Earth Science First Periodical Exam

Questions and Answers

Which branch of Earth science primarily studies the processes that shape the Earth's interior?

Meteorology

Astronomy

Geology (correct)

Oceanography

What does the Vortex Theory propose about the formation of the solar system?

Remaining gas and dust collapsed to create all celestial bodies.

The solar system developed from swirling pre-solar materials. (correct)

Planets were created in a cloud of gas due to gravitational pull.

Planets formed by the collision of the sun with a giant comet.

Which of the following best defines the Lithosphere?

The liquid water portion of Earth.

The atmosphere surrounding the Earth.

The gaseous layer beyond the Earth's crust.

The solid surface and interior of the Earth. (correct)

Which theory suggests that planets were formed from substances torn out of the sun?

Jeans-Jeffreys’ Tidal Theory Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of weather does Meteorology primarily study?

The patterns and phenomena associated with weather. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Oceanography as a branch of Earth science?

Understanding the dynamics of the ocean environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a proposed theory about the formation of the solar system?

Ecosystem Theory Signup and view all the answers

In which sphere would you categorize the solidification of water found on Earth's surface?

Cryosphere Signup and view all the answers

What primary gases compose the atmosphere surrounding Earth?

Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor Signup and view all the answers

Which property of a mineral is assessed by Moh's scale?

Hardness Signup and view all the answers

Which type of igneous rock crystallizes from lava at the Earth's surface?

Extrusive rocks Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic describes the tendency of a mineral to break along flat, even surfaces?

Cleavage Signup and view all the answers

What role does the atmosphere play in making Earth livable?

It captures heat and blocks harmful sun rays. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a property of minerals that may indicate their identity?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of igneous rocks?

Contains fossils Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral property might indicate if it can be attracted to a magnet?

Magnetism Signup and view all the answers

What type of metamorphism occurs when hot igneous rock intrudes into pre-existing rock?

Contact metamorphism Signup and view all the answers

Which process causes rocks to break apart without changing their chemical composition?

Physical weathering Signup and view all the answers

What happens during frost wedging?

Ice forms and expands, pushing rocks apart Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanical wearing of rocks by friction and impact known as?

Abrasion Signup and view all the answers

How does thermal expansion and contraction affect rocks?

Leads to successive fracturing due to temperature differences Signup and view all the answers

Which action of plants contributes to biological weathering?

Growing roots that widen cracks in rocks Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of pressure-release fracturing?

Tectonic forces raising granite to form mountains Signup and view all the answers

What role does abrasion play in the weathering process?

Reduces the size and sharpness of rock particles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes involves the reaction of rock minerals with oxygen?

Oxidation Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes contact metamorphism?

Caused by the direct heat from magma or lava Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why metamorphism is important?

It changes the chemical and physical properties of rocks Signup and view all the answers

Which agent is primarily responsible for driving the metamorphic reactions?

Heat Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs when water reacts with a mineral to form a new mineral?

Hydrolysis Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is primarily used in the manufacture of glass and various electronics?

Quartz Signup and view all the answers

Which metamorphic process results in the reorientation of mineral grains into a layered or banded appearance?

Foliation Signup and view all the answers

What effect does hydrolysis typically have on feldspar?

It transforms feldspar into a new mineral with water included Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a turbine in hydroelectric power generation?

To convert kinetic energy into mechanical energy Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hydroelectric power facility uses a dam to store river water?

Impoundment facility Signup and view all the answers

What process do pumped storage hydropower facilities use to store energy?

Pumping water from a lower reservoir to a higher reservoir Signup and view all the answers

Which property of water is primarily responsible for allowing it to flow upward against gravity?

Surface tension Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describe surface water?

Water present in oceans, rivers, or lakes Signup and view all the answers

What type of energy conversion occurs in a generator of a hydroelectric power plant?

Mechanical energy to electrical energy Signup and view all the answers

Which of these properties of water affects its temperature tolerance?

High specific heat Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a run-of-river hydroelectric facility?

It channels a portion of the river for energy conversion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Branches of Earth Science

Geology: Studies Earth's origin, history, structure, and processes shaping its surface.
Meteorology: Examines atmospheric phenomena including weather patterns and severe weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes.
Astronomy: Investigates outer space and celestial bodies beyond Earth.
Oceanography: Explores all aspects of the ocean, covering about 70% of Earth's surface.

Theories About Origin of the Solar System

Solar Nebular Hypothesis: Proposes solar system formation from a collapsing interstellar gas and dust cloud.
Vortex Theory: Suggests whirlpool motion in pre-solar materials formed solar bodies with circular orbits (Rene Descartes).
Collision Theory: Claims planets formed from a collision between the sun and a giant comet (George-Louis Leclerc).
Kant-Laplace Theory: Introduces the idea of a gas and dust cloud collapsing under gravity, spinning and flattening (Immanuel Kant, Pierre Simon Laplace).
Jeans-Jeffreys’ Tidal Theory: Suggests planets originated from material torn from the sun (Harold Jeffreys, James Jeans).

Earth’s Spheres

Lithosphere: Earth's solid surface, including rocks, minerals, and landforms.
Hydrosphere: All liquid water on Earth, vital for life and ecosystem regulation; includes Cryosphere (solidified water).
Atmosphere: Gaseous layer encasing Earth, primarily composed of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, essential for supporting life.
Biosphere: Encompasses all living organisms, including humans, and their organic remains.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Minerals

Luster: Describes light reflection on a mineral's surface.
Hardness: Measured using Moh’s scale, ranging from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).
Crystalline Structure: Indicates internal atomic arrangement in the mineral.
Cleavage/Fracture: Cleavage refers to smooth breakage; fracture is uneven breakage.
Magnetism: Some minerals can be magnetized.
Reaction to Acid: Carbonates visibly react with acid.
Specific Gravity: Mineral weight compared to an equal volume of water.

Rocks (Types and Examples)

Igneous Rocks: Formed from crystallization of magma or lava; examples include granite, basalt, and obsidian.
- Classified as intrusive (formed underground) or extrusive (formed at the surface).
Metamorphic Rocks: Altered through heat and pressure; changes include mineral composition and texture.

Physical, Biological, and Chemical Weathering

Physical Weathering: Breaks rocks without altering their composition (e.g., frost wedging, abrasion).
Biological Weathering: Involves organisms causing mechanical breakdown (e.g., root growth).
Chemical Weathering: Alters chemical composition (e.g., dissolution, hydrolysis, oxidation).

Metamorphism

Definition: Transformation of existing rocks through mineral content and texture changes without complete melting.
Contact Metamorphism: Occurs due to heat from nearby molten rock.
Regional Metamorphism: Involves large-scale heat and pressure affecting extensive areas.
Agents of Metamorphism: Include heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids.

Metallic Ores and Industrial Minerals of the Philippines

Quartz: Used in glass manufacturing and as an abrasive; crucial for electronic devices and optical components.

Energy Resources: Geothermal and Hydrothermal

Geothermal Energy: Utilizes steam to spin turbines for electricity generation, recycling cooled water back into the Earth.
Hydrothermal Energy: Harnesses moving water for generating electrical energy through turbines and generators.

Water Resources and Properties

Surface Water: Includes oceans, rivers, and lakes; crucial for ecosystems.
Underground Water: Stored in aquifers; essential for drinking water.
Key Properties of Water: Polarity, capillary action, surface tension, density, and high specific heat.

Soil Resources

Soil Composition: Inorganic particles and organic matter; essential for plant growth and agriculture.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers fundamental topics in Earth Science, including the four branches, theories of the solar system's origin, and the Earth's spheres. It also delves into the physical and chemical properties of minerals, weathering processes, and energy resources such as geothermal energy. Assess your knowledge on crucial environmental resources and their significance in the Philippines.