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Questions and Answers
Geology is defined as the study of earth and neighboring planets.
Geology is defined as the study of earth and neighboring planets.
False (B)
Selenology is the study of weather, high sky, and climate.
Selenology is the study of weather, high sky, and climate.
False (B)
Astronomy is the branch of Earth science focused on the study of the universe.
Astronomy is the branch of Earth science focused on the study of the universe.
True (A)
Speleology is the study of the oceans.
Speleology is the study of the oceans.
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The word root 'geo' means planet.
The word root 'geo' means planet.
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Holistic learning involves breaking concepts into smaller sections for better understanding.
Holistic learning involves breaking concepts into smaller sections for better understanding.
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An independent variable is the factor that is measured in an experiment.
An independent variable is the factor that is measured in an experiment.
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The International System of Units (SI) is based on a factor of 10 or a decimalized system.
The International System of Units (SI) is based on a factor of 10 or a decimalized system.
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Flow charts are used to compare non-numerical data and show relationships between concepts.
Flow charts are used to compare non-numerical data and show relationships between concepts.
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Eons are divided into periods which are further divided into epochs in the geologic time scale.
Eons are divided into periods which are further divided into epochs in the geologic time scale.
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The Principle of Superposition states that lower rock layers are younger than higher ones.
The Principle of Superposition states that lower rock layers are younger than higher ones.
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Radiometric dating uses the decay rate of radioactive isotopes found within rocks to determine their age.
Radiometric dating uses the decay rate of radioactive isotopes found within rocks to determine their age.
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Georges Cuvier popularized the theory of uniformitarianism in geology.
Georges Cuvier popularized the theory of uniformitarianism in geology.
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The Mesozoic Era is known as the age of mammals.
The Mesozoic Era is known as the age of mammals.
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Relative dating establishes approximate ages of rocks based on their position relative to other rocks.
Relative dating establishes approximate ages of rocks based on their position relative to other rocks.
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The Principle of Original Horizontality applies to all types of rocks.
The Principle of Original Horizontality applies to all types of rocks.
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Unconformities in rock layers can complicate the process of relative dating.
Unconformities in rock layers can complicate the process of relative dating.
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Radiometric dating and absolute dating refer to the same methodology.
Radiometric dating and absolute dating refer to the same methodology.
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Charles Lyell's work primarily supports the idea of catastrophism.
Charles Lyell's work primarily supports the idea of catastrophism.
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Planets with fewer impact craters are considered older than those with more craters.
Planets with fewer impact craters are considered older than those with more craters.
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Flashcards
Earth Science
Earth Science
The study of Earth and neighboring planets, including processes and historical events.
Geology
Geology
The branch of Earth science that studies the Earth’s structure, formation, and processes.
Meteorology
Meteorology
The study of weather, climate, and atmospheric phenomena.
Oceanography
Oceanography
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Word Parts
Word Parts
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Scientific Method
Scientific Method
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Dependent Variable
Dependent Variable
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Hypothesis
Hypothesis
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Eons
Eons
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Empirical Data
Empirical Data
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Relative Age Dating
Relative Age Dating
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Absolute Age Dating
Absolute Age Dating
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Law of Superposition
Law of Superposition
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Principle of Original Horizontality
Principle of Original Horizontality
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Stratigraphic Succession
Stratigraphic Succession
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Catastrophism
Catastrophism
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Uniformitarianism
Uniformitarianism
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Unconformity
Unconformity
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Radioactive Decay
Radioactive Decay
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Fossil Succession
Fossil Succession
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Study Notes
Branches of Earth Science
- Earth science studies Earth and neighboring planets, including their formation and historical processes.
- Four main branches:
- Geology: The study of Earth, divided into physical and historical geology.
- Physical geology examines Earth's structure, form, and components.
- Historical geology studies Earth's formation, life, and past events.
- Specialized fields within geology include seismology (earthquakes) and volcanology (volcanoes).
- Meteorology: Study of weather patterns, the atmosphere, and climate.
- Oceanography: The study of the oceans, including tides, waves, and ocean processes, and their role in climate change.
- Astronomy: The study of the universe, including planets and stars.
- Geology: The study of Earth, divided into physical and historical geology.
Scientific Vocabulary
- Scientific terms often use Greek and Latin roots.
- Greek roots are common because early scientists were frequently Greek.
- Latin is frequently used in naming organisms due to its widespread use.
- Word parts (prefixes, roots, suffixes) help understand complex terms.
- The root is the base word, prefixes come before, and suffixes come after.
Learning Styles and Approaches
- Different learning styles exist, including auditory, visual, and hands-on learning.
- Some learning strategies include holistic learning (building upon previous knowledge) and analytic learning (breaking down concepts).
Scientific Method
- Scientists use a series of steps called the scientific method to answer questions about the world.
- Steps vary based on the experiment and field of study.
- Essential steps of the scientific method include:
- Asking a question
- Conducting background research.
- Forming a hypothesis (a potential answer).
- Conducting an experiment (a test to gather data).
- Analyzing data.
- Drawing a conclusion (supporting or rejecting the hypothesis).
- Independent and dependent variables are key parts of an experiment (the variable being tested and the variable being measured, respectively).
- Significance and peer review help ensure validity.
- Experiments can yield hypotheses accepted for a wide range of observations which become theories.
- Biases can affect validity.
Experimental Design
- Experimental design is a crucial process in the scientific community for gathering data.
- Starts with an observation leading to a question and informed hypothesis.
- Steps in experimental design:
- Defining variables
- Formulating hypotheses.
- Designing the experiment.
- Assigning subjects.
- Measuring the dependent variable.
International System of Units (SI)
- The SI, or metric system, is the standard system of measurement, based on factors of ten.
- Prefixes are used to represent large or small quantities.
- Key SI units include:
- Meter (length)
- Kilogram (mass)
- Meter cubed (volume).
- Kilograms per meters cubed (density)
- Kelvin (temperature)
Data Display and Analysis
- Scientists use various methods to display data, including graphs and charts.
- Common graph types include:
- Line graphs (comparing small changes over time or numerical data).
- Independent variable on x-axis (horizontal)
- Dependent variable on y-axis (vertical).
- Bar charts (comparing larger changes or differences among groups or numerical / categorical data).
- Pie charts (comparing percentages or numerical/categorical data).
- Flow charts (showing relationships, steps, or non-numerical data).
- Line graphs (comparing small changes over time or numerical data).
Geologic Time Scale
- Earth is 4.6 billion years old.
- The geologic time scale organizes Earth's history into eons (largest), eras, periods, and epochs.
- The Precambrian, Phanerozoic Eon are important divisions.
- Stratigraphy studies rock layers (strata) to understand Earth's history.
- Relative age dating uses fossils and rock layer positions.
- Absolute age dating uses radiometric dating to calculate actual ages.
- Major eras and their significance highlighted.
Catastrophism and Uniformitarianism
- Catastrophism: sudden, global events shape Earth's surface.
- Uniformitarianism: gradual, observable processes over long periods shape Earth's surface.
Dating Methods
- Scientists use both relative and numerical (radiometric) dating to determine the ages of rocks and fossils.
- Relative dating establishes relative ages (e.g., older vs. younger).
- Numerical dating uses radioactive decay to determine precise ages.
- Principles of relative dating (superposition, original horizontality, etc) explained.
- Unconformities (disconformity, nonconformity, angular unconformity) are disruptions in rock layers, affecting relative dating.
Radiometric Dating
- Radiometric dating (radioactive dating) uses radioactive isotopes to date rocks.
- Radioactive decay: unstable isotopes lose energy and transform into other isotopes.
- Parent and daughter isotopes are involved in radioactive decay
- Different types of radioactive decays depending on the instability like alpha, beta, and gamma decays .
- Half-life: time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.
- Various dating methods (e.g., uranium-lead, potassium-argon, rubidium-strontium).
Fossil Preservation
- Fossils are the remains of once-living organisms.
- Factors affecting fossil preservation:
- Rapid burial
- Hard parts (bones, shells)
- Environmental conditions (cold, dry)
- Larger animals with hard parts are more likely to fossilize.
Index Fossils and Relative Dating
- Index fossils are useful for determining relative ages of rock layers.
- They lived for a short period and widespread.
- Principle of fossil succession: specific fossils indicate specific geologic time periods.
- Principle of superposition: older layers are below younger layers.
Periodic Table
- The periodic table organizes elements based on their properties and atomic structure.
- Arrangement by number of protons (atomic number).
- Key figures in the development of the periodic table highlighted.
- Elements broadly classified as metal, nonmetal, and metalloid.
- Trends identified in the table (atomic radius, electronegativity).
Elements and Atoms
- Elements, pure substances made of one type of atom, make up all matter.
- Atoms form elements and molecules.
- Periodic table organizes all the known elements according to their atomic number.
Molecules and Mixtures
- Molecules are groups of atoms chemically bonded together.
- Bonds can be ionic or covalent.
- Pure substances contain one type of compound or element.
- Mixtures contain two or more compounds or elements that are not chemically bonded.
States of Matter
- States of matter include solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
- Characteristic properties of each state (energy, density, shape, volume).
- Phase transitions (melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation).
Phase Changes
- Phase changes occur due to changes in energy or pressure.
- Key processes: evaporation, condensation, sublimation, deposition, freezing, melting.
- Supercritical fluids and triple points explained.
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Description
Explore the fundamental branches of Earth science, including geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. This quiz will test your knowledge of Earth's processes, climatic systems, and the universe. Understand how these branches interconnect and their significance in scientific studies.
