Earth Science Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of the Earth?

Meteorology

Geology (correct)

Astronomy

Oceanography

Which option describes oceanography?

Study of the atmosphere

Study of the universe

Study of Earth and its neighbors in space

Study of the oceans and oceanic phenomena (correct)

What does meteorology study?

Oceans

Planets

Atmosphere and weather (correct)

Solid Earth

What is astronomy?

The study of the universe Signup and view all the answers

Define hydrosphere.

The watery areas of the Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water Signup and view all the answers

What is the atmosphere?

The mixture of gases that surrounds Earth Signup and view all the answers

What is the geosphere?

The solid part of the Earth consisting of the crust and outer mantle Signup and view all the answers

What does the biosphere refer to?

The entire portion of Earth inhabited by life Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Earth's crust.

The thin and solid outermost layer of the Earth above the mantle Signup and view all the answers

What is the mantle of the Earth?

The layer of hot, solid material between Earth's crust and core Signup and view all the answers

What does the core of the Earth consist of?

The dense metallic center of Earth Signup and view all the answers

Define hypothesis.

An explanation that is based on prior scientific research or observations and that can be tested Signup and view all the answers

What is a theory in scientific terms?

A well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations Signup and view all the answers

What is Earth Science?

The group of sciences that deals with Earth and its neighbors in space Signup and view all the answers

Define a system.

Any size group of interacting parts that form a complex whole Signup and view all the answers

What does 'geo-' relate to?

Relating to the Earth Signup and view all the answers

What does 'astro-' refer to?

Relating to the planets and stars or space Signup and view all the answers

What does 'hydro-' mean?

Relating to water Signup and view all the answers

What does '-ology' signify?

A branch of knowledge, science Signup and view all the answers

What is '-ography'?

A subject of study or interest, mapping Signup and view all the answers

What does '-nomy' refer to?

A specified area of knowledge or the laws governing it Signup and view all the answers

What is an open system?

A system in which matter can enter from or escape to the surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What is a closed system?

A system in which no matter is allowed to enter or leave Signup and view all the answers

What is a scientific law?

A statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions Signup and view all the answers

What does 'bio-' stand for?

Life, living Signup and view all the answers

What is biotic?

Living Signup and view all the answers

What is abiotic?

Non-living Signup and view all the answers

What is the Nebular Theory?

A model for the origin of the solar system that supposes a rotating nebula of dust and gases that contracted to form the Sun and planets Signup and view all the answers

What is latitude?

Distance north or south of the equator Signup and view all the answers

Define longitude.

Distance east or west of the prime meridian, measured in degrees Signup and view all the answers

What is the Prime Meridian?

0 degrees longitude Signup and view all the answers

What is the Equator?

0 degrees latitude Signup and view all the answers

What is a topographic map?

A map that shows the surface features of an area Signup and view all the answers

What is a contour line?

A line on a topographic map that connects points of equal elevation Signup and view all the answers

Define contour interval.

The difference in elevation from one contour line to the next Signup and view all the answers

What is a geologic map?

A map showing the distribution of rock units and structures across a region Signup and view all the answers

What is scientific inquiry?

The diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on evidence they gather Signup and view all the answers

What is the scientific method?

A logical, systematic approach to the solution of a scientific problem Signup and view all the answers

What are the sources of energy for Earth?

Sun and Earth's interior Signup and view all the answers

What are renewable resources?

Any natural resource that can replenish itself in a relatively short period of time Signup and view all the answers

What is a nonrenewable resource?

A natural resource that is not replaced in a useful time frame Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated human population of Earth?

8 Billion Signup and view all the answers

List some significant threats to the environment from humans.

Air pollution, acid rain, ozone depletion, and global warming Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth Science Overview

Geology: Study of Earth's origin, history, and structure.
Oceanography: Focus on oceans and oceanic phenomena.
Meteorology: Examines the atmosphere, weather, and climate.
Astronomy: Investigates the universe at large.

Earth Components

Hydrosphere: Comprises Earth's water bodies, including oceans, lakes, and rivers.
Atmosphere: A mixture of gases enveloping Earth.
Geosphere: Solid Earth, including crust and outer mantle.
Biosphere: Total area of Earth that hosts life, encompassing all ecosystems.

Earth's Structure

Crust: Thin, solid outer layer above the mantle.
Mantle: Layer of hot, solid material between crust and core.
Core: Dense, metallic center of the Earth.

Scientific Concepts

Hypothesis: Testable explanations derived from prior research.
Theory: Well-supported concepts explaining diverse observations.
Earth Science: Encompasses various sciences related to Earth and its cosmic neighborhood.

Systems and Terminology

System: An interacting group of parts forming a cohesive whole.
Geo-: Prefix denoting relation to Earth.
Astro-: Prefix indicating relation to space or celestial bodies.
Hydro-: Prefix meaning related to water.
-ology: Suffix for branches of knowledge or science.
-ography: Suffix denoting a subject of study or mapping.
-nomy: Refers to a specified area of knowledge or governing laws.

System Types

Open System: Matter can enter or exit the system.
Closed System: Matter remains confined within the system.

Scientific Principles

Scientific Law: Predictable statements about expected outcomes under defined conditions.

Ecology and Energy

Bio-: Pertains to life; biotic refers to living entities, while abiotic describes non-living components.
Nebular Theory: Explains solar system origins through a rotating nebula of gases and dust.
Energy Sources: Sun and Earth's interior are primary energy sources for the planet.

Geographic and Mapping Concepts

Latitude: Measurement of distance north or south of the equator.
Longitude: Measurement of distance east or west from the Prime Meridian.
Prime Meridian: Reference line for 0 degrees longitude.
Equator: Reference line for 0 degrees latitude.
Topographic Map: Displays surface features and elevation changes.
Contour Line: Connects points of equal elevation on a topographic map.
Contour Interval: Elevation difference between contour lines.
Geologic Map: Shows distribution of rock units and structures across a region.

Scientific Methodology

Scientific Inquiry: Varied approaches for investigating the natural world and formulating evidence-based explanations.
Scientific Method: Systematic approaches to solving scientific problems.

Natural Resources

Renewable Resources: Natural resources that can replenish within a human lifespan.
Nonrenewable Resource: Resources with no replacement in a useful timescale.

Environmental Concerns

Human Population: Approximately 8 billion on Earth.
Environmental Threats: Major issues include air pollution, acid rain, ozone depletion, and global warming.

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Test your knowledge with flashcards on key terms from Chapter 1 of Earth Science. This quiz covers essential topics such as geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy, providing a solid foundation in understanding our planet and its systems.