundaries: Understand the lateral movement of plates, the absence of volcanism, and the occurrence of shallow earthquakes. The San Andreas Fault is a prime example.

B. Evidence for Plate Tectonics:

• Seafloor Spreading: Understand magnetic striping on the ocean floor and its significance in supporting the theory of plate tectonics.
• Continental Drift: Know Wegener's hypothesis and the evidence he used (fossil distribution, continental fit, geological formations).
• Earthquake and Volcano Distribution: Understand the correlation between plate boundaries and the location of earthquakes and volcanoes.

C. Plate Tectonic Driving Forces:

• Mantle Convection: Understand how heat from the Earth's core drives mantle convection and its role in plate movement.
• Slab Pull: Understand the role of subducting plates in pulling the rest of the plate along.
• Ridge Push: Understand how the elevation of mid-ocean ridges contributes to plate movement.

II. Earth's Interior and Geodynamics

This section delves into the structure and processes within our planet.

A. Earth's Layers:

• Crust: Understand the difference between oceanic and continental crust in terms of composition and density.
• Mantle: Know the different layers within the mantle (upper and lower) and their rheological properties (how they deform).
• Core: Understand the composition of the outer (liquid) and inner (solid) core and their roles in generating Earth's magnetic field.

B. Seismic Waves and Earth's Structure:

• P-waves and S-waves: Understand the properties of these waves, how they travel through different materials, and how their behavior reveals information about Earth's interior.
• Seismic Tomography: Know how this technique is used to image the Earth's interior.

C. Geothermal Gradient and Heat Flow:

• Understand the relationship between depth and temperature within the Earth.
• Understand the sources of Earth's internal heat.

III. Earthquakes

This section explores the causes and consequences of these powerful geological events.

A. Causes of Earthquakes:

• Faulting and Plate Tectonics: Understand the relationship between plate boundaries and earthquakes.
• Elastic Rebound Theory: Understand how stress builds up along faults and is released during earthquakes.

B. Earthquake Measurement:

• Seismic Waves: Review the different types of seismic waves and how they are used to locate earthquakes.
• Magnitude Scales (Richter, Moment Magnitude): Understand the difference between these scales and how they quantify earthquake size.
• Intensity Scales (Modified Mercalli): Understand how this scale measures the effects of an earthquake on humans and structures.

C. Earthquake Hazards:

• Ground Shaking: Understand the effects of ground shaking on structures and infrastructure.
• Tsunamis: Understand the formation and propagation of tsunamis, and the associated hazards.
• Liquefaction: Understand how shaking can turn saturated sediments into a liquid-like state.
• Landslides: Understand how earthquakes can trigger landslides.

IV. Volcanism

This section focuses on the processes and hazards associated with volcanic activity.

A. Types of Volcanoes:

• Shield Volcanoes: Understand their characteristics (gentle slopes, basaltic lava flows).
• Cinder Cones: Understand their characteristics (steep slopes, pyroclastic material).
• Composite Volcanoes (Stratovolcanoes): Understand their characteristics (alternating layers of lava flows and pyroclastic material).

B. Volcanic Hazards:

• Lava Flows: Understand the different types of lava flows and their hazards.
• Pyroclastic Flows: Understand the extreme hazards associated with pyroclastic flows.
• Lahars: Understand the formation and hazards of lahars (volcanic mudflows).
• Volcanic Gases: Understand the hazards associated with volcanic gases.

V. Weathering, Erosion, and Sedimentation

This section looks at the processes that shape the Earth's surface over time.

A. Weathering:

• Mechanical Weathering: Understand the different processes (frost wedging, salt wedging, exfoliation).
• Chemical Weathering: Understand the different processes (hydrolysis, oxidation, dissolution).

B. Erosion:

• Water Erosion: Understand the processes of river erosion, including headward erosion and valley deepening.
• Wind Erosion: Understand the processes of wind erosion, including deflation and abrasion.
• Glacial Erosion: Understand the processes of glacial erosion, including plucking and abrasion.

C. Sedimentation:

• Sediment Transport: Understand how sediments are transported by water, wind, and ice.
• Sediment Deposition: Understand the processes of sediment deposition in various environments.

VI. Example Exam Questions

This section provides example questions to test your understanding of the material. Remember these are examples, and your actual exam may differ.

1. Describe the three main types of plate boundaries and give a real-world example of each.
2. Explain the elastic rebound theory of earthquakes.
3. Compare and contrast shield volcanoes and composite volcanoes.
4. What are the primary driving forces behind plate tectonics?
5. Explain the difference between the Richter scale and the Modified Mercalli intensity scale.
6. Describe the hazards associated with pyroclastic flows.
7. What are the main types of weathering? Give examples of each.
8. Explain how seismic waves provide information about the Earth's interior.
9. What is liquefaction, and why is it a significant hazard during earthquakes?
10. Describe the process of seafloor spreading and its importance in plate tectonic theory.

VII. Exam Preparation Strategies

• Review your notes: Go over your lecture notes and textbook readings thoroughly.
• Practice problems: Work through practice problems and past exams if available.
• Form study groups: Discuss concepts with classmates to reinforce your understanding.
• Get enough sleep: Ensure you are well-rested before the exam.
• Manage your time: Allocate sufficient time for each section of the exam.

This study guide provides a solid framework for preparing for your EAPS 106 Exam 2. Remember to consult your instructor and utilize all available resources for a comprehensive review. Good luck!