Define the concept of TIME in geology

Describe the scientific method as geologists apply it to the study of the Earth
Describe the Principle of Uniformitarianism
Explain the basics of the Theory of Plate Tectonics
Define the three forms of energy
Explain how the transfer of heat energy works to explain the driving force behind plate tectonics
Define what a mineral is
Describe the relationship of elements, compounds, minerals and bond types
List six of the characteristics used to distinguish between minerals and give one prime example of
mineral distinguished by each characteristic
Describe how diamonds are formed and the things to look for in acquiring a diamond.
Understand the definitions of rock and minerals
Describe the three basic processes of rock formation and the interrelationships of rock types
Explain the conditions under which rocks melt into magma and the relationship of those conditions to
plate tectonics
Describe the processes that produce the three major types of magma and the resulting differences in
the nature of the eruptions and intrusions that take place
Relate the magma types to the range of minerals produced.
Recognize the various types of the igneous structures and the resulting landforms and mineral/rock
textures
Recognize the connection between igneous processes and the creation of valuable mineral ores like
gold, silver, copper, iron, platinum, etc. Describe the two types of rock weathering and the
resulting sediment types
Describe the processes that lithify sediments into sedimentary rocks
Classify the major clastic and chemical/biogenic rock types by composition and texture
Describe the connection between depositional environment and the type of sedimentary rock that can
develop there.
Define the connections between sedimentary formations and fossil fuels
Explain the distinctive characteristics of metamorphic rock
List what the major sedimentary rocks become under metamorphic processes
Describe the three metamorphic processes and where metamorphic rocks form
Describe the potential significance of the discovery in 1977 of Black Smokers
Explain the principles of:
Original Horizontality
Superposition
Cross cutting relationships
Inclusions
Lateral continuity
Use these to relatively date rock strata
Define angular unconformities, disconformities, and nonconformities and what they represent
Explain the methods used to absolutely date rocks. Explain how scientists use earthquake energy to
learn about the interior of the earth.
Describe the characteristics of the five major layers of the Earths interior.
Explain the origins of the heat that keeps the Earth warm.
Describe why a heat generating Earth is different from a cold planet