GEOLOGY 220, FALL 2010 FINAL EXAM PREPARATION

The final exam covers material from the entire semester and tests how well you understand the main concepts of oceanography. It is important that you review the terminology and concepts we have covered throughout the semester. Be sure to look for ideas that have emerged several times during the semester as these are clearly very important. Short answer questions will be much broader than they have been on individual tests and may have multiple correct ways to answer them. Just be sure you answer the question that is asked! The format of the test will be very similar to all other tests during the semester. However, this test will be longer than others, but not double or triple the length.

Remember that if you do better on this final than other tests during the semester, I will automatically drop the low score and substitute the score you received on the final. I will only substitute in this way if it helps your grade. So for some students the final will count twice while for other the final will count only once.

It is not necessary to prepare a separate “review” sheet for the final exam. Simply use the topic outlines that you have been using throughout the semester.

Is there anything that will not be on the final? Yes. You will not be asked to identify the location of specific surface ocean currents.

Overview of semester (very condensed):

· Brief history of oceanography

· What the ocean floor looks like, including the influence of plate tectonics and marine sediments

· Basic characteristics of ocean water itself

· Movement of ocean water including how winds influence currents and waves, surface and deep ocean

currents, waves, and tides

· Coastlines including beaches, marshes, estuaries, and the influence of humans along the coast

· Basics of life in the ocean including basic groups of organisms and general areas where they live in the ocean

Using tests to review for the final exam:

Some of you may wish to review using your own tests from the semester. Material from these tests will appear on the exam, but the questions will not be the same. Tests will be available for use in room 202 Sims during the following times. Feel free to take any notes you would like, but you may not remove the tests from that room. I will be available in the room to answer any questions you may have and to assist you in any way I can.

LOCATION: 202 Sims

Days and times:

Tuesday, December 7 1:30-4 pm

Wednesday, December 8 1-4 pm

Thursday, December 9 1-4 pm

If these times do not work with your schedule, let me know and we can try to arrange something else.

FINAL EXAM: 11:30 am ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10