Mid-Term Reflective Questions
Science
Instructions
Format
The style of these questions follows that of the short essay questions within the reflective questions for each of the modules, with the addition of questions that require an explanation of the differences and/or similarities between specific terms used to define and describe aspects of feature, phenomena, or processes discussed and described within course topics.
Your answers should be clear and succinct, amounting to perhaps 2-4 sentences totaling 30 to 50 words; longer essays are strongly discouraged. It is recommended that you prepare your answers in a separate document from which you copy them into Canvas.
Question 1: Explain the differences and/or similarities between Normal and Reverse magnetic polarity.
A strong answer will describe the two terms and explain their relationship within the context of changes in Earth’s magnetic field and its significance in the rock record, especially ocean crust.
Question 2: Explain the differences and/or similarities between Primary and Secondaryseismic waves.
A strong answer will describe the two terms and explain their relationship to earthquakes, the difference in their properties and the evidence they provide of Earth’s interior structure.
Question 3: How are sites of terrigenous sedimentation affected by changes in sea level?
A strong answer will describe the magnitude of sea level change experienced during ice ages and its effect on the transport and deposition of sediment materials from land to the ocean, with reference to specific parts of the continental margin.
Question 4: Explain the differences and/or similarities between Latent and Sensible heat.
A strong answer will describe the two terms and explain their relationship to the bonding with and between water molecules and the energy differences associated with changes in the physical state of water (i.e. ice to water to water vapor).
Question 5: What is an O2 minimum zone and where and why do such zones occur?
A strong answer will describe the variations in O2 concentrations with depth for ocean regions that exhibit an O2 minimum zone and explain the oceanic conditions, especially the role of biological processes like photosynthesis and respiration, that lower O2 concentrations in seawater.
Question 6: Bonus Question (2 bonus points)
What is the global conveyor and how does it help explain the characteristics of deep ocean circulation, and controls on its flow paths?
A strong answer will describe the processes involved in deep water formation and how the global conveyor connects the circulation of ocean waters at depth to bathymetric controls and related patterns of associated surface flow.
