Cryosphere and Hydrosphere Interactions

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Questions and Answers

What is the specific gravity of galena?

2.61

19.2

2.7

7 (correct)

Which mineral exhibits salty taste characteristics?

Calcite

Halite (correct)

Magnetite

Sylvite

What is the basic building block for silicate minerals?

Si-O tetrahedron (correct)

Si-Al framework

Si-Fe cluster

O-Si tetrahedron

Which property can be used to identify minerals in the field or lab?

Color Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of magnetite?

It is magnetic. Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral group comprises 90% of the Earth's crust?

Silicates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following minerals is known to react with acid?

Calcite Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant property that affects the identification of minerals due to small impurities?

Color Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant source of freshwater in the cryosphere?

Melting snow Signup and view all the answers

How does increased snow and ice melting affect the Earth’s surface temperature?

It warms the surface by absorbing more energy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following interactions occurs in the biosphere?

Absorbing CO2 and generating O2 Signup and view all the answers

What role do microorganisms play in atmospheric composition?

They consume carbon dioxide and methane. Signup and view all the answers

What comprises the hydrosphere?

All liquid water, including lakes and groundwater Signup and view all the answers

What effect do upwelling ocean currents have on bioproductivity?

They create enhanced bioproductivity. Signup and view all the answers

Which sphere is characterized by layers of mixtures of gases?

Atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

How does the lithosphere influence the Earth system?

It affects surface weathering and nutrient distribution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component that forms carbonates?

Carbonate ions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an oxide?

Hematite Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is a common carbonate found in nature?

Calcite Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines native elements among rock-forming minerals?

Consist of single elements in their natural form Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about oxides is true?

Oxides are a source of metals for industries Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is represented by the formula CaSO4·2H2O?

Gypsum Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feature of silicates?

Bonding of silicon and oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a sulfate mineral?

Gypsum Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used by geologists to reconstruct Earth's geologic history?

Studying the rock record Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of ages that geologists determine within the rock record?

Relative and absolute ages Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT play a role in relative dating?

Absolute dating techniques Signup and view all the answers

Why can the study of depleted aquifers become politically complex?

It can involve state-level governance and resources Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors is NOT part of the rock record used to reconstruct geologic history?

Meteorological data Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the article about groundwater mentioned?

Political issues related to freshwater Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the relative age of geological events?

Position of rock layers Signup and view all the answers

Relative dating relies primarily on which of the following?

Fossil correlation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks?

Extrusive rocks form above the Earth’s surface, while intrusive rocks form beneath it. Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a large intrusive igneous body typically greater than 100 km²?

Batholith Signup and view all the answers

How do dikes form within pre-existing rock layers?

By the injection of magma into fractures. Signup and view all the answers

What factor does NOT contribute to the classification of igneous rocks?

Age of the rock Signup and view all the answers

What defines a pluton in geology?

An intrusive body of variable shape and size. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic would NOT typically be found in igneous rocks formed extrusively?

Large crystals due to slow cooling Signup and view all the answers

What feature is associated with the formation of dikes?

Fractures in pre-existing rock layers Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about intrusions is false?

A batholith is smaller than a pluton. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cryosphere Interactions

Seasonal water exchange occurs between cryosphere and hydrosphere.
Melting snow serves as a crucial source of freshwater annually.
Snowfall comprises about 27% of total precipitation in areas like Saskatoon.
Positive feedback mechanisms intensify changes in the Earth system, leading to more energy absorption at Earth's surface due to reduced ice and snow cover.

Biosphere Interactions

Plants regulate the atmosphere by absorbing solar radiation, releasing heat, and transpiring water vapor.
Photosynthesis involves CO2 absorption and O2 generation.
Microorganisms play a role in atmospheric composition by producing or consuming CO2 and methane (CH4).
Nutrient upwelling in ocean currents enhances bioproductivity, feeding plankton with dissolved nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous.

Earth System Composition

The Earth system includes five spheres: lithosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
The atmosphere consists of layers of gas mixtures.
The hydrosphere encompasses all liquid water, heavily influenced by ocean circulation.
The cryosphere comprises snow and ice, essential for albedo effects.
The biosphere includes all living organisms, impacting water, CO2, and other compounds.

Mineral Classes

Mineral classification includes silicates, carbonates, oxides, sulfides, sulfates, halides, and native elements.
Silicates make up 90% of the Earth's crust; basic building block is the Si-O tetrahedron.
Common carbonates include calcite (CaCO3) and dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2).
Oxides, such as hematite (Fe2O3), are critical sources of metals used in industries.

Mineral Properties

A mineral is defined as a naturally occurring, inorganic, crystalline solid, often composed of multiple elements.
Physical properties useful for mineral identification include color, cleavage, luster, streak, specific gravity, and crystal form.
Magnetism is notable in minerals like magnetite (Fe3O4), while carbonates can react with acids.

Igneous Rock Formation

Igneous rocks originate from the cooling of molten rock (magma), classified as either extrusive (formed at the surface) or intrusive (solidified beneath the surface).
Common intrusions include plutons (generic term for intrusive bodies) and batholiths (massive intrusions larger than 100 km²).

Igneous Rock Classification

Classification is based on origin (intrusive or extrusive), composition (mineralogy and proportions), and texture (size and distribution of minerals).

Geologic History Reconstruction

Geologists analyze the rock record, including fossils, rock layers, structures, and chemistry, to reconstruct Earth's history.
Relative dating helps establish the chronological sequence of geological events, while absolute dating provides specific ages.

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Description

Explore the interactions between the cryosphere and hydrosphere, focusing on seasonal exchanges of water and the role of melting snow in freshwater availability. Learn about the impacts of snowfall on precipitation levels and the feedback mechanisms that influence Earth systems.