Earth Science Test #1 Study Guide
This study guide covers only the basics of the test; you will still need to study your textbook, power
points, sketches, labs, and quizzes.
This study guide is worth up to 10 extra credit points on test #1. To receive all 10 extra credit points, you
study guide must be complete, correct, and detailed in your responses.
NOTE: Questions are in no particular order
1. Sketch or describe all parts of the rock cycle.
2. Define Plate Tectonics.
3. What are the 2 types of seismic waves? How are they different?
4. How does the rate of cooling of a molten igneous rock affect the resulting crystal sizes?
5. What is the difference between an anticline, syncline, dome, and basin?
6. Describe Earth’s Interior Layers.
7. Define Earth Science and all its components.
8. What is the age of the Earth?
9. Define A. mineral, B. rock, C. ore, and D. gemstone.
10. Define silicate, and describe quartz, feldspar and mica.
11. Define carbonate (mineral). How do carbonate rocks form? List some common carbonates.
12. Describe the differences between cleavage, fracture, streak, hardness, and luster
13. What are the 2 different types of A. Igneous Rocks B. Sedimentary Rocks
C.
Metamorphic Rocks? How are they different?
14. Define regional and contact metamorphism. How are they different? What is foliation?
15. Describe the difference between a scientific hypothesis, theory, and law.
16. Describe Alfred Wegener’s ground-breaking theory. Give evidence in support of his idea. Why did
the scientific community not initially accept it?
17. Define convection.
18. What are the 3 types of plate boundaries? Describe the type of motion that is occurring at each
boundary.
19. What are the 3 different types of convergent plate boundaries? Describe the type of motion that is
occurring at each.
20. How does the age of the ocean floor help prove plate tectonics?
21. Describe several differences between the lithosphere and asthenosphere. What is a tectonic plate?
22. What & where is the Ring of Fire?
23. What are the 3 types of volcanoes? Describe the differences between each type.
24. How is a hot spot different than most other volcanoes?
25. What are the characteristics of magma that create explosive eruptions?
26. What are the differences between an earthquake epicenter and a focus?
27. How is oceanic crust different than continental crust?
28. What is a tsunami and how is it created?
29. What is deformation? What is the difference between elastic, brittle, and ductile deformation?
