Oceanography Exam II - Study Guide
Geological Oceanography
Geography of the Ocean
Know the zones of the ocean (review the triangle) by depth and characteristics
Know the factors that differ between the zones and therefore define the zones
Relate the zones with the geological features found within the earth’s ocean basins
Origins of Earth (Ch. 3)
Be able to define the following terms: nebular theory, protostar, big bang
The Theory of Plate Tectonics (Ch. 13)
Know how the layers of the earth are defined by their physical and chemical
characteristics.
Know the sources of heat within the core and mantle and how this heat causes plate
movement
Be able to define the following terms: lithosphere, asthenosphere, crust, mantle, core
(inner/outer), Archimedes Principle, isostatic equilibrium, Panthalassa and Pangaea,
subduction. convection cells.
Know the difference between continental and oceanic crust and why it matters.
Diagram the rock cycle and be able to describe and origin and formation of the three
main types of rocks.
Understand how continental drift and seafloor spreading relate to plate tectonics
Know who Alfred Wegner was and what he did.
Understand the evidences for Continental Drift as a theory and what was missing
Know the connection between sea floor mapping technologies and the discovery of sea
floor spreading
Be able to label the geological features found within an ocean basin
Be able to apply the theory of plate tectonics to describe the formation of ocean features
Know how the distribution of earthquakes and volcanos relate to plate boundaries and
formation of geological features.
Know the three types of plate boundaries, examples of where they exist and features
formed there.
Marine Sediments (Ch. 14)
Know the tools and techniques used to study sediments (5 methods)
Know what data is collected from ocean sediments (“Ocean’s Memory” video)
Understand how sediments are characterized by origin and size.
Know the origins of the following sediment types: lithogeneous (aka terrigenious),
biogenous, hydrogenous, cosmogeneous
Know the order of the 7 classifications of sediments sizes in the wentworth scale.
Be able to describe the economic value of ocean sediments and give examples
Define these terms: stratigraphy, paleocenography, ooze, fecal pellets, nodules,
diatomaceous earth, evaporates
Differentiate between the origins of calcareous, siliceous oozes