Geology 206 Study Guide for Midterm Exam #1 – Spring 2009
Disclaimer: This is a summary of some of the highlight from lecture that may appear on Exam #1, but you
should note that any subject that was covered in lecture may appear on the exam regardless of whether or
not it appears on this study guide.
Chapter 1: Introduction- The Science of Historical Geology
What is a meant by deep time?
What is the age of the Earth?
What is the age of the oldest known rock?
Chapter 2: Fossils and Early geologists
What is a fossil?
How do fossils form?
What were the contributions of the following scientists:
Nicolas Steno, William Smith, James Hutton, Charles Lyell, Charles Darwin
What are the following (on who first proposed the idea of)
Principle of original horizontality
Principle of superposition
Principle of lateral continuity
Faunal succession
Cross-cutting relationships
Principle of inclusion
Uniformitarianism & Actualism
Know the basic ideas proposed by Darwin in his theory of Natural Selection
Other names to know: Edward Cope, O. C. March
Chapter 3: Time & Geology
Know the names and order of the Eons
Know the names and order of the Eras in the Phanerozoic (don’t worry about earlier Eras)
Know the order of the Periods in the Phanerozoic (including Quaternary & Tertiary)
What different ways did early scientists attempt to estimate the age of the Earth?
What dating method was ultimately used to measure the correct age of the Earth?
Chapter 5: Volcanoes & Volcanic Hazards (week 3)
What are the different rock textures and sedimentary structures discussed in class?
What information do rock textures and sedimentary structure provide about the environment of
deposition?
What information do rock textures and sedimentary structures provide about paleogeography?
What types of rocks are found in Marine, Transitional, and Continental environments?
What information is shown on a plaeogeographic map?
What information is shown on a geologic map?