Geology Chapter 1 - Lesson 2 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

How do geologists learn about Earth's interior?

Only through direct evidence from rock samples

Only through indirect evidence from seismic waves

Through both direct evidence from rock samples and indirect evidence from seismic waves (correct)

None of the above

What do rock samples provide to geologists?

Clues about Earth's structure and conditions deep inside.

What produces seismic waves that geologists study?

Meteor impacts

Earthquakes (correct)

Volcanic eruptions

Human activities

What are the three main layers of Earth?

Crust, mantle, core Signup and view all the answers

What is pressure in the context of Earth's interior?

Results from a force pressing on an area. Signup and view all the answers

What is the outer layer of Earth's skin called?

Crust Signup and view all the answers

What is ocean crust primarily composed of?

Basalt with small amounts of ocean sediment on top. Signup and view all the answers

What type of rock is basalt?

A dark, fine-grained rock. Signup and view all the answers

What is continental crust made up of?

Many types of rocks, with a composition similar to granite. Signup and view all the answers

What is granite?

A light-colored rock with coarse grains. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mantle's state?

Made of hot, solid rock. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lithosphere?

The uppermost part of the mantle, including the crust. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the asthenosphere?

Material is hotter and under increasing pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in the mesosphere?

The mantle is hot but more rigid. Signup and view all the answers

What two parts make up the core?

Liquid outer core and solid inner core. Signup and view all the answers

What is the outer core's composition?

Molten metal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the inner core?

A dense ball of solid metal. Signup and view all the answers

What creates Earth's magnetic field?

Movements in the liquid outer core. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Earth's Interior

Geologists study the Earth's interior using direct evidence from rock samples and indirect evidence from seismic waves.
Rock samples are obtained through drilling, providing insights into the Earth's structure and conditions at various depths.

Evidence Collection

Seismic waves generated by earthquakes are recorded and analyzed by geologists to infer information about the Earth’s layers.

Earth's Layers

The Earth is composed of three main layers: the crust, mantle, and core.
These layers differ significantly in size, composition, temperature, and pressure.

Pressure and Temperature

Pressure increases with depth due to the weight of overlying rock, leading to higher temperatures in the Earth's interior.

Crustal Layers

Crust: The Earth's outer skin made of solid rock, including land and ocean floor.
Ocean Crust: Found beneath oceans, primarily composed of basalt and ocean sediment.
Continental Crust: Forms continents and consists of diverse rock types, primarily granite.

Rock Types

Basalt: A dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms the ocean crust.
Granite: A light-colored, coarse-grained igneous rock that characterizes the continental crust.

The Mantle

The mantle, nearly 3,000 kilometers thick, is made of hot, solid rock divided into layers based on physical properties.
Lithosphere: The brittle uppermost part of the mantle combined with the crust, characterized by strong rock.
Asthenosphere: Located beneath the lithosphere, it is less rigid and hotter, under increased pressure.
Mesosphere: Below the asthenosphere, this layer is hot yet more rigid due to higher pressure, including the transition zone and the lower mantle.

The Core

Composed primarily of iron and nickel, divided into:
- Outer Core: A layer of molten metal surrounding the inner core, causing it to be liquid.
- Inner Core: A dense, solid metal ball where extreme pressure prevents iron and nickel from becoming liquid.

Earth's Magnetic Field

Movements in the liquid outer core generate Earth's magnetic field, causing the planet to act like a giant magnet affecting its environment.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts in geology with these flashcards from Chapter 1, Lesson 2. Learn how geologists gather evidence about the Earth's interior through rock samples and seismic waves. This quiz helps reinforce key terms and definitions essential for understanding Earth science.