Introduction to Earth Science
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What is Earth Science?

A field of study concerned with the planet Earth and its parts, including the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and space.

Which of the following is a branch of hydrology?

  • Volcanology
  • Geophysics
  • Hydrometeorology (correct)
  • Petrology

    • Weather forecasting is a part of Earth Science.

    True

    What does glaciology study?

    <p>The study of glaciers and ice caps.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of a mineral?

    <p>A naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the Earth's atmosphere is composed of oxygen?

    <p>21%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _______ is the layer of the atmosphere where most weather occurs.

    <p>troposphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the ozone layer?

    <p>To block harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not a branch of geology?

    <p>Meteorology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Liquid water can exist on the Earth's surface due to the distance from the sun.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors is critical for life to evolve on a planet?

    <p>Presence of liquid water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main component of the biosphere?

    <p>All life forms on Earth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Mohs Scale used for?

    <p>Comparing the hardness of minerals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is specific gravity?

    <p>Weight of the mineral compared to the weight of an equal volume of water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mineral is the hardest according to the Mohs Scale?

    <p>Diamond</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following are examples of liquid waste? (Select all that apply)

    <p>Mechanical oil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fluorite is soft and can disperse ultraviolet rays to visible light.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Acid rain is caused by gas exhausts from automobiles and factories.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the streak of a mineral?

    <p>The mineral's color in powdered form.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of rock forms from the cooling of magma?

    <p>Igneous</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is eutrophication?

    <p>Eutrophication is a process caused by excess nutrients like nitrates and phosphorus entering water resources, leading to algal blooms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Liquid wastes can produce ______ that seep through the soil and water.

    <p>leachate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of sedimentary rock is formed from the remains of living organisms?

    <p>Biological or organic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Metamorphic rocks are formed through cooling of lava.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which chemical wastes increase health risks? (Select all that apply)

    <p>Benzene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effects do solid wastes have on the environment?

    <p>Solid wastes can contaminate water resources, lead to pollution, and cause gastrointestinal diseases in humans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main characteristic of coal?

    <p>It is an important and primary fossil fuel present on Earth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main cause of respiratory diseases linked to gaseous wastes?

    <p>Gaseous wastes in the atmosphere, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, are primary causes of respiratory diseases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mining of stones and metal has been a human activity since _____ times.

    <p>prehistoric</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following minerals to their uses:

    <p>Feldspar = Used to make porcelain and enamel Mica = Used for insulation in electrical equipment Talc = Used to make powder for cosmetic products Sulfur = Used in manufacturing sulfuric acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Weathering by hydration involves water molecules reacting with ______ to form new products.

    <p>minerals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the types of weathering with their definitions:

    <p>Physical Weathering = Involves disintegration of rocks without changing their chemical properties Chemical Weathering = Involves changes in the chemical composition of minerals and rocks Biological Weathering = Caused by living organisms affecting rocks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mining method is used to extract ore minerals near the surface of the earth?

    <p>Open-pit mining</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process of blasting in surface mining?

    <p>Controlled use of explosives and gas exposure to break rocks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factors affect the rate and extent of weathering?

    <p>Rock type, climate, topography, and time are key factors affecting weathering.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is stress and strain in the context of geology?

    <p>Stress refers to the forces applied to rocks, while strain refers to the deformation that results from that stress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of fault involves horizontal movement?

    <p>Strike-Slip Fault</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Elastic deformation is permanent.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is metamorphism?

    <p>Metamorphism is the process through which pre-existing rocks change into metamorphic rocks due to heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the yield point?

    <p>The point where elastic deformation is surpassed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of metamorphism:

    <p>Contact Metamorphism = Occurs due to nearby molten magma Regional Metamorphism = Large-scale movements causing increased heat and pressure Hydrothermal Metamorphism = Caused by chemically active fluids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Plate tectonics refers to the gradual movement of continents over time.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main evidence supporting the Continental Drift Theory?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Wegener's hypothesis regarding the continents?

    <p>Wegener hypothesized that all continents were once part of a supercontinent called Pangaea, which later drifted apart.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the highest rank of coal?

    <p>Anthracite</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The theory proposed by Alfred Wegener is known as __________.

    <p>Continental Drift Theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process describes the formation of new oceanic crust?

    <p>Seafloor Spreading</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of coal is known as brown coal?

    <p>Lignite</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main domestic source of natural gas in the Philippines?

    <p>Malampaya natural gas field</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Natural gas is odorless and colorless in its natural state.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of U.S. energy needs is supplied by petroleum products?

    <p>37%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coal mining operations wash acid runoff into streams, rivers, and _____

    <p>lakes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which water moves around on Earth's surface called?

    <p>hydrologic cycle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a disadvantage of fossil fuels?

    <p>Emissions of harmful air pollutants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The chemicals dissolve in rainwater and may end up in _____

    <p>water wells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of wastes with their examples:

    <p>Solid wastes = Food leftovers, paper, plastics Gaseous wastes = Plastics, automobile usage Liquid wastes = Wastewater from homes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Importance of Earth Science

    • Enables accurate weather forecasting for future conditions.
    • Facilitates weather modification techniques like cloud seeding using Dry Ice, Salt, and Potassium Iodide.
    • Essential for hydrologic science and managing water resources.
    • Supports earthquake prediction, construction planning, groundwater management, and climate pattern prevention.

    Branches of Earth Science

    • Atmospheric Science: Studies atmospheric layers, weather conditions, air phenomena, and climate.
    • Geologic Science: Focuses on physical and chemical properties of the Earth; includes Astrogeology, Geochemistry, and Petrology.
    • Hydrologic Science: Encompasses studying water, including aquatic bodies, groundwater, and processes like precipitation and stream flow.

    Earth as a Unique Planet

    • Earth's unique conditions support liquid water essential for life.
    • Located at an optimal distance from the sun, allowing for a stable water cycle.
    • Ozone layer provides protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
    • Ideal temperature range (-15°C to 115°C) facilitates the existence of liquid water.

    Earth's Subsystems

    • Lithosphere: Solid Earth comprising crust and interior layers, influenced by plate tectonics.
    • Atmosphere: Gaseous layer essential for weather and climate; includes layers like troposphere (weather), stratosphere (ozone layer), mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.
    • Hydrosphere: Comprises water in all forms; around 70% of Earth’s surface is water, with 3% classified as fresh water.
    • Biosphere: Encompasses all ecosystems supporting life, playing a vital role in the carbon cycle; acts as a significant CO2 sink.

    Properties of Minerals

    • Minerals recognized by specific criteria: naturally occurring, inorganic, solid with a crystalline structure, and definable chemical composition.
    • Luster: Reflective quality of minerals; can vary from metallic to earthy.
    • Hardness: Measured using Mohs Hardness Scale, which ranks minerals based on their resistance to scratching.
    • Cleavage vs. Fracture: Cleavage refers to smooth breaks along weak planes, while fracture indicates irregular breaks with no pattern.
    • Specific Gravity: Reflects a mineral's density compared to water.

    Other Notable Properties

    • Color and streak (substrate coloring) help distinguish minerals, though appearance can vary due to impurities.
    • Magnetic properties, distinctive smells, reactivity to acid, and fluorescence serve as identification markers.

    Major Oceans

    • Arctic Ocean, Southern Ocean, Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean encompass Earth’s hydrosphere.### Mineral Types
    • Silicates: Formed from silicon and oxygen; common minerals in Earth's crust.
    • Oxides: Contain oxygen combined with metal ions.
    • Sulfates: Composed of sulfate anion (SO4) combined with other ions.
    • Sulfides: Contain sulfur anion (S2) and are sources for metals like copper, lead, and zinc.
    • Carbonates: Contain carbonate anion (CO3) combined with other elements.
    • Native Elements: Found in pure form; includes metals and semi-metals with unique properties.
    • Halides: Contain halogen elements and other elements.

    Rock Types

    • Igneous Rocks: Formed from cooling magma or lava. Classified into:
      • Intrusive: Formed inside the Earth.
      • Extrusive: Formed on the surface.
      • Felsic: Light-colored and rich in aluminum and silica.
      • Mafic: Dark-colored, rich in magnesium and iron.
    • Sedimentary Rocks: Created from compaction and cementation of sediments; characterized by strata formed in layers.
      • Clastic: Formed from fragments of other rocks, e.g., conglomerate, sandstone.
      • Non-clastic: Includes chemical (e.g., gypsum) and biological (e.g., limestone) types formed from precipitated materials or organic remains.
    • Metamorphic Rocks: Formed from igneous or sedimentary rocks under heat and pressure; examples include quartzite and marble.

    Mining and Processing

    • Mining extracts minerals from various rock types.
    • Surface Mining: Extracts minerals near the surface; includes:
      • Open-pit Mining: Extracts minerals from large open pits.
      • Strip Mining: Involves removing overburden in strips to access deposits.
      • Dredging: Mining from underwater bodies, removing sediments.
    • Underground Mining: Involves creating tunnels to reach deposits; more dangerous and expensive than surface mining.
    • Mineral Processing Steps:
      • Sampling: Collecting representative material for analysis.
      • Comminution: Crushing and grinding ores to extract valuable minerals.
      • Concentration: Separating valuable minerals from raw materials.
      • Dewatering: Converting concentrated minerals into usable forms.

    Fossil Fuels

    • Formed from the remains of ancient organisms buried millions of years ago; major energy sources include coal, oil, and natural gas.
    • Coal: Four ranks—anthracite (highest), bituminous, subbituminous, lignite (lowest); used for energy and electricity.
    • Oil: Organic material mostly from algae; mainly used for transportation fuels and petroleum products.
    • Natural Gas: Mainly composed of methane; a key energy source.

    Environmental Impact

    • Fossil fuel extraction leads to land degradation, affecting landscapes and ecosystems.
    • Surface mining practices like strip mining destroy large areas of terrain.### Natural Gas and Its Impact
    • Natural gas is the Earth’s cleanest fossil fuel, odorless, and colorless in its natural state.
    • Produced from sedimentary rock by injecting chemicals, water, and sand under high pressure.
    • The Malampaya natural gas field in the Philippines is a main domestic energy source.

    Environmental Consequences of Fossil Fuels

    • Mining operations can lead to land degradation that remains permanently damaged; critical wildlife habitats are often destroyed.
    • Water pollution from fossil fuel development, including coal mining, leads to acid runoff affecting waterways.
    • Oil spills can contaminate drinking water sources, jeopardizing freshwater and ocean ecosystems.

    Emissions and Health Concerns

    • Burning fossil fuels generates harmful air pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde, linked to serious health risks.
    • Approximately 12.6 million Americans face exposure to toxic pollution from oil and gas operations.
    • The fracking industry raises health concerns due to increased pollution near residential areas.

    Water Resources

    • Earth's water, crucial for sustaining life, exists in three forms: liquid, solid (ice), and gas (water vapor).
    • Only 3% of Earth's water is freshwater, primarily stored in glaciers, groundwater, and surface water.
    • The hydrologic cycle, powered by solar energy, describes the movement and transformation of water on Earth.

    Water Pollution Sources

    • Agricultural runoff introduces fertilizers that cause eutrophication and dead zones in water bodies.
    • Urban runoff, septic tank leaks, and treated wastewater can contaminate rivers and lakes.
    • Waste disposal practices frequently lead to contamination of groundwater and surface water sources.

    Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous Wastes

    • Solid wastes, including food refuse, plastics, and paper, contribute to environmental pollution and health hazards.
    • Liquid wastes arise from household activities and industrial processes, contaminating water sources if not managed properly.
    • Gaseous wastes from combustion (e.g., carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides) pose risks to air quality and human health.

    Eutrophication and Its Effects

    • Eutrophication from nutrient runoff leads to algal blooms that deplete oxygen in water, causing aquatic life deaths.
    • Contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal diseases and other health issues for humans and wildlife.

    Climate Change and Carbon Emissions

    • Fossil fuel combustion releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, significantly contributing to global warming.
    • Energy use in the transportation and power sectors is responsible for about three-quarters of U.S. carbon emissions.

    Strategies to Mitigate Water Pollution

    • Proper waste disposal entails avoiding pouring chemicals into drains and ensuring septic tanks are sealed.
    • Encourage the use of organic fertilizers and compost to reduce chemical runoff into waterways.
    • Implement practices like reducing plastic use, composting, and recycling to mitigate waste generation.

    Effects of Waste on Health and Environment

    • Solid wastes can leach harmful substances into water supplies, leading to various health problems.
    • Gaseous emissions contribute to respiratory illnesses and environmental issues like acid rain.
    • Proper waste management practices are essential to protect both public health and the environment.

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