Earth Science Basics
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Earth Science Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary study focus of geology?

  • Life forms in ocean ecosystems
  • Composition and processes of water
  • Structure and processes of Earth's crust (correct)
  • Atmospheric conditions and climate changes
  • Which of the following layers of Earth is liquid?

  • Inner Core
  • Crust
  • Mantle
  • Outer Core (correct)
  • What does the term 'continental drift' refer to?

  • Shifting of storms in the atmosphere
  • Formation of land through volcanic activity
  • Movement of ocean currents
  • Movement of continents over time (correct)
  • Which process involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles?

    <p>Weathering</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the area where tectonic plates meet?

    <p>Plate Boundary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which natural hazard is characterized by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust?

    <p>Earthquake</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is created during the process of seafloor spreading?

    <p>New oceanic crust</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is not a primary branch of Earth Science?

    <p>Pathology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Earth Science

    Branches of Earth Science

    • Geology: study of the Earth's physical structure, composition, and processes that shape it
    • Meteorology: study of the atmosphere, weather, and climate
    • Hydrology: study of water on Earth, including its distribution, circulation, and properties
    • Oceanography: study of the oceans, including their chemistry, physics, and biology

    Earth's Structure

    • Crust: outermost solid layer, varying in thickness from 5-70 km
    • Mantle: thick layer beneath the crust, divided into upper and lower mantle
    • Outer Core: liquid iron-nickel alloy, responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field
    • Inner Core: solid, iron-nickel alloy at the center of the Earth

    Plate Tectonics

    • Continental Drift: theory that continents move over time
    • Seafloor Spreading: process where new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges
    • Plate Boundaries: areas where plates meet, resulting in earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building
    • Types of Plate Boundaries:
      • Divergent: plates move apart
      • Convergent: plates move towards each other
      • Transform: plates slide past each other horizontally

    Earth's Processes

    • Weathering: breakdown of rocks into smaller particles due to wind, water, and ice
    • Erosion: transportation of weathered particles away from their source
    • Deposition: settling of eroded particles in a new location
    • Rock Cycle: continuous process of rock formation, transformation, and destruction

    Natural Hazards

    • Earthquakes: sudden releases of energy in the Earth's crust, causing seismic waves
    • Volcanic Eruptions: release of magma and gases from the Earth's interior
    • Hurricanes: intense tropical cyclones with strong winds and heavy rainfall
    • Tsunamis: large ocean waves caused by earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions

    Branches of Earth Science

    • Geology: Examines Earth's physical structure, composition, and dynamic processes shaping it.
    • Meteorology: Investigates atmospheric phenomena, including weather patterns and climate trends.
    • Hydrology: Focuses on water resources, analyzing distribution, circulation, and properties across the planet.
    • Oceanography: Explores oceans, addressing their chemical, physical, and biological characteristics.

    Earth's Structure

    • Crust: The Earth's outer layer; thickness varies from 5 km to 70 km, comprising continental and oceanic crust.
    • Mantle: A thick layer beneath the crust, divided into upper and lower sections, influencing tectonic activity.
    • Outer Core: Composed of liquid iron-nickel alloy; key player in generating Earth's magnetic field through convection currents.
    • Inner Core: Solid inner region made up of iron-nickel alloy, with extremely high temperatures and pressures.

    Plate Tectonics

    • Continental Drift: Proposes that continents shift positions over geological time due to plate movements.
    • Seafloor Spreading: New oceanic crust formation occurs at mid-ocean ridges, driving the movement of tectonic plates.
    • Plate Boundaries: Interactions at plate edges can lead to geological events such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain formation.
    • Types of Plate Boundaries:
      • Divergent Boundaries: Plates separate, creating new crust.
      • Convergent Boundaries: Plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain uplift.
      • Transform Boundaries: Plates slide past one another horizontally, often resulting in earthquakes.

    Earth's Processes

    • Weathering: The natural process of breaking down rocks into smaller particles through elements like wind, water, and ice.
    • Erosion: The movement of weathered materials away from their original location, greatly influenced by natural forces.
    • Deposition: Occurs when eroded particles settle in new locations, forming sedimentary layers or features.
    • Rock Cycle: A continuous cycle involving the formation, transformation, and destruction of rocks through various geological processes.

    Natural Hazards

    • Earthquakes: Result from the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, producing seismic waves that can cause significant damage.
    • Volcanic Eruptions: Occur when magma and gases escape from the Earth's interior, leading to lava flows, ash clouds, and pyroclastic flows.
    • Hurricanes: Powerful tropical storms characterized by high winds and heavy rainfall, formed over warm ocean waters.
    • Tsunamis: Large sea waves generated by underwater disturbances such as earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions, capable of causing widespread destruction.

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