2. How can a geologist identify a mineral using simple observations of physical properties?

a. color: just look at it, use color chart
b. lustre: how the surface shines
c. streak: color of powdered mineral
d. specific gravity: how much heavier than water
e. cleavage: how mineral breaks

3. How can a geologist identify a mineral using simple observations of physical properties?

A geologist can identify minerals by determining several physical properties and then, aided by a table of minerals and properties, using a process of elimination. Lustre (the quality of "shininess") can be used first to eliminate huge numbers of minerals. Cleavage (the geometry of how a mineral breaks) can be used to eliminate many more. In the same manner the geologist uses streak (color of powdered sample), hardness (ability to scratch other minerals), specific gravity (density relative to water) and other properties such as color, taste and so on.

4. With words and pictures explain the "rock cycle".

5. What would a geologist look for to distinguish an igneous (intrusive) contact from a sedimentary (depositional) one? Add details to each picture.

6. Use words and pictures to show how different lava types produce different kinds of volcanoes (consider both external form and activity).

7. Explain how a volcanic "caldara" is formed. Describe the common features of a [generic] caldara.

8. Explain (at least two reasons) why basalt dikes in New England usually "weather low" with respect to granite.

9. Describe what happens to these common minerals during chemical weathering: quartz, feldspar, pyroxene. No chemical formulae are needed!

10. Write a brief history of Durham based on this outcrop.

11. Illustrate and label the 3 main kinds of faults.

12. Explain why only small earthquakes occur on the mid-ocean ridges.