Geology Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of the term 'geology'?

Geology is the scientific study of the Earth's processes and materials.

What do geologists do? Summarize in 40 to 80 words.

Geologists speculate about the origin of the Earth, examine materials, study processes like earthquakes, and investigate evidence of past life. They also search for resources and work to understand geologic hazards and environmental issues.

What is a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a logical but tentative explanation that fits all the data collected and is expected to account for future observations as well.

What is a theory and how does a hypothesis become elevated to a theory?

A theory is a generally accepted explanation for a given set of data. A hypothesis that is repeatedly confirmed by observation and experimentation becomes more widely accepted and may elevate to a theory. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the concept of 'uniformitarianism'.

Uniformitarianism proposes that our observations of current geological processes can be used to interpret the rock record of long-past geological events. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the 'Big Bang' hypothesis?

The Big Bang hypothesis suggests that the universe began as a small, hot volume of space that expanded rapidly, creating all matter around twelve billion years ago. Signup and view all the answers

Contrast the composition of the 'inner planets' and the 'outer planets'. Why are they different?

Inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) are rocky and made of iron and nickel, while outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) are gaseous and made from hydrogen and helium due to temperature differences in the solar system forming materials. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly summarize the origin of the Moon in approximately 30 to 60 words.

The Moon formed when a planet-sized body about the size of Mars collided with the Earth, ejecting vaporized crust and mantle into space, which later coalesced due to Earth’s gravity. Signup and view all the answers

What is conduction?

Conduction is the passage of thermal energy from atom to neighboring atom. Signup and view all the answers

What is convection?

Convection is the movement of heat from place to place by a flowing medium. Signup and view all the answers

What is radiation?

Radiation is the transfer of heat from a hot object to its cooler surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

What are igneous rocks?

Igneous rocks are formed from cooled and solidified molten material either at or beneath the Earth's surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is a metamorphic rock?

Metamorphic rocks form when heat, pressure, or chemical changes alter the mineralogy, chemical composition, and structure of any type of pre-existing rock. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the rock cycle.

The rock cycle is the process by which various rock types change over time; an igneous rock may weather and become sedimentary, or may convert to metamorphic rock due to heat and pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theory that states the Earth's lithosphere is divided into rigid plates called?

Plate tectonics. Signup and view all the answers

Where do most earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur?

Near or at plate boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

In what plate is the state of Florida located?

North American Plate. Signup and view all the answers

What plate lies underneath most of the Pacific Ocean?

Pacific Plate. Signup and view all the answers

Is there an 'Atlantic Plate'? What plates underlie the Atlantic Ocean?

No, there is no 'Atlantic Plate'; the Mid-Atlantic Ridge represents a divergent boundary between the North American and Eurasian Plates on one side and South American and African Plates on the other. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geology Overview

Geology is the scientific study of Earth's processes and materials, encompassing various elements such as rocks, minerals, and geological events.

Role of Geologists

Geologists investigate the Earth's origins, materials, and active processes like earthquakes.
Their studies range from microscopic atoms to large geological formations, including evidence of past life and lunar rock analysis.
They also search for natural resources and address geological hazards and environmental issues.

Hypotheses and Theories

A hypothesis is a logical, tentative explanation based on collected data, expected to explain future observations.
A theory is a widely accepted explanation based on extensive testing and observation of a hypothesis; repeated confirmation can elevate a hypothesis to theory status.

Uniformitarianism

The principle of uniformitarianism suggests that current geological processes can help interpret ancient geological events recorded in rocks.

Big Bang Hypothesis

Cosmologists postulate that the universe originated approximately twelve billion years ago from a very hot, compressed space that rapidly expanded in a "Big Bang."

Composition of Planets

Inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) are rocky, composed mainly of iron and nickel due to their formation in a hot environment.
Outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) are gaseous, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, influenced by their cooler formation conditions and solar radiation impacting gas retention.

Origin of the Moon

The Moon formed from debris ejected into orbit after a Mars-sized body collided with Earth, with the planet's gravity causing the debris to coalesce.

Heat Transfer Methods

Conduction: Transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between adjacent atoms.
Convection: Movement of heat through a fluid medium as it flows.
Radiation: Transfer of heat via electromagnetic waves from hotter to cooler surroundings.

Types of Rocks

Igneous Rocks: Formed from the cooling and solidification of molten material either at or beneath the Earth's surface.
Sedimentary Rocks: Created from the weathering and fragmentation of existing rocks, which then become compacted or cemented.
Metamorphic Rocks: Developed under heat and pressure that alters the mineral composition and structure of existing rocks.

The Rock Cycle

The rock cycle describes how rocks transition between types over time, such as igneous rocks breaking down into sedimentary rocks or being transformed into metamorphic rocks under pressure.

Plate Tectonics

The theory of plate tectonics posits that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into rigid plates that move over the asthenosphere.
Most earthquakes and volcanic activity occur near or along tectonic plate boundaries.

Tectonic Plates Information

Florida is located on the North American plate.
The Pacific Plate underlies most of the Pacific Ocean.

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Description

This quiz features flashcards covering the key concepts of Geology, specifically focusing on its definition and the role of geologists. Test your knowledge on the Earth's processes, materials, and how geological investigations contribute to our understanding of the planet.