DETAILED OUTLINE
OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR EXAMS

  • MINERALS
    • How to determine properties of minerals
    • Identification of unknowns using Mineral Identification Charts
    • Theory as discussed in Lou-Lulu dialogs and other information sources.
    • Answers to Journal entry questions.

  • MAPS
    • Mastering map reading skills is required. You should be able to answer questions about maps similar to those asked in the 'on-line' quizzes and in your assignments. Here is what you are required to know about maps:
      • The general uses of maps.
      • How to determine horizontal distance between points on a map.
      • How to determine the direction from one point to another on a map.
      • How to locate a point using latitude and longitude.
      • How to visualize a three-dimensional surface from a looking at a contour map.
      • How to match up landform descriptions with contour representations of landforms.
      • How to write brief descriptions of landforms.
      • How to judge steepness and determine average gradient.
      • How to label contours.
      • How to determine the elevation of any point on a contour map.
      • The topography (landforms) of the NYC region.
      • The place names of the NYC region.
      • How to read and construct geologic maps
      • Information provided on 'rollovers'.

  • THE LANDFORMS OF THE NYC REGION
    • Here is what you need to know or be able to do:
      • Acquire, organize and manipulate geologic data.
      • The distribution and character of the geologic materials of the NYC region and how they are related to the NYC landforms.
      • Information provided on 'rollovers'.
      • Answers to Journal entry questions.
      • Discuss and evaluate and compare geologic hypotheses as to the origin of landforms of the NYC region.
      • Propose and test hypotheses in geology.

  • THE GEOLOGISTS' WORLD
    • Here is what you need to know or be able to do:
      • The Glacial Theory.
      • Discuss the nature and meaning of 'proof' in geology.
  • THE FOURTH DIMENSION
    • Here is what you need to know or be able to do:
      • How igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks form.
      • How the origin of a particular rock may be determined.
        • The role of mineralogy.
        • The role of texture.
        • The role of structure.
        • The role of field relationships
      • How relative age may be determined.
        • Using the Law of Superposition.
        • Using the Law of Original Horizontality.
        • Using the Law of Lateral Continuity.
        • Using the Law of Cross-Cutting Relationships.
        • Using the Law of Inclusions.
        • Using the Law of Biotal Succession.
        • Using correlation and the 'bracketing' technique.
      • How absolute age may be determined.
        • Using the 'counting' method.
        • Using 'pattern matching'.
        • Using radiometric techniques.
      • How these techniques may be used to unfold the history of the earth.
        • Be able to 'take apart' a geologic cross-section and determine the sequence of events that led to its formation.
        • Be able to 'take apart' a geologic cross-section and determine the relative and absolute ages of all rocks and structures present.
      • Understand the major assumptions underlying and uncertainties inherent in attempts to decipher earth history.
        • The Doctrine of Unformitarianism.
        • The 'gap effect'.
        • The nature of the fossil record
      • In general, be able to distinguish between assumptions, observations, hypotheses, and tests of hypotheses.
      • Understand the role of the 'black box' and the nature of 'proof' in geology.

  • THE DROWNING OF NEW YORK
    • Here is what you need to know or be able to do:
      • Understand arguments made about hazards posed by storm surge, sea level changes, and global climate changes.
      • Be able to read and interpret recurrence interval graphs.
      • Evaluate the reliability of claims made by organizations that discuss environmental issues.
      • Discuss the importance, to scientists and non-scientists alike, of being able to evaluate claims about the effects of the natural environment upon human life.
  • © 2004, David J. Leveson