1

• The fundamental geochronologic (time) unit in geology is the period.
• Chronostratigraphic (time-stratographic) units consist of the rocks deposited during a certain time interval.

• Which of the following is an example of a TIME unit (as opposed to a TIME-STRATIGRAPHIC unit)?
  • A. Permian Period B. Paleocene Epoch C. Late Triassic D. all of these E. none of these
• The geologic period is the fundamental _______________ unit.
  • A. biostratigraphic B. time C. time-stratigraphic D. lithostratigraphic E. None of these

• The fundamental geochronologic unit is the _______________________.
• TheTriassic PERIOD is an example of a ___________________________ unit.

2

• The atomic number of ₉₂U²³⁵ (Uranium-235) is 235.
• A beta particle consists of the nucleus of a Hydrogen atom.
• An alpha particle consists of the nucleus of a Helium atom.
• A beta particle consists of the nucleus of a Helium atom.
• A beta particle is an electron emitted from radioactive nuclei.
• During beta decay, an atom decreases in atomic number by 2 & atomic mass by 4.
• During alpha decay, an atom decreases in atomic number by 2 & atomic mass by 4.
• During alpha decay, an atom increases in atomic number by 1 & its atomic mass remains the same.
• ₃₇Rb⁸⁷ decays to ₃₈Sr⁸⁷ by beta emission decay
• ₃₇Rb⁸⁷ (Rubidium-87) decays to ₃₈Sr⁸⁷ (Strontium-87) by alpha decay.
• It takes exactly the same amount of time for 100 grams of a radioactive element to decay to 50 grams as for 1 gram of that same radioactive element to decay to half a gram.
• It takes exactly half the amount of time for 100 grams of a radioactive element to decay to 50 grams as for 50 grams of that same radioactive element to decay to 25 grams.
• It takes exactly twice the amount of time for 100 grams of a radioactive element to decay to 50 grams as for 50 grams of that same radioactive element to decay to 25 grams.
• It takes exactly half the amount of time for 200 grams of a radioactive element todecay to 100 grams as for 100 grams of that same radioactive element to decay to 50 grams.
• It takes exactly half the amount of time for 50 grams of a radioactive element todecay to 25 grams as for 100 grams of that same radioactive element to decay to 50 grams.
• It takes the same amount of time for 100 grams of a radioactive element to decay to 50 grams as for 50 grams of that same radioactive element to decay to 25 grams.
• A rock that has a present ₁₉K⁴⁰ (Potassium-40) content that is exactly one-quarter (25%) of its original ₁₉K⁴⁰ content is 2.6 billion years old. (The half-life of ₁₉K⁴⁰ is 1.3 billion years).
• A volcanic rock containing 25% of the ₁₉K⁴⁰ [potassium-40](half life = 1.3 billion years) that it had when it first erupted at the surface is 2.6 billion years old.
• A volcanic rock containing 25% of the ₁₉K⁴⁰ (half life = 1.3 billion years) that it had when it first erupted at the surface is 1.3 billion years old (that is, slightly younger than Mick Jagger).
• A volcanic rock containing one-half (50%) of the ₁₉K⁴⁰ (half life = 1.3 billion years) that it had when it first erupted at the surface is 1.3 billion years old.
• A rock that has a present ₉₂U²³⁵ (Uranium-235) content that is exactly one-eighth (12.5%) of its original ₉₂U²³⁵ content is 2.13 billion (2,130 million) years old. (The half-life of ₁₉K⁴⁰ is 710 million years).
• A fossil whale bone containing 12.5% (one eighth) of the C¹⁴ [carbon-14](half life = 5,730 years) that it had when it was part of a living whale is 17,190 years old
• All samples radiometrically dated by using radiactive elements that decay to the various isotopes of Lead (Pb) originally contained NO Pb.
• Rocks that contained lead initially cannot be dated radiometrically.
• All Pb (lead) isotopes have a radiogenic source (that is, produced by radioactive decay of a radiactive element).
• During radiometric dating of a rock sample, the original quantity of parent isotope is measured directly.
• During radiometric dating of a rock sample, the quantity of the daughter isotope is measured directly.
• During radiometric dating of a rock sample, the initial quantity of the parent isotope is determined by adding the amount of the parent isotope currently remaining with the amount of the daughter isotope.
• Many of the principle radiometric timekeepers are long-lived radioactive isotopepairs with half lives measured in millions or billions of years.
• There is NO principle radiometric timekeeper with a half live less than one million years long.
• There is at least one principle radiometric timekeeper with a half live less than one million years long.
• The half-life of Rb⁸⁷ is 48.8 billion years.
• ₁₉K⁴⁰ (Potassium-40) has a half life measuring only a few thousand (5730 specifically) years.
• ₆C¹⁴ (Carbon-14) is useful for dating Archean-age granites.
• ₆C¹⁴ (Carbon-14) is useful for dating Mesozoic-age schists.
• Carbon-14 (₆C¹⁴) is useful for dating geologically young (less than 100,000 yearsold) organic material.
• ₆C¹⁴ (Carbon-14) is useful for dating a 25,000 year old whale bone.
• The rate of C¹⁴ production has varied during the past several thousand years as documented by analysis of tree rings.

• Which of the following sub-atomic particles has an atomic mass of 1?
• A. proton B. neuton C. electron D. alpha/beta particle E. both A. & B.
• A(n) ________________________ consists of 2 protons & 2 neutrons and has an atomic mass of 4?
  • A. Hydrogen (₁H¹) nucleus B. Carbon (₆C¹²) nucleus
  • C. alpha particle D. beta particle E. both A. & B.
• A(n) ________________________ is electrically-neutral & has an atomic mass of 1.
  • A. Hydrogen (₁H¹) nucleus B. neutron C. proton D. electron
  • E. none of these
• ________________________ is produced when an atom of ₉₀Th²³⁴ (Thorium-234) decays by a single beta decay.
  • A. ₉₂U²³⁴ (Uranium-234) B. ₉₁Pa²³⁴ (Protactinium-234)
  • C. ₉₀Th²³⁴ (Thorium-234) D. ₈₂Pb²⁰⁶ (Lead-206) E. none of these
  • D. ₈₂Pb²⁰⁸ (Lead-208)
• Which of the following happens when ₉₂U²³⁸ (Uranium-238) decays by a single alpha decay?
  • A. ₉₂U²³⁴ (Uranium-234) is produced B. ₉₁Pa²³⁴ (Protactinium-234) is produced
  • C. ₉₀Th²³⁴ (Thorium-234) is produced D. ₈₂Pb²⁰⁶ (Lead-206) is produced E. none of these
  • c. ₉₀Th²³⁸ (Thorium-238) is produced d. ₈₂Pb²⁰⁸ (Lead-208) is produced
• After a SINGLE alpha emission, ₉₂U²³⁸ (Uranium-238) decays to:
  • A. ₈₂Pb²⁰⁶ (Lead-206). B. ₈₂Pb²⁰⁷ (Lead-207).
  • C. ₈₂Pb²⁰⁷ (Lead-207). D. ₉₂U²³⁵ (Uranium-235).
  • E. ₉₀Th²³⁴ (Thorium-234).
• Which of the following happens when an atom of ₁₉K⁴⁰ (Potassium-40) EMITS a single beta particle?
• ________________________ is produced when an atom of ₁₉K⁴⁰ (Potassium-40) CAPTURES an electron.
  • A. ₂₀Ca⁴⁰ (Calcium-40) is produced B. ₁₉K³⁹ (Potassium-39) is produced
  • C. ₁₈Ar⁴⁰ (Argon-40) is produced D. both A. and B. E. none of these
  • B. ₁₇Cl³⁶ (Chlorine-36) is produced
• ₁₉K⁴⁰ (potassium-40) decays to a stable isotope of ______________.
  • A. strontium B. nitrogen C. lead D. argon
• Which of the following radioactive isotopes produces ₃₈Sr⁸⁷ (Strontium-87) as a stable isotope by beta decay?
  • A. ₃₈Sr⁸⁷ (Strontium-87) is not produced by radioactive decay at all. B. ₉₂U²³⁸
  • C. ₃₈Sr⁸⁶ (Strontium-86) D. ₃₇Rb⁸⁶ (Rubidium-86) E. ₃₇Rb⁸⁷ (Rubidium-87)
  • E. none of these
  • A. ₃₇Rb⁸⁷ (Rubidium-87) B. ₉₂U²³⁸ (Uranium-238) C. ₆C¹⁴ (Carbon-14) D. ₃₇Rb⁸⁶ (Strontium-86)
  • E. none of these
• Which of the following radioactive isotopes decay to a stable Pbeta (lead) isotope?
  • A. ₉₂U²³⁸ B. ₉₂U²³⁴ C. ₉₀Th²³² D. all of these E. none of these
• Which of the following decays to a stable isotope of Lead (Pb)?
  • A. Rb⁸⁷ B. C¹⁴ C. U²³⁸ D. All of these E. None of these
• Which of the following radioactive isotopes has a decay series ending with Lead 207 as the stable daughter product?
  • A. Carbon 14 B. Uranium 235 C. Potassium 40 D. Rubidium 87 E. Protactinium 231
• Which of the following radioactive isotopes has a decay series ending with a Lead (Pb) isotope as a stable daughter product?
  • A. ₉₂U²³⁵ (Uranium-235) B. ₃₇Rb⁸⁷ (Rubidium-87)
  • C. ₁₉K⁴⁰ (Potassium-40) D. all of these. E. both B. & C.
  • B. Uranium 238
• Which of the following radiactive isotopes produces a daughter product by b (beta) decay?
  • A. ₃₇Rb⁸⁷ (Rubidium-87) B. ₁₉K⁴⁰ (Potassium-40)
  • C. ₉₂U²³⁵ (Uranium-235) D. all of these E. both A. & B.
• Which of the following lead (Pb) isotopes does not have a radiogenic source?
  • A. Pb²⁰⁴ B. Pb²⁰⁶ C. Pb²⁰⁷ D. Pb²⁰⁸ E. none of these
• The isotope produced when ₆C¹⁴ (Carbon-14) decays by beta decay is ______________. (beta particle = _-1beta⁰)
  • A. ₆C¹² (Carbon-12) B. ₇N¹⁴ (Nitrogen-14) C. ₆C¹³ (Carbon-13) D. ₄B¹⁰4B10 (Boron-10)
  • E. ₆O¹⁸ (Oxygen-18)
• Which radioactive decay series has the shortest half life?
  • A. ₉₂U²³⁸/₈₂Pb²⁰⁶ B. ₉₂U²³⁴/₈₂Pb²⁰⁷ C. ₉₀Th²³²/₈₂Pb²⁰⁸ D. ₁₉K⁴⁰/₁₈Ar⁴⁰ E. C¹⁴
• Which of the following radioactive isotopes has a half life generally expressed in millions or billions of years?
  • A. ₃₇Rb⁸⁷ B. ₉₂U²³⁸ C. C¹⁴ (Carbon-14) D. both A. & B. E. none of these
• Which of the following radioactive isotopes has a half life of 5730 years?
  • A. Carbon 14 B. Protactinium 231 C. Potassium 40 D. all of these E. none of these
• The half life of ₆C¹⁴ (Carbon 14) is:
  • A. 5,730 years B. 710 my C. 1.3 by D. 4.5 by E. 14 by
• Which of the following radioactive isotopes has a half life generally expressed in thousands of years?
  • A. ₆C¹⁴ (Carbon-14) B. ₃₇Rb⁸⁷ (Rubidium-87)
  • C. ₉₂U²³⁸ (Uranium-238) D. all of these. E. both B. & C.
• How old is a rock that has a present ₉₂U²³⁵ (Uranium-235) content that is exactly one-fourth of the original ₉₂U²³⁵ content? (The half-life of ₉₂U²³⁵ is 713 my).
  • A. 178 my B. 713 my C. 1.426 by (1426 my)
  • D. 2.852 by (2852 my) E. none of these
• How old is a rock with a present ₉₂U²³⁸ (Uranium-238) content that is exactly one-half of the original ₉₂U²³⁸ content? (The half-life of ₉₂U²³⁸ is 4.51 by).
  • A. 9.02 by B. 4.51 by C. 2.26 by D. 1.12 by E. none of these
• How old is a rock that has a present ₁₉K⁴⁰ (Potassium-40) content that is exactly one-eighth (12.5%) of its original ₁₉K⁴⁰ content? (The half-life of ₁₉K⁴⁰ is 1,300 million years).
  • A. 162.5 million years B. 650 million years C. 1,300 million years
  • D. 2,600 million years E. 3,900 million years
• A volcanic rock containing 50%/25% (one-quarter) of the ₁₉K⁴⁰ (half life = 1.3 billion years) that it had when it first erupted at the surface is ____________________.
  • A. 3.9 by old B. 2.6 by old C. 1.3 by old D. 0.65 by old E. slightly younger than Mick Jagger/Elton John
• How old is a rock with a present ₆C¹⁴ (Carbon-14) content that is exactly one-half/one-quarter of the original ₆C¹⁴ content? (The half-life of ₆C¹⁴ is 5,730 years.]).
  • A. 11,460 years B. 8,595 years C. 5,730 years D. 2,865 years E. 1,432.5 years
• Which of the following radioactive isotopes would not be useful for dating an Archean granite?
  • A. ₃₇Rb⁸⁷ (Rubidium-87) B. ₉₂U²³⁸ (Uranium-238) C. ₉₂U²³⁵ (Uranium-235) D. ₁₉K⁴⁰ (Potassium-40)
  • E. ₆C¹⁴ (Carbon-14)
• Which of the following radioactive decay series would be used to date a 25,000 year old whale bone?
  • A. ₉₂U²³⁸/₈₂Pb²⁰⁶ B. ₉₂U²³⁴/₈₂Pb²⁰⁷ C. ₉₀Th²³²/₈₂Pb²⁰⁸ D. ₁₉K⁴⁰/₁₈Ar⁴⁰ E. C¹⁴
  • A. ₉₂U²³⁸ B. ₉₂U²³⁴ C. ₃₇Rb⁸⁷ D. ₁₉K⁴⁰ E. ₆C¹⁴
• Which of the following radioactive isotopes would be especially useful for dating a 15,000 year old piece of wood/clam shell?
  • A. ₃₇Rb⁸⁷ (Rubidium-87) B. ₉₂U²³⁸ (Uranium-238) C. ₉₂U²³⁵ (Uranium-235)
  • D. all of these E. none of these
  • D. ₆C¹⁴ (Carbon-14) E. ₁₉K⁴⁰ (Potassium-40)

• A _________________________ is electrically-neutral & has an atomic mass of 1.
• A _________________________ has a positive electrical charge & an atomic mass of 1.
• A positively charged subatomic particle with a mass of 1 is called a(n) _________________________________.
• A _____________ particle is absorbed during the production of Ar⁴⁰ (Argon-40) from K⁴⁰ (Potassium-40).
• A ___________________ particle is emitted when ₉₀Th²³⁴ (Thorium) decays to ₉₁Pa²³⁴ (Protactinium).
• A(n) _________________________________ particle is emitted when ₉₂U²³⁸ (Uranium-238) decays to ₉₀Th²³⁴ (Thorium-234).
• A(n) ___________________ is captured during the production of ₁₈Ar⁴⁰ (Argon-40) from ₁₉K⁴⁰ (Potassium-40).
• The half lives of Rb⁸⁷, Th²³², U²³⁸ & K⁴⁰are measured in _________________________ of years.
• Carbon-14 is useful for dating organic materials younger than _________________________________ years old.
• Carbon-14 is useful for dating organic materials older / younger (circle one) than 100,000 years.
• Except for ____________________, with a half-life of 5,730 years, the principal radioactive decay series used for mineral & total-rock dating have half-lives measured in hundreds of millions & billions of years.
• Uranium-235, Uranium-238 & Thorium-232 all decay to stable isotopes of ______________________________.
• ₉₂U²³⁵ (Uranium-235) & ₉₂U²³⁸ (Uranium -238) both decay to stable isotopes of ______________________________ (the name of an element).
• Rubidium-87 decays to ______________________________.

• Matching: Match the atomic particle on the left with the description on the right corresponding to that particle. Each item on the right will be used ONLY once, & not all items on the right will be used.

alpha particle	A. negative electrical charge, mass = 0, emitted by nucleus
beta particle	B. negative electrical charge, mass = 0, orbits nucleus
Proton/neutron	C. neutral electrical charge, mass = 1, found in nucleus
	D. positive electrical charge, mass = 1, found in nucleus
	E. nucleus of a Helium atom (atomic # = 2, atomic mass = 4)

3

• The fundamental time-rock unit in geology is a system.
• The fundamental time unit in geology is the system.
• The Permian System is an example of a TIME unit (as opposed to a TIME-STRATIGRAPHIC unit).
• The fundamental lithostratigraphic unit is the period.
• The fundamental rock unit in geology is the system.
• The fundamental rock unit in geology is the FORMATION.
• The fundamental lithostratigraphic unit is the formation.

• The fundamental TIME-STRATIGRAPHIC unit is the ___________________.
  • A. Formation B. Biozone C. Period D. Range Zone E. none of these
• B. system D. both A. & B. E. both A. & C.
• Which of the following is an example of a TIME-STRATIGRAPHIC unit (as opposed to a TIME unit)?
  • A. Permian Period B. Paleocene Epoch C. Late Triassic D. all of these E. none of these
• The Devonian SYSTEM is an example of a _________________ unit.
  • A. time B. time-stratigraphic C. lithostratigraphic D. biostratigraphic E. none of these
• Which of the following indicates a system or period?
  • A. Triassic B. Ordovician C. Tertiary D. all of these E. none of these
• The fundamental lithostratigraphic unit is the _________________.
  • A. formation B. system C. period D. range zone E. none of these
  • B. ash bed C. biozone D. magnetopolarity zone
  • E. none of these
  • A. time-rock B. time C. rock D. system E. both C. and D.
  • A. chronostratigraphic B. geochronologic C. lithostratigraphic
  • D. biostratigraphic E. both A. & C.

• The Devonian SYSTEM is an example of a _________________________ unit.
• The Upper Cambrian portion of the Tapeats Sandstone was deposited during ____________________ Cambrian time.
• The fundamental lithostratigraphic unit is the _________________________________.
• Briefly describe the difference between time-stratigraphic & time units in geology and give the basic unit for each.

4

• DELTAS form where rivers deliver sediments faster than marine processes can redistribute them.
• BARRIER ISLANDS occur where tidal ranges are large (>2 m).

• Which is an example of a continental subenvironment?
  • A. delta B. barrier island C. estuary D. all of these E. none of these
• Which of the following is a subenvironment of the CONTINENTAL environment of deposition?
  • A. Deltas B. Barrier Islands C. Alluvial Fans D. all of these E. none of these
• _________________________ are a kind of Continental (Nonmarine) Environment of Deposition.
  • A. Abyssal Plains B. Continental Slopes C. Barrier Islands D. Floodplains E. all of these
• A river flood plain is a subenvironment of the _________________________________ Environment of Deposition.
• A river flood plain is a kind of _________________________ Environment of Deposition.
  • A. Shallow-Marine B. Transitional C. Continental D. Deep-Marine E. none of these
  • C. Nonmarine
• A barrier island is a subenvironment of the __________________________ Environment of Deposition.
  • A. shallow-marine B. transitional C. nonmarine D. all of these E. none of these
• A delta is a subenvironment of the _____________________ Environment of Deposition.
  • A. deep-marine B. shallow-marine C. transitional D. nonmarine E. all of these
• Which of the following are not subenvironments of the Transitional Environment of Deposition?
• _________________________ are a kind of Transitional Environment of Deposition?
• Which is an example of a transitional subenvironment?
  • A. Alluvial Fans B. Floodplains C. Continental Slopes D. Abyssal Plains E. all of these
  • A. delta B. barrier island C. estuary D. all of these E. none of these
• A barrier island is a subenvironment of the ________________ Environment of Deposition.
  • A. Continental B. Transitional C. Shallow-Marine D. Deep-Marine E. both A. & B.
• _________________ form where rivers deliver sediments faster than marine processes can redistribute them.
  • A. Carbonate platforms B. Deltas C. Sand dunes D. Barrier islands E. none of these

• Meandering rivers & braided streams make up the __________________________
• subenvironment of the Continental Environment of Deposition.
• The ___________________________ subenvironment of the Nonmarine Environment of Deposition is made up of meandering rivers & braided streams.
• ____________________________ make up the lacustrine environment of deposition.
• Channel deposits incorporated into point bars, levees of silt & fine sand, & widespread muddy floodplains are characteristic of ___________________________ rivers.
• Transitional subenvironments at the mouths of sediment-rich rivers are _______________ .
• _____________________ (subenvironment of deposition) form where rivers deliver sediment faster than marine processes can redistribute it.
• Transitional subenvironments where the tidal range is less than 4 m are ______________ .
• __________________________________ form where tidal ranges are LARGE (>2 m), while BARRIER ISLANDS form where tidal ranges are SMALL (<1m)
• __________________________________ form where tidal ranges are SMALL (<1m), while TIDAL FLATS form where tidal ranges are LARGE (>2 m)
• __________________________________ form where tidal ranges are large (>2 m), while BARRIER ISLANDS form where tidal ranges are small (<1 m)
• _________________ (subenvironment of deposition) form where tidal ranges are small (<1 m).

• Matching: Match sub-environments on the left with the major environment of deposition on the right. Each item on the right will be used more than once. Enter your answers on the computer answer sheet.

Alluvial fans	A. Continental (Nonmarine)
River channels	B. Transitional
Beaches
Lagoons
Deltas
Alluvial fans
Glacial lakes
Playa lakes
Meandering rivers
Barrier islands
Swamps

4A

• Cross bedding is often formed by ripples.
• Thick beds of well-sorted cross-bedded sand result from sand dune deposition, often in DESERTS.
• Sand dune sandstones deposited by wind in deserts is generally poorly sorted.
• Sand dune sandstones deposited by wind in deserts is generally well sorted.
• Alluvial fan deposits & glacial tills are generally well-sorted.
• Small sediment grain size indicates quiet water conditions.
• Small sediment grain size indicates high energy, fast velocity conditions at the site of deposition.
• Large sediment grain size indicates quiet water conditions.
• Lagoonal sediments are generally sand sized because lagoons are usually quiet water environments, with small current velocities.
• Floodplain sediments are generally sand sized because flood waters have small current velocities after they overflow the river banks.
• Braided stream deposits are dominated by mud, & contain only a small amount of sand.

• What sediment size would you expect to find in QUIET WATER lagoons away from washover fans & tidal inlets?
  • A. gravel B. sand C. both A. & B. D. mud E. none of these
  • A. cobbles B. pebbles C. sand D. A., B. & C. E. mud

• Braided streams deposits usually consist of _____________________-grained sediments.
• Glacial till is usually ___________________________-sorted.
• List the 3 major environments of deposition and the subenvironments of each.
• What is the cause & significance of cross bedding?

5

• The Principle of Superposition states that sediment is originally deposited in nearly horizontal layers.
• The Principle of Original Horizontality states that sediment is originally deposited in nearly horizontal layers.

• The Principle of ______________________________ can be summarized as "The oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest layer is at the top.
• The Principle of ______________________________ states that "In any sequence of undisturbed strata, the oldest layer is at the bottom, & successively higher layers are successively younger."
• Nicholas Steno is credited with clearly setting forth the Principle of _______________.
  • A. Superposition B. Original Horizontality C. none of these

• _________________________ is noted for the development of the Principle of Superposition & the Principle of Original Horizontality.

• Nicholas Steno is credited with clearly setting forth what 3 principles? What does each state?

6

• Biozones usually are NOT considered to be time equivalent & are not useful in establishing time-stratigraphic units.
• Biozones usually are considered to be time equivalent & are not useful in establishing time-stratigraphic units.
• Biozones usually are considered to be time equivalent & so are useful in establishing chronostratigraphic (time-stratigraphic) units.
• Biostratigraphic zones (biozones) are essentially time synchronous.
• Biozones are usually nearly time synchronous.
• Biostratigraphic units are usually nearly time synchronous.
• Biostratigraphic units approximate time equivalent units.
• Lithostratigraphic units are not the same age everywhere they occur.
• Lithostratigraphic units are the same age everywhere they occur.
• Lithostratigraphic units (formations) are usually nearly time synchronous.
• Formations are often time transgressive.
• A formation (the fundamental lithostratigraphic unit) is always the same age everywhere it occurs.
• The Tapeats Sandstone is the same age everywhere it occurs.
• Magnetopolarity zones are often time transgressive.
• Magnetopolarity zones are time synchronous.
• Magnetopolarity zones are essentially time synchronous
• A guide fossil is easily identified, is geographically widespread, & has a relatively short geologic range.

• Which of the following characteristics must a guide fossil have?
  • A. easily identified B. geographically widespread C. relatively short geologic range
  • D. all of these E. none of these

• A biozone is often nearly time synchronous / time transgressive (circle one). [Note: a biozone is the fundamental biostratigraphic unit & is based on a recognizable assemblage of fossils).
• ________________________________ zones approximate time equivalent units.

7

• Development of the Relative Geologic Time Scale depended on discovery of radioactivity & application of radiometric techniques.
• Development of the Absolute Geologic Time Scale depended on discovery of radioactivity & application of radiometric techniques.
• The Relative/Absolute Geologic Time Scale was developed during the 1820's & 1830's based on several basic geologic principles (including superposition, original horizontality & lateral continuity, cross-cutting relationships, unconformities, inclusions & fossil succession), well before the discovery of radioactivity.
• The relative geologic time scale was developed mostly in the early 1800's (1822-1841) from rocks exposed in Europe.
• The Paleozoic Era extends from 2,500 to 544 my.
• The Ordovician Period is the second oldest period of the Paleozoic Era.
• The second oldest period of the Paleozoic Era is the Devonian Period.
• The Mississippian and Pennsylvanian are used for the same period of time that the Cambrian Period is used for in Europe
• The Mississippian Period is the period immediately younger than the Silurian Period.
• The Mesozoic Era began 245 my ago.
• The Mesozoic Era began 345 my ago.
• The second oldest period of the Mesozoic Era is the Jurassic Period.
• The Cretaceous Period is the oldest period of the Mesozoic Era.
• The Cenozoic Era lasted from 544 to 245 million years.
• The Cenozoic Era lasted from 544 to 245 million years ago.

• Which of the following eras are not part of the Phanerozoic Eon?
• A. Mesozoic B. Archean C. Paleozoic D. all of these E. none of these
• The _______________________ Eon began 0.57 billion years ago.
  • A. Archean B. Paleozoic C. Mesozoic D. Cenozoic E. Phanerozoic
  • A. Proterozoic B. Cenozoic C. Mesozoic D. Phanerozoic E. none of these
• The Paleozoic Era began _________ million years ago & ended _________ million years ago.
  • A. 3960, 2500 B. 2500, 544 C. 544, 245 D. 245, 66 E. 66, 0
• The _________________________ Period is the period immediately YOUNGER than the Ordovician Period.
  • A. Triassic B. Quaternary C. Cretaceous D. Silurian E. none of these
• The oldest period of the Paleozoic Era is the _________________________ Period.
  • A. Pennsylvanian B. Cretaceous C. Permian D. Cambrian E. none of these
• The _________________________ Period is the period immediately YOUNGER than the Ordovician Period.
  • A. Triassic B. Quaternary/Neogene C. Cretaceous D. Silurian E. none of these
• The _________________________ Period is the period immediately OLDER than the Carboniferous Period.
  • A. Pennsylvanian B. Cretaceous C. Devonian D. Tertiary E. none of these
• The _________________________ Period is the period immediately OLDER than the Permian Period.
  • A. Pennsylvanian B. Cretaceous C. Devonian D. Tertiary E. none of these
• The youngest period of the Paleozoic Era is the _________________________ Period.
  • A. Pennsylvanian B. Cretaceous C. Permian D. Cambrian E. none of these
• The Triassic Period began ___ million years ago.
  • A. 4600 B. 3960 C. 2500 D. 544 E. none of these
  • C. 245 D. 66
• The Tertiary Period began ___ million years ago.
• The Tertiary Period began ___ million years ago.
  • A. 66 B. 245 C. 544 D. 2500 E. 3960 E. none of these
• The oldest period of the Cenozoic Era is the _________________________ Period.
  • A. Triassic B. Quaternary C. Cretaceous D. Silurian E. none of these
• The youngest period of the Cenozoic Era is the _________________________ Period.
  • A. Triassic B. Quaternary C. Cretaceous D. Silurian E. none of these

• The __________________________ Eon began 544 million years ago.
• The ___________________________________ Eon extends from 544 my ago to the present.
• The _________________________________________ Eon consists of the Mesozoic, Cenozoic, & Paleozoic Eras.
• The Cenozoic, Mesozoic & Paleozoic Eras comprise the __________________________ Eon.
• The Phanerozoic Eon began (farthest in time from the present) __________ billion (or __________ million) years ago. [Fill in only one blank!]
• The Paleozoic Era began ________________________________________________________ million years ago.
• The Paleozoic Era began _________________________ million years ago & ended 245 million years ago.
• The Paleozoic Era ended _________________________ million years ago.
• The ____________________________________ Era extended from 544 my ago to 245 my ago.
• The ___________________________ Period followed the Proterozoic Eon 544 million years ago.
• The ___________________________________ Period is the oldest (farthest in time from the present) period of the Paleozoic Era.
• The oldest period of the Paleozoic is the _______________________________________ Period.
• The youngest period of the Paleozoic Era is the ________________________________________ Period.
• The ___________________________________ Period is one of the periods of the Paleozoic Era.
• The ______________________________________________ Period extends from 544 to 505 million years ago.
• The ___________________________________ Period is immediately younger than the Ordovician Period.
• The Mississippian & Pennsylvanian Periods of N. America are the same as the _________________________ Period of Europe.
• The _______________________ Period extends from 286 to 245 million years ago.
• The Mesozoic Era began 245 million years ago & ended ______ million years ago.
• The Mesozoic Era began _________________________ million years ago.
• The Mesozoic Era ended ___________ million years ago.
• The _________________________ Era extends from 245 my ago to 66 my ago.
• The oldest period of the Mesozoic Era is the _________________________Period.
• The youngest period of the Mesozoic Era is the ____________________________Period.
• The ____________________ Period is the youngest (closest in time to the present) period of the Mesozoic Era.
• The ____________________ Period is the oldest (farthest in time from the present) period of the Mesozoic Era.
• The _____________________ Period extends from 145 million to 65 million years ago.
• The Cenozoic Era began _________________________ million years ago.
• The ____________________________________ Era began 66 my ago.
• The ______________________ Era extends from 65 million years ago to the present.
• The oldestest period of the Cenozoic is the ____________________ Period.
• The __________________ Period is the oldest (farthest in time from the present) period of the Cenozoic Era.
• The _____________________ Period is one of the periods of the Cenozoic Era.

GEOLOGIC TIME SCALE

1. What are the names of the 3 eras listed under the "Eras" column in Figure 1 at the end of this exam:

• 1. ___________________________ 2. ___________________________ and
• 3. ___________________________

2. What are the names of the 13 periods listed under the "Periods" column in Figure 1 at the end of this exam:

• 1. ___________________________ A. ___________________________
• 2. ___________________________ B. ___________________________
• 3. ___________________________ 4. ___________________________
• 5. ___________________________ 6. ___________________________
• 7. ___________________________ 8. ___________________________
• 9. ___________________________ 10. ___________________________ and
• 11. ___________________________

1. & 2. What are the 2 periods used by North American geologists for the periods indicated by "C" & "D" under the "Periods" column in Figure 1 at the end of this exam:

• C. ___________________________ and D. ___________________________

GTS Fill-In: Fill in the blanks below.

• 14. The Mississippian & Pennsylvanian Periods of North America are the same as the
• _________________________ Period of Europe.
• 15/16. The Paleozoic Era began ___________ million years ago & ended ___________ million years ago.
• 17/18. The Mesozoic Era began ___________ million years ago & ended ___________ million years ago.
• 19. The Cenozoic Era began ___________ million years ago.
• 9. The youngest period of the Cenozoic Era is the ______________________Period.
• 10. The youngest period of the Paleozoic Era is the _______________________Period.
• 11. The oldest period of the Paleozoic Era is the __________________Period.
• 12. The oldest period of the Cenozoic Era is the _________________Period.
• 13. & 14. The Carboniferous Period of Europe is the same as the (13)________________Period & the (14)__________________Period of North America.
• 15. In the fill-in above, #13 is ________________________(older/younger) than #14.
• 16. The _____________Period is the period immediately OLDER than the Carboniferous Period.
• 17. The ____________Period is the period immediately YOUNGER than the Ordovician Period.

GEOLOGIC TIME SCALE

• Fill in the Blank #1: In the chart below, fill in the blanks (1) in the column labelled AGE with the age of the beginning of each PHANEROZOIC ERA, (2) in the column labelled ERAS with the names of the PHANEROZOIC ERAS, and (3) in the column labelled PERIODS with the names of the PHANEROZOIC PERIODS. Youngest ages, eras & periods should be at the top, and oldest ages, eras & periods at the bottom.

PHANEROZOIC ERAS	PHANEROZOIC PERIODS		AGE
_______________ (Age of Mammals)	_______________		0 my ______ my
	_______________
_______________ (Age of Reptiles)	_______________		______ my ______ my ______ my
	_______________
	_______________
_______________ (Age of Fish)	_______________		______ my
	____________	____________
	____________
	_______________
	_______________
	_______________
	_______________

• Matching: Match the periods on the left with the era on the right to which that period belongs. Each item on the right may be used more than once.

Cambrian	A. Cenozoic
Carboniferous	B. Mesozoic
Cretaceous	C. Paleozoic
Devonian
Jurassic
Mississippian
Ordovician
Pennsylvanian
Permian
Quaternary
Silurian
Tertiary
Triassic

Short Answers: Briefly answer the following questions.

• What are the starting dates (oldest ages) of the 3 Phanerozoic Eras? List them in order from oldest to yougest & indicate which Era starts at each date.
• What are the starting dates (oldest ages) of the Phanerozoic Eras? List them in order from oldest to yougest & indicate which Era starts at each date.
• Give the starting dates of the Phanerozoic eras (oldest ages).
• What Era extends from 245 to 66 my?
• What are the 6 Periods of the Paleozoic Era as used in Europe? List them in order from oldest to youngest.
• What are the 7 Periods of the Paleozoic Era as used in North America? List them in order from oldest to youngest.
• What are the 2 periods used by North American geologists in place of the Carboniferous Period? List them in order from oldest to youngest.
• List the 2 periods used by North American geologists in place of the Carboniferous period in order from oldest to youngest.
• What is the period used by European geologists in place of the Mississippian & Pennsylvanian Periods?
• List the oldest 4 periods & the youngest period of the Paleozoic era in order from oldest to youngest.
• What is the earliest (oldest) period of the Paleozic Era?
• What is the latest (youngest) period of the Paleozic Era?
• What is the oldest period/era in the Geologic Time Scale?
• What are the 3 Periods of the Mesozoic Era? List them in order from oldest to youngest.
• What are the Periods of the Mesozoic Era? List them in order from oldest to youngest.
• List the periods of the Mesozoic era in order from oldest to youngest.
• What are the 4 Periods (remember there are 2 pairs) of the Cenozoic Era? List each pair in order from oldest to youngest.
• What are the Periods (do not use the Paleogene or Neogene) of the Cenozoic Era? List them in order from oldest to youngest.
• List the periods of the Cenozoic era in order from oldest to youngest.
• What is the youngest period in the Geologic Time Scale?

8

• The Low Velocity Zone is found at the top of the lithosphere.
• The Low Velocity Zone (consisting of partly melted mantle) is found at the top of the lithosphere.
• The Low Velocity Zone is found at the top of the aesthenosphere.
• The lithosphere is the rigid upper part of the Earth and consists of the crust plus the upper ~100 km of mantle.
• The lower, rigid part of the mantle (700-2900 km deep) is called the aesthenosphere.
• The lower, rigid part of the mantle (700-2900 km deep) is called the lithosphere.
• The Earth's continental crust consists dominantly of granite.

• Which of the following is true concerning the Earth's crust?
  • A. Continental crust is thicker than oceanic crust.
  • A. Continental crust is thinner than oceanic crust.
  • B. Continental crust has a composition that is granitic.
  • B. Continental crust has a basaltic composition.
  • C. Oceanic crust has a composition that is basaltic.
  • C. Oceanic crust has a granitic composition.
  • D. Crust forms the upper part of the lithosphere.
  • D. Crust has no relationship to the lithosphere.
  • E. all of these
  • E. none of these
• Which of the following statements about the Earth's mantle is true?
  • A. The Mesosphere is the rigid upper part of the Earth (the crust plus the upper ~100 km of mantle).
  • B. The Aesthenosphere is the plastic part of the Earth's mantle lying between ~100 - 700 km depth.
  • C. The Lithosphere is the lower, rigid part of the mantle (700-2900 km deep).
  • D. all of these E. none of these

• Matching: Match the compositional division of the Earth on the left with the description on the right to which that pertains to that compositional division. Three items on the right will be used once, & two items on the right will not be used at all.

Core	A. Basalt
Mantle	B. Granite
Atmosphere	C. Iron/nickel alloy
	D. Iron & Magnesium Silicates & Oxides
	E. Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon

• Matching: Match the division of the Earth on the left with the description on the right that describes that division. Items on the right will be used only once.

Continental Crust	A. Rigid upper mantle + crust	J. Basalt
Oceanic Crust	B. Plastic mantle (~100 - 700 km)	K. Fluid metal
Aesthenosphere	C. Rigid lower mantle (700 - 2900 km)
Atmosphere	D. Iron & Magnesium Silicates & Oxides
Inner Core	E. Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon
Outer Core	F. Rigid lower mantle (700 - 2900 km)
Core	G. Solid metal
Lithosphere	H. Iron/nickel alloy
Mesosphere	I. Granite

• Matching: Match the description on the left with the strength division of the Earth on the right to which that description pertains. 4 items on the right will be used once, and 1 item on the right will not be used at all.

Rigid upper mantle + crust	A. Aesthenosphere
Plastic mantle (~100 - 700 km)	B. Inner Core
Rigid lower mantle (700 - 2900 km)	C. Lithosphere
Fluid metal	D. Mesosphere
	E. Outer Core

• Matching: Match the numbers in the diagram below (these correspond to the numbered blanks on the left) with the terms indicating compositional structural units of the Earth listed on the right. Items on the right will be used only once.
• Fill in the Blank: Fill in the blanks in the diagram below with the compositional layer of the Earth indicated by each blank. The diagram is to scale, that is the layer indicated by blank #1 is ~35 km thick, the layer indicated by blank #2 is ~7 km thick, & the layer indicated by blank #3 extends deeper than 35 km (down to 2900 km).
• Fill in the Blank: Fill in the blanks in the diagram below with the compositional layer of the Earth indicated by each blank. The diagram is to scale, that is the layer indicated by blank #1 is ~3500 km thick, the layer indicated by blank #2 is ~2900 km thick, & the layer indicated by blank #3 is between 7 & 35 km thick.
• Fill in the Blank: Fill in the blanks in the diagram below with the compositional layer of the Earth indicated by each blank. The diagram is to scale, that is the layer indicated by blank #1 is ~2900 km thick, the layer indicated by blank #2 is ~3500 km thick, & the layer indicated by blank #3 is 7 to 35 km thick.

• The Aesthenosphere / Lithosphere / Mesosphere (circle one) is the plastic part of the Earth's mantle lying between ~100 - 700 km depth.
• The element of which the core consists mostly is _______________________.
• The Earth's mantle has a(n) felsic (granite) / mafic (basalt) / ultramafic (peridotite) (circle one) composition.
• The Earth's oceanic crust consists of Basalt / Granite (circle one).
• The Earth's continental crust consists of Basalt / Granite (circle one).

• What are the 3 compositional layers into which the rocky part of the Earth (not the atmosphere or hydrosphere) is divided? What is the composition of each? Use a diagram if you wish.

9

• The plates of the Earth consist of:
  • A. lithosphere B. aesthenosphere C. mesosphere D. all of these. E. none of these
• Which of the following is not a major plate?
• Which of the following is a major plate?
• Which plate listed below consists almost entirely of oceanic lithosphere?
• The ________________ Plate is a major plate that consists almost entirely of oceanic lithosphere.
• The ____________ Plate is a major plate that consists almost entirely of continental lithosphere.
• Which plate listed below is nearly surrounded by the Mid-Ocean Ridge?
• The ___________________ Plate is nearly surrounded by the Mid-Ocean Ridge.
  • A. Antarctic B. Pacific C. Eurasian D. African E. North American
  • B. Indian-Australian B. South American
  • B. Caribbean
  • D. both B. & C. D. all of these. E. none of these

• The plates of the Earth consist of _____________________________________.
• The _______________________________ plate is a major plate that consists almost entirely of continental lithosphere.
• The _______________________________ plate is a major plate that consists almost entirely of oceanic lithosphere.
• The _______________________________ plate is a minor plate that consists almost entirely of oceanic lithosphere.
• The __________________________________ Plate is nearly surrounded by the Mid-Ocean Ridge.
• Give the name of a MAJOR plate - __________________________________________.
• Give the name of one present major plate - ________________________________.
• Give the name of 5 major lithospheric plates.

10

• Deep sea trenches are associated with convergent plate boundaries.

• Which SEAFLOOR feature is associated with divergent plate boundaries?
• Which SEAFLOOR feature is associated with convergent plate boundaries?
• Which feature is associated with convergent plate boundaries?
  • A. deep-sea trench B. Mid-Ocean Ridge C. continental rifts D. transform faults
  • D. both B. & C. E. none of these
• The San Andreas Fault is a:
  • A. transform fault B. strike-slip fault C. lateral plate boundary
  • D. all of these E. none of these

• Matching: Match the seafloor features and products of volcanism listed on the left with the type of plate boundary listed on the right with which they are most closely associated. Each item on the right may be used more than once.

Deep-sea trench	A. Lateral
Mid-Ocean Ridge	B. Divergent
Fracture zones	C. Convergent

• What are the 3 types of plate boundaries? Give the seafloor feature, depth of earthquakes & type of volcanism associated with one of them.

11

• The generally accepted driving mechanism for plate tectonics is mantle convection.
• Seafloor spreading rates are fast (100-170 km/my) in the Pacific Ocean because the Pacific Plate is being pulled down into the mantle along all of the trenches in the western Pacific, in addition to the convection forcing the plates apart at the East Pacific Rise.
• Seafloor spreading rates are relatively slow (2-4 cm/yr) in the Atlantic Ocean because the North American, South American, Eurasian & African Plates are only separating due to mantle convection forcing the plates apart.
• Old oceanic lithosphere actually sinks into the aesthenosphere, pulling the rest of a plate along with it.
• Old continental lithosphere actually sinks into the aesthenosphere, pulling the rest of a plate along with it.

• Which of the following is a major plate that has fast spreading rates (>17 cm/yr) along its divergent plate boundary due toslab pull and ridge push?
• Which of the following is a minor plate that has fast spreading rates (>17 cm/yr) along its divergent plate boundary due to slab pull and ridge push?
• Which of the following is a major plate that has slow spreading rates (~3-5 cm/yr) along its divergent plate boundary due to ridge push alone?
• Which of the following is a major plate that has slow spreading rates (~1-6 cm/yr) along its divergent plate boundary due to ridge push alone?
• Which plate has fast spreading rates due to slab pull?
  • A. Pacific B. South American C. Antarctic D. African E. North American
  • A. Eurasian B. Indo-Australian
  • A. Nasca
  • D. all of these E. none of these

• Seafloor spreading rates are relatively ____________________ in the Pacific Ocean because the Pacific Plate is being pulled down into the mantle along all of the trenches in the western Pacific, in addition to the convection forcing the plates apart at the East Pacific Rise.

12

• Maximum diversity of organisms corresponds with minimum dispersion of continents during a Wilson Cycle.
• Maximum diversity of organisms corresponds with maximum dispersion of continents during a Wilson Cycle.
• Life is less diverse during the dispersal phase of a Wilson Cycle.
• Life is relatively diverse during the consolidation phase of a Wilson Cycle.

• Which of the following is true of WILSON CYCLES?
  • A. Continents alternately consolidate into large supercontinents or disperse into several continental masses.
  • B. Life is less diverse during the dispersal phase of a Wilson Cycle.
  • C. Life is relatively diverse during the consolidation phase of a Wilson Cycle.
  • D. both B. & C. E. none of these

• The __________________________ Cycle states that continents alternately consolidate into largesupercontinents or disperse into several continental masses.

• What is a "Wilson Cycle" & what is its effect on evolution?

13

• The oldest known rocks on Earth are 4.6/15-20 billion years old.

• The oldest known crustal rocks on Earth are _________________________________________ years old.

14

• There were 6 major continents during the early Paleozoic, of which 4 (Baltica, Kazakhstania, Siberia & China) are now part of Eurasia.
• Of the 6 major continents during the early Paleozoic, 4 (Baltica, Kazakhstania, Siberia & China) are now part of Eurasia.
• The largest continent during the Early Paleozoic was Laurentia.
• The largest continent during the Early Paleozoic was Eurasia.

• Which was part of Gondwana during the Paleozoic?
  • A. Florida B. Ohio C. Norway D. all of these E. none of these
  • D. Siberia
• Florida was part of ________________ during the Paleozoic Era.
  • A. Siberia B. Baltica C. Laurentia D. Gondwana E. China

• Give the name of an Early Paleozoic continent - _____________________________.
• Give the name of a Paleozoic continent - ___________________________________.
• There were 6 major continents during the early Paleozoic. Give the name of one (1) of the four (4) that are now part of the modern continent of Eurasia _____________________.

• Matching: Match the continents in the column on the left with the continents in the column on the right. Each column contains a mix of continents from the present and from the Early Paleozoic. Each item on the right may be used more than once.

North America	A. Gondwana
Baltica	B. Laurentia
Antarctica	C. Asia
Siberia	D. Europe
Australia	E. Kazahkstania

• Matching: Match the modern continents or parts of continents in the column on the left with their equivalent Paleozoic continent in the columns on the right and enter your choice on the computer answer sheet. Each item on the right will be used only once, but not all of the items on the right will be used.

Northeast Asia	A. Baltica
Northern Europe & Russia	B. China
South America	C. Gondwana
	D. Laurentia
	E. Siberia

• Matching: Match the present continents in the column on the left with their equivalent Paleozoic continents in the column on the right. Each item on the right may be used more than once.
• Europe A. Gondwana
• Antarctica B. Laurentia
• North America C. Asia
• South America D. Baltica
• Australia E. Kazakstania
• Matching: Match the modern continents or parts of continents in the column on the left with the Paleozoic continents or parts of continents in the column on the right. Each item on the right may be used more than once.
• North America A. Siberia
• Europe B. Gondwana
• Central Asia C. Laurentia
• Florida D. Kazakhstania
• Africa E. Baltica
• Matching: Match the modern parts of continents in the left column with the equivalent Paleozoic continent in right columns. Each item on the right will be used only once, & not all of the items on the right will the be used.
• Southeast Asia A. Baltica D. Kazakhstania
• Central Asia B. China E. Laurentia
• Florida C. Gondwana F. Siberia

15

• The Pangea of Wegener was formed essentially by the Permian (250 my ago).
• Gondwanaland included North America & Eurasia.
• Gondwanaland included South America & Australia.
• Gondwanaland included South America & India.
• Gondwanaland included North America & most of Eurasia.
• Laurasia included North America & Eurasia.
• Laurasia included South America & India.
• Laurasia included South America & Australia.
• North America was formerly part of a larger continental mass called Laurasia.
• South America was formerly part of a larger continental mass called Laurasia.
• The superocean surrounding Pangea is called Tethys.
• The superocean surrounding Pangea is called Panthalassa.
• Which of the following modern continents or subcontinents formerly were part of Gondwana?
• A. Antarctica B. India C. South America D. Australia E. all of these
• E. none of these
• A. North America C. Eurasia
• Which was part of Gondwanaland during the Paleozoic?
• A. Florida B. Ohio C. Norway D. all of these E. none of these
• What was the embayment into Pangea during the Late Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic called?
• A. Panthalassa B. Tethys C. Iapetus D. North Atlantic E. none of these
• Name a modern continent or subcontinent that was part of Gondwana following the breakup of Pangea:
• _____________________________________.
• Mesozoic/Cenozoic tectonics comprise half of a Wilson Cycle.
• The Atlantic & Indian Oceans began opening during the Jurassic Period & have continued opening during the Cretaceous Period and the Cenozoic Era.
• The oldest seafloor in the central North Atlantic Ocean is 190 my old & represents the initial breakup of Wegener's Pangea into Laurasia & Gondwana.
• The oldest seafloor in the South Atlantic Ocean is 190 my old & represents the initial breakup of Wegener's Pangea into Laurasia & Gondwana.
• The oldest seafloor in the central North Atlantic Ocean is Middle Jurassic (190 my old) & represents the initial breakup of Wegener's Pangea into Laurasia & Gondwana.
• The oldest seafloor in the Indian Ocean is 165 my old & represents the initial breakup of Gondwana.
• The oldest seafloor in the western Pacific Ocean is Late Jurassic (165 my old) & represents the initial breakup of Gondwana.
• The initial breakup of Laurasia began approximately 90 my ago.
• Greenland separates from Eurasia & joins North America approximately 90 my ago.
• The late Cenozoic tectonic pattern of the East Coast of North America is characterized by uplift & rifting due North America overrunning the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
• The Late Cenozoic tectonic pattern of the West Coast of North America is characterized by uplift & rifting due to North America overrunning the East Pacific Rise.
• Which of the following statements about the oldest seafloor in the Atlantic Ocean is true?
• A. The oldest seafloor in the Atlantic Ocean is 135 million years old (Early Cretaceous).
• B. The oldest seafloor in the Atlantic Ocean is located off the east coast of South America & southwest coast of Africa.
• C. The oldest seafloor in the Atlantic Ocean marks the location of the initial breakup of Pangea II.
• D. both A. & B.
• The oldest seafloor in the ______ Ocean is Late Jurassic (165 my old) & represents the initial breakup of Gondwana.
• A. North Pacific B. South Pacific C. North Atlantic D. South Atlantic E. Indian
• The oldest seafloor in the ______ Ocean is Middle Jurassic (~190 my old) & represents the initial breakup of Wegener's Pangea into Laurasia & Gondwana.
• A. North Pacific B. South Pacific C. North Atlantic D. South Atlantic E. Indian
• The oldest oceanic crust in the present oceans is _______ years old.
• A 10 m.y. B. 38 m.y. C. 100 m.y. D. ~200 m.y. E. 3800 m.y.
• The oldest oceanic crust is _______ years old.
• The oldest continental crust is _______ years old.
• A. 3.8 billion B. 3800 million C. 570 million D. 190 million E. 4.5 million
• A. 4.5 billion B. 3.8 billion C. 2.5 billion D. 570 million E. 190 million
• A 10 m.y. B. 38 m.y. C. 100 m.y. D. ~200 m.y. E. 3800 m.y.
• A. Crypotozoic B. Archean C. 3800 m.y. D. all of these E. none of these
• A. Mesozoic B. Jurassic C. ~200 m.y. D. all of these E. none of these
• The oldest seafloor in the Atlantic Ocean:
• A. is located in the south Atlantic Ocean (off eastern South America & southwest Africa).
• B. is about 135 my old. C. formed during the Early Cretaceous.
• D. all of these. E. none of these.
• How old is the oldest seafloor?
• A. ~10 m.y. B. ~100 m.y. C. ~200 m.y. D. ~500 m.y. E. ~3800 m.y.
• A. 8-10 m.y. B. 80-100 m.y. C. 180-200 m.y. D. 480-500 m.y. E. ~3800 m.y.
• How old is the oldest continental crust?
• A. ~10 m.y. B. ~100 m.y. C. ~200 m.y. D. ~500 m.y. E. ~3800 m.y.
• The oldest oceanic crust in the Atlantic Ocean (& also the Pacific Ocean) formed about ___________ million years ago, or in the ______________________ Period [Fill in one or the other].
• The oldest oceanic crust is about ______________ years old.
• The oldest seafloor in the Atlantic & Pacific Ocean is ___________ years old.
• Matching: Match the beginning of the continental separations listed on the left with the time periods listed on the right.
• Each item on the right may be used more than once.
• South America from Africa A. Middle Jurassic (190 million years ago)
• India from East Gondwana B. Late Jurassic (160 million years ago)
• Laurasia from Gondwana C. Early Cretaceous (135 million years ago)
• Greenland from North America D. Late Cretaceous (90 million years ago)
• East Gondwana from West Gondwana E. Cenozoic (55-60 million years ago)
• Matching: Match the beginning of the continental separations listed on the left with the time periods listed on the right.
• Each item on the right may be used more than once. You may use the maps at the front of the room.
• Africa from South America A. Middle Jurassic (190 million years ago)
• India/Madagascar from Australia/Antarctica B. Late Jurassic (165 million years ago)
• Laurasia from Gondwana C. Early Cretaceous (135 million years ago)
• Australia from Antarctica D. Late Cretaceous (90 million years ago)
• West Gondwana from East Gondwana E. Cenozoic (45 million years ago)

16

• Mesozoic climates were generally warm because there were no continents at the poles.
• Cretaceous climate is warm & wet because the continents are significantly dispersed & sea level is high due to fast seafloor spreading rates along the Mid-Ocean Ridge.
• The climate at the beginning of the Mesozoic was _________.
• A. warm B. cool C. dry D. both A & C E. both B & C
• Movement of the continents by plate tectonics & decreasing sea level resulting from decreased rates of seafloor spreading along the Mid-Ocean Ridge had no effect on Cenozoic climate.
• The temperature of bottom waters in the ocean changed from about 15°C during the Cretaceous & early Tertiary to -1°C at present.
• Antarctica became permanently ice-covered during the Cretaceous Period.
• Antarctica became permanently ice-covered during the Mesozoic Era.
• Significant glaciation of Antarctica began during the Late Eocene and Early Oligocene (~40 to 35 my ago).
• Greenland became permanently ice covered 15 my ago.
• Greenland (in the Northern Hemisphere) became permanently ice-covered during the _____________.
• A. Triassic (~225 my ago) B. Jurassic (~175 my ago) C. Cretaceous (~100 my ago)
• D. Eocene (~45 my ago) E. Late Pliocene (~2.4 my ago)
• Antarctica (in the Southern Hemisphere) became permanently ice-covered during the ___________.
• A. Triassic (~225 my ago) B. Jurassic (~175 my ago) C. Cretaceous (~100 my ago)
• D. Miocene (~15 my ago) E. Late Pleistocene (~25 ky ago)
• 3
• No widely accepted hypothesis as to the cause of the glacial to interglacial cycles during the Quaternary Period has been presented by climatologists.
• The glacial to interglacial fluctuations apparent during the last 2.4 my are apparently caused by variations in teh Earth's orbit that vary the amount of sunlight received at critical spots on the Earth's surface.
• The glacial to interglacial cycles of the Quaternary Period are due to small changes in the amount of sunlight the Earth receives that result from small changes in the characteristics of the Earth's orbit.
• The glacial to interglacial cycles of the Quaternary Period are caused by small changes in the rate of seafloor spreading along the Mid-Ocean Ridge.
• The CO2 content of air trapped in bubbles in Greenland and Antarctic ice cores is relatively high (~290 ppm) during glacial advances & relatively low (~200 ppm) during interglacials.
• The CO2 content of the atmosphere changed from ~79% during the last 2 glacial advances (~140 & 18 ky ago) to ~20% during the last 2 interglacials (~125 ky ago & the present prior to 1850).
• Which of the following is a true statement about the Earth's orbital characteristics?
• A. The eccentricity of the Earth's orbit varies with a frequency of 26,000 years.
• B. Precession of the rotational axis occurs with a frequency of 41,000 years.
• A. The eccentricity of the Earth's orbit varies with a frequency of 41,000 years.
• B. Precession of the rotational axis occurs with a frequency of 26,000 years.
• C. The tilt of the rotational axis changes from 32-34° with a frequency of 100,000 years.
• D. all of these. E. none of these.
• Quaternary glacial advances occur when:
• A. the axial tilt is large (24°), precession has the northern hemisphere summer occurring when the Earth is closest to the Sun, & eccentricity is minimum.
• B. the axial tilt is small (22°), precession has the northern hemisphere summer occurring when the Earth is farthest from the Sun, & eccentricity is maximum.
• C. the axial tilt is intermediate (23°), precession has the northern hemisphere summer occurring when the Earth is farthest from the Sun, & eccentricity is minimum.
• D. the axial tilt is large (24°), precession has the northern hemisphere winter occurring when the Earth is farthest from the Sun, & eccentricity is intermediate.
• E. none of these.
• The glacial to interglacial cycles of the Quaternary Period are due to ________________.
• A. large changes in the rate of seafloor spreading along the Mid-Ocean Ridge
• B. large changes in the amount of sunlight the Earth receives that result from small changes in the characteristics of the Earth's orbit
• C. small changes in the rate of seafloor spreading along the Mid-Ocean Ridge
• D. small changes in the amount of sunlight the Earth receives that result from small changes in the characteristics of the Earth's orbit
• E. no one knows why there have been glacial to interglacial cycles during the Quaternary Period
• The CO2 content of the atmosphere changed from _______ during the last 2 glacial advances (~140 & 18 ky ago) to _________ during the last 2 interglacials (~125 ky ago & the present prior to 1850).
• A. ~700 ppm, ~350 ppm B. ~290 ppm, ~200 ppm C. ~200 ppm, ~290 ppm D. ~79%, ~20 %
• E. ~20%, ~79%
• The concentration of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere during the last glacial episode was:
• A. 100 ppm. B. 200 ppm. C. 350 ppm. D. 600 ppm. E. 3000 ppm.
• The CO2 content of the atmosphere changed from _______ during the last glacial advance to _________ during the present interglacial prior to 1850.
• A. 700 ppm, 350 ppm B. 290 ppm, 200 ppm C. 200 ppm, 290 ppm D. 79%, 20 % E. 350 ppm, 200 ppm
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