The examination questions will be in single answer, shortnote and essay format.

Essays must be answered using a coherent sentence structure, but may contain references to sections written in point format and to annotated illustrations.

To see an example of a previous examination click:

http://instruct.uwo.ca/earth-sci/200a-001/final97.htm

Students will be tested on their knowledge and understanding of:

 The common rock forming minerals.
Identification characteristics, end members, mineral formulae and plate tectonic association of the minerals: olivine; orthopyroxene; clinopyroxene; anorthite; albite; orthoclase; mica; amphiboles (glaucophane); epidote; garnet; serpentine; talc; kaolinite. The concept of solid solution and trace element compatibility.

 The classification (diagrams) and terminology (names!) of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; how to estimate possible protoliths of metamorphic rocks; the use of triangular diagrams.

Lithologic databases - Fieldlog the GSC Geologic database.
The organization of geologic information in ‘Fieldlog’ (tables, records, fields, search procedures, .DXF files, etc.) and the output of geologic maps in Corel Draw. You do not need need to know the detailed computer procedure, but you must display an understanding of the principles involved.

The history of Plate tectonics, including contribution of seismology and paleomagnetism.
The history of the paradigm shift from ‘Geosynclinal theory’ to ‘Plate Tectonics’, as illustrated by the Tethyan/Alpine-Himalayan and Iapetan/Appalachian systems; the nature and interpretation of ophiolites; the ‘bicouple’ model; geosynclines as foreland basins.

 The terminology of ‘Plate Tectonics’; models and case histories (examples) for the formation of rifts, ocean crust,  island arcs, marginal basins, obduction-foreland basins, and collision zones.

 Physical volcanism; classification of volcanic activity on land;  pyroclastic flows and surges.

Deformation structures/Polydeformed rocks.
The vocabulary of deformed rocks (penetrative v non-penetrative; brittle - ductile; mylonites; parasitic folding, etc, etc.); geometry and symmetry elements of deformed rocks (bedding cleavage relationships, parasitic folds; recognizing their polydeformational character; the deformation check sheet.

Structural Provinces.
The distribution, names, ages, and rock constitution of the Structural Provinces of Canada; suspect terranes; amalgamation and accretion.,

The Archean.
The special case of the Archean: characteristic and unique lithologies, geometry and organization of rock units; why different; the viability of Plate Tectonic processes during the Precambrian

 The Precambrian geology of Ontario: the Proterozoic.
 The contrast of the Lower Proterozic with the Archean;  the Southern Structural Province of the Canadian Shield; the multi-phase geological history of the Sudbury Region.

 Mineral deposits and plate tectonics.
The Earth System cycle, the fractionation mechanisms leading to the formation of, and the distribution pattern of economic mineral concentrations.

The Canadian Cordillera - the 'suspect' terranes of the Canadian Cordillera; the amalgamation and accretionary events that built the Canadian Cordillera