1. Density and density stratification
  2. Internal structure of the Earth (physical and chemical properties of each layer, and a description
      of the sequence in which these layers occur)
  3. Isostatic equilibrium and the difference between continental and oceanic crust
  4. Plate tectonics - what are lithospheric plates?  why do plates move?  what happens at each of
      the types of plate boundaries discussed in class? what features on Earth (e.g., volcanoes,
      mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys, etc.) are found at each type of plate boundary?
  5. Relationships between plate boundaries and earthquakes
  6. Links between sediments and climate
  7. Hot spots - how do hot spots form volcanic island chains?  how can these chains be used to
      measure the speed and direction of plate motion?
  8. What is the Wilson Cycle? Describe its components?
  9. Structure and polarity of the water molecule and the unusual properties of water
10. Sea "salt" - where does it come from?  where does it go?
11. Oil pollution - where does it come from?  where does it go?
12. What determines the ecological impact of an oil spill?
13. Biological amplification ("bioamplification") of (some) pollutants - why does this happen
      and why is it a concern to humans?
14. Vertical motion of air - changes in temperature, humidity, and the expansion or contraction
      of air parcels as they rise or fall
15. Comparison of atmospheric circulation on a rotating and nonrotating Earth
16. The global atmospheric circulation - circulation cells and surface winds
17. Differences between the wind-driven and density-driven circulation
18. Boundary currents in subtropical gyres
19. How do temperature and salinity influence the density of seawater?
20. Formation of intermediate and bottom water and how this contributes to density-driven circulation
21. Waves - deep vs. shallow water, classification by disturbing and restoring forces
22. Constructive and destructive interference (applies to both waves and tides)
23. Tide-generating forces (inertia and gravity) and how they generate tidal bulges
24. Spring and neap tides
25. Causes and effects of alongshore sediment drift
26. Shoreline stabilization strategies to minimize coastal erosion
27. The theory of evolution via natural selection
28. Absorption of light by seawater and the effect of this on the distribution of marine
      plants and animals
29. The importance of floatation and strategies used by marine plants and animals to
      enhance floatation
30. How do marine plants differ from land plants and why are the differences so great?
31. Comparison of invertebrate body plans - sponges, cnidarians, worms, mollusks,
      arthropods, echinoderms
32. What adaptations have allowed some ancient vertebrates to survive in the modern ocean?
33. Describe some adaptations employed by marine mammals which allow them to live in the sea.

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