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Details about the final exam for a Geology 415 course at James Madison University, focusing on the geological evolution of North America. The exam consists of four parts, covering topics such as paleoclimatology, tectonic models, and the geological history of North America. Students are expected to provide well-organized presentations, including illustrations and maps, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
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Geology 415 - James Madison University Lynn S. Fichter
The final exam has four parts.
geologic history.
ophiolite suite, mountain building models, etc.) and associated rock types.
North America we covered.
Some of the questions are provided ahead of time to allow you to prepare. Others you will not know until you see them on the test. You should prepare for all questions, but will not know which questions to answer until at the time of the test.
Note 1: The subject areas in the questions are minimally stated. They do not present an exhaustive list of all the themes you should cover. You are expected to tender a well organized presentation that covers all the pertinent subject matter, including basic facts, theoretical models, cross sections, maps, diagrams; i.e. thorough and complete.
Note 2: Illustrations (maps, cross sections, stratigraphic sections, models, etc.) are essential for explaining and discussing most geologic subjects. All important illustrations and maps must be included and will be evaluated not only for their pertinence to the discussion but also for their neatness, thoroughness, and accuracy. For maps I will provide outline maps showing political boundaries as a base for drawing the geology.
We discussed three case studies of how the position of North America in the past, and the corresponding climatic patterns based on modern atmospheric circulation, can be used to...
These case studies were for the:
Part One A. Given a map for any one of these situations (the Devonian map may not be the one discussed in class, but an outline map) do the following.
circulation patterns including major high and low pressure regions directly resulting from the circulation.
place, in as much detail as you can, including any of the major climatic zones appropriate for the time and place. For this you must incorporate your geologic knowledge. For example tropical rain forests are not likely to be found in the Silurian since trees had not evolved yet.
the rock record which can be directly related to paleoclimatic and paleooceanographic conditions. These include, but not necessarily all, and not necessarily restricted to, the following.
e.g. deserts, narrow coastal regions of high rainfall, etc. In doing these reconstructions keep the paleogeology in mind. That is mountain ranges, inland seas, etc. are the ones known to have existed at the time of the map.
Part One B. Given a second map for one of the regions we discussed, do the same analysis and reconstruction, but under the following assumption.
Assumption : the earth is rotating the opposite direction that it is at present.
PART TWO Review of Tectonic Models We reviewed a series of tectonic models based on the Wilson Cycle. These models are the top-down framework on which all our interpretations are based. These models need to be firmly entrenched in our minds, and we need to be able to use them with fluidly and ease.
This portion of the test is computer graded with MarkSense cards. You will be given a series of tectonic diagrams, the same ones we studied in lecture, labeled with letters or numbers. Accompanying the diagram is a list of features - either tectonic features, or rock types - and you will be asked to match up the place on the diagram with the tectonic feature/rock. In other words, these are multiple choice questions.
time they appear in the record, that is, on the first appropriate map system, not before or after.
locations must be identified at their present locations on the map.
Part Three B: Writing History. Construct a quintessential sequential history of the Archean and Proterozoic geological evolution of the North American continent, in whole or part. To do this you may be given either or both of the following:
proper sequential order, grouping together those which occurred at the same time, or which represent similar events, and provide concise explanations of what tectonic events led to their existence.
and Proterozoic Crustal Evolution of North America.
outline form what is happening in the history Divide the history into steps or stages.
above, and identify the type(s) of deposit(s) they are, or the tectonic regime(s) it(they) represents.
PART FOUR Questions Based on Seminar Readings/ Class Discussions
Preparation
go, and drawing appropriate cross sections. Also study the maps and cross sections accompanying the text and be sure you can analyze and describe the historical geology they contain.
through.
small groups and talk about the interpretations. Clarify in your mind what you know, and what you are unsure of.
The seminar portion of the exam will consist of one or two questions drawn from the following types.
(B) And/Or, Draw One or More Cross Sections (as the passage dictates) that converts the description into interpretation.