Geology 101
Midterm Exam
Study Guide
The Midterm Exam will cover Introduction to Geology, The Rock Cycle, Minerals, Bowens
Reaction, Volcanoes and Igneous Activity, Weathering and Sedimentary Environments and
Metamorphism. Essay questions will be pulled from the following questions. Multiple
choice questions will also cover lecture and lab materials covered in class.
Introductions and Minerals
Define “hypothesis” and describe how a hypothesis becomes
a scientific theory
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested by further investigation
If a refined hypothesis survives all attacks on it and is the best existing explanation for a
particular phenomenon, it is then elevated to the status of a theory.
Describe and atom and its basic components. Key Terms:
electron, neutron, proton, nucleus, orbital, charge.
Atoms consist of three basic particles: protons, electrons, and neutrons. The nucleus (center)
of the atom contains the protons (positively charged) and the neutrons (no charge). The
outermost regions of the atom are called electron shells and contain the electrons (negatively
charged).
Describe the basic framework of a silicate mineral. Key
Terms: silica tetrahedron, sharing, cations, crystalline.
https://www.coursehero.com/file/137479973/Midterm-Exam-Study-Guide-2022-
completepdf/
, The simplest silicate structure, that of the mineral olivine, is composed of
isolated tetrahedra bonded to iron and/or magnesium ions.
What physical characteristics can you use to identify
minerals (i.e. mineral properties)?
hardness, luster, color, streak, specific gravity, cleavage, fracture, and tenacity.
Igneous Activity
Magma is generated in three (3) ways. List and give a description of each method.
Be sure to note HOW the parameter has to change in order to induce melting.
Magma and lava contain three components: melt, solids, and volatiles. The melt is made
of ions from minerals that have liquefied.
https://www.coursehero.com/file/137479973/Midterm-Exam-Study-Guide-2022-
completepdf/
Midterm Exam
Study Guide
The Midterm Exam will cover Introduction to Geology, The Rock Cycle, Minerals, Bowens
Reaction, Volcanoes and Igneous Activity, Weathering and Sedimentary Environments and
Metamorphism. Essay questions will be pulled from the following questions. Multiple
choice questions will also cover lecture and lab materials covered in class.
Introductions and Minerals
Define “hypothesis” and describe how a hypothesis becomes
a scientific theory
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested by further investigation
If a refined hypothesis survives all attacks on it and is the best existing explanation for a
particular phenomenon, it is then elevated to the status of a theory.
Describe and atom and its basic components. Key Terms:
electron, neutron, proton, nucleus, orbital, charge.
Atoms consist of three basic particles: protons, electrons, and neutrons. The nucleus (center)
of the atom contains the protons (positively charged) and the neutrons (no charge). The
outermost regions of the atom are called electron shells and contain the electrons (negatively
charged).
Describe the basic framework of a silicate mineral. Key
Terms: silica tetrahedron, sharing, cations, crystalline.
https://www.coursehero.com/file/137479973/Midterm-Exam-Study-Guide-2022-
completepdf/
, The simplest silicate structure, that of the mineral olivine, is composed of
isolated tetrahedra bonded to iron and/or magnesium ions.
What physical characteristics can you use to identify
minerals (i.e. mineral properties)?
hardness, luster, color, streak, specific gravity, cleavage, fracture, and tenacity.
Igneous Activity
Magma is generated in three (3) ways. List and give a description of each method.
Be sure to note HOW the parameter has to change in order to induce melting.
Magma and lava contain three components: melt, solids, and volatiles. The melt is made
of ions from minerals that have liquefied.
https://www.coursehero.com/file/137479973/Midterm-Exam-Study-Guide-2022-
completepdf/
