Earth Science Exogenic and Endogenic Processes

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Questions and Answers

What does the Principle of Original Horizontality state about sedimentary rocks?

They are deposited in vertical layers.

They are initially deposited in horizontal layers. (correct)

They can be deposited at any angle.

They are always deposited in circular patterns.

How does the Principle of Lateral Continuity describe sediment beds?

They are always parallel to each other.

They remain isolated from other sediment layers.

They only extend vertically.

They extend laterally until they thin out or grade into a different sediment type. (correct)

In the context of geological features, what does the Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships indicate?

The feature that is cutting across is older. (correct)

Both features are of the same age.

The cross-cutting feature is always a fault.

The feature that is cross-cut is younger.

What is an angular unconformity characterized by?

Beds above and below the surface of erosion that are not aligned. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during nonconformity?

Sedimentary rocks overlay older intrusive igneous rocks or metamorphic rocks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is preserved in coprolites?

Fossilized feces that provide information about an organism's diet. Signup and view all the answers

What are gastroliths associated with?

Rocks found in the stomach of certain extinct reptiles. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'unconformity' signify in geology?

A surface of non-deposition or erosion. Signup and view all the answers

Which geological feature is exemplified by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

An example of a Rift Valley. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Earth's crust?

To enable the movement of tectonic activity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Pangaea' refer to?

The supercontinent that existed around 200 million years ago Signup and view all the answers

Which evidence suggested that continents were once connected, based on fossil species?

Similar fossil species found on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons the continental drift theory was initially rejected?

Lack of a convincing mechanism for the drift Signup and view all the answers

What does absolute dating help to determine?

The specific numerical age of a rock Signup and view all the answers

The principle of superposition states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rocks, which layer is the oldest?

The bottom layer of sediment Signup and view all the answers

What type of fossils are untouched bones and shells classified as?

Body fossils Signup and view all the answers

Which evidence supports the theory that glaciers once covered regions now separated by oceans?

Striations and deposits from ancient glaciers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a disconformity?

Parallel sedimentary rock strata above and below an erosion surface Signup and view all the answers

What process leads to the formation of sedimentary rocks?

Sedimentation Signup and view all the answers

The distribution of ancient climatic zones, indicated by coal beds found in Antarctica, suggests what about that continent?

It was once located in a warmer climate Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of glacial erosion?

Glaciers Signup and view all the answers

What geological process is characterized by the displacement of rocks along fault lines?

Faulting Signup and view all the answers

Which type of weathering involves chemical reactions affecting rock composition?

Chemical Weathering Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of convergent boundaries?

Subduction zones Signup and view all the answers

What do plate tectonics explain about the Earth's lithosphere?

It is divided into several plates that move. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is NOT considered an exogenic process?

Volcanism Signup and view all the answers

What role do burrowing organisms play in geological processes?

They enhance sedimentation and weathering. Signup and view all the answers

What typically results from wind erosion?

Creation of sand dunes Signup and view all the answers

Which boundary type involves plates moving away from each other?

Divergent Boundaries Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily drives endogenic processes within the Earth?

Internal heat generation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth Science Review

Exogenic and Endogenic Processes: These processes describe the origin and forces shaping the Earth.
Endogenic Processes: Originate from within the Earth (e.g., plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, mountain building, faulting).
Exogenic Processes: Originate from outside the Earth (e.g., erosion, weathering, sedimentation, coastal, karst, and mass wasting processes).
Erosion: The wearing away of Earth's surface by natural agents (wind, water, glaciers).
- Wind Erosion: Transports soil and sediment (sand dunes).
- Water Erosion: Carves valleys, canyons, and river deltas.
- Glacial Erosion: Carving and grinding of landforms by glaciers.
Weathering: Breakdown of rocks and minerals at or near the Earth's surface.
- Physical Weathering: Mechanical processes like freeze-thaw cycles, root wedging.
- Chemical Weathering: Chemical reactions like dissolution and oxidation.
- Biological Weathering: Actions of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Sedimentation: Deposition of sediments (sand, silt, clay) leading to the formation of sedimentary rocks.
- Coastal Processes: Wave, tide, and current actions shaping coastal features (beaches, cliffs, barrier islands).
- Karst Processes: Water dissolving rocks (often limestone) creating unique landscapes.
- Mass Wasting: Downslope movement of rock and soil due to gravity (landslides, rockfalls, debris flows).
Plate Tectonics: The Earth's lithosphere (surface layer) is divided into plates that move due to convection currents in the asthenosphere.
- Convergent Boundaries: Plates move towards each other (subduction zones, mountains, volcanic arcs).
- Divergent Boundaries: Plates move apart (mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys).
- Transform Boundaries: Plates slide past each other (faults, earthquakes).
- GPS Technology: Confirms the Theory of Plate Tectonics.
Volcanism: Eruption of molten rock (magma) onto the Earth's surface.
Earthquakes: Sudden release of stress and energy along faults.
Mountain Building: Uplift and formation of mountain ranges.
Faulting: Displacement of rocks along geological faults.
Continental Drift Theory: Alfred Wegener's theory proposing that continents once formed a supercontinent (Pangaea) and have drifted apart.
- Evidence: Fit of continents, fossil evidence, rock and mountain belts, glacial evidence, paleoclimatic evidence.
Dating: Methods to determine the age of rocks, fossils, etc.
- Relative Dating: Determining chronological order (e.g., superposition, original horizontality, lateral continuity).
- Absolute Dating: Determining specific numerical age (e.g., isotopic dating).
Unconformities: Surfaces of erosion or non-deposition in rock layers.
- Angular unconformity: Sedimentary layers deposited at non-parallel orientations.
- Nonconformity: Sedimentary layers above older igneous or metamorphic rocks.
- Disconformity: Sedimentary layers parallel above and below the erosion surface.

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Description

Explore the crucial concepts of exogenic and endogenic processes in Earth science. This quiz covers essential topics such as erosion, weathering, and the forces shaping our planet. Test your knowledge on how these processes interact and their impact on the Earth's surface.