Natural Hazards

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary component of the atmosphere in its dry state?

  • Argon (A)
  • Oxygen (O2)
  • Nitrogen (N2) (correct)
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Which component of the Earth system is primarily composed of rocks and sediments?

  • Hydrosphere
  • Geosphere (correct)
  • Biosphere
  • Atmosphere

What is the approximate percentage of water vapor in the atmosphere?

  • 0.035%
  • 1%
  • 4% (correct)
  • 20.947%

Which layer of the atmosphere experiences most of the weather phenomena?

<p>Troposphere (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hadean eon known for?

<p>Formation of the solar system from a nebula (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Cambrian explosion?

<p>Rapid appearance of complex life in the fossil record (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of the K-T extinction event?

<p>Asteroid collision with Earth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the Cenozoic era?

<p>Time of the mammals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of tectonic hazards?

<p>Release of seismic energy at fault zones in the earth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Richter scale used to measure?

<p>Strength of an earthquake (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the magnitude of the largest earthquake ever recorded by humans?

<p>9.5 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What caused the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman tsunami?

<p>M9.2 earthquake off the coast of Sumatra (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of tsunami formation?

<p>Rapid displacement of the seafloor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the future prediction for the existence of Earth?

<p>Earth will cease to exist in about 5 billion years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Middle Paleozoic era?

<p>First seed plants and forests (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the Mesozoic era?

<p>Time of dinosaurs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary environmental concern related to fracking?

<p>Migration of fracking fluid directly into groundwater (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which fossil fuel is projected to have the highest increase in consumption?

<p>Oil (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of steam injection in petroleum extraction?

<p>To decrease the viscosity of the crude oil (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main environmental impact of the combustion of fossil fuels?

<p>Release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which fossil fuel is known for containing impurities such as sulfur and mercury?

<p>Coal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of fracking fluid in the hydraulic fracturing process?

<p>To prop open the fractures in the rock (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of energy production by humans?

<p>Fossil fuels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated current reserves of coal in gigatons?

<p>Over 800 gigatons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary environmental concern associated with the extraction of petroleum from Alberta tar sands?

<p>Release of CO2 into the atmosphere (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary energy use of gas as a fossil fuel?

<p>24% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of rock holds the hydrocarbons more closely in the fracking process?

<p>Shale (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of petroleum refining?

<p>To produce plastics, textiles, and other products (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fuels the dynamic earth system according to Earth system science?

<p>External solar radiation and internal radioactive decay (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of human-induced change, as mentioned in the overview?

<p>Loss of habitats, deforestation, pollution, and climate change (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What drives geological activity according to the overview of Earth's structure?

<p>Plate boundaries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the record of Earth's magnetism and the polarity reversal of the magnetic field found?

<p>Sea-floor stripes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines the mineral content and style of eruption of igneous rocks?

<p>Composition of the magma (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What information do sedimentary rocks retain, as per the overview?

<p>Transport mechanisms and environment of deposition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do metamorphic rocks form according to the overview?

<p>Alteration of original rocks due to pressure and temperature (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What methods are used to decipher earth and life history, as per the overview?

<p>Relative and absolute dating methods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does global change encompass, based on the overview?

<p>Natural or human-induced changes, occurring gradually or catastrophically (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What integrates physical and biological sciences, according to Earth system science?

<p>Earth system science (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of Earth's structure, as per the overview?

<p>Crust, mantle, and core (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes various geological features, according to the overview?

<p>Plate boundaries (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of DART?

<p>To warn about tsunamis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT categorized as a natural hazard?

<p>Deforestation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What leads to increased resource use and environmental destruction?

<p>Overpopulation and overconsumption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of humans consume a large share of resources and contribute to pollution and waste?

<p>25% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of non-renewable resources like fossil fuels and minerals?

<p>Limited supply and environmental impacts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a risk associated with renewable resources?

<p>Depletion leading to scarcity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Canada's mining industry significantly contribute to?

<p>Its GDP (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are 'critical minerals' important for?

<p>The green/digital economy and security (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines mining methods and production?

<p>Primary and secondary mineral deposits (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of mine tailings?

<p>Pollution of water sources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of reclamation in mining?

<p>To return mined land to its end use, such as habitat or agriculture (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are diamonds mined in Canada?

<p>Northwest Territories (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the Earth system component with its primary composition:

<p>Atmosphere = Mixture of gasses Biosphere = All living organisms Hydrosphere = Mostly saltwater (oceans) Geosphere = Rocks and sediments</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the characteristic with the Earth's atmosphere layer:

<p>Troposphere = Most of the molecules in the troposphere Stratosphere = Contains the ozone layer Mesosphere = Where meteors burn up Thermosphere = Site of the auroras</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the gas with its percentage in the atmosphere in its dry state:

<p>Nitrogen (N2) = 78.084% Oxygen (O2) = 20.947% Argon (A) = 0.934% Carbon Dioxide (CO2) = 0.035%</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the environmental concept with its description:

<p>Environmental science = Tries to remain objective Environmentalism = Social movement dedicated to protecting the natural world The carbon cycle = Most life on earth is carbon-based Residence time = Average time a material stays in a component</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following with their primary contribution to energy production:

<p>Coal = 30% of energy use Petroleum = May be refined into other products such as plastics, textiles, paints, fertilizers Gas = 24% of energy use Fossil fuels = May be burned to produce energy, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following with their primary environmental concern:

<p>Fracking = Impact on groundwater Combustion of fossil fuels = Moves carbon (in the form of carbon dioxide) to the atmosphere Petroleum refining = Depends on how it is formed (e.g. eastern canada high in sulfur because formed in ocean) Coal expansion = Contains impurities (sulfur, mercury, arsenic)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following with their primary method of extraction:

<p>Petroleum = Pumping Natural gas and oil = Fracking / hydraulic fracturing Tar sands = Strip mining Fossil fuels = May be burned to produce energy, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following with their primary impact on the Earth system:

<p>Fracking = Induces seismicity Combustion of fossil fuels = Moves carbon (in the form of carbon dioxide) to the atmosphere Coal expansion = Depends on how it is formed (e.g. eastern canada high in sulfur because formed in ocean) Petroleum refining = May be refined into other products such as plastics, textiles, paints, fertilizers</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following natural hazards with their descriptions:

<p>Tectonic events = Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis Weather-related disasters = Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts Extraterrestrial impacts = Asteroid or comet collisions with Earth Geological phenomena = Landslides, sinkholes, and rockfalls</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following statements with their corresponding resource impact:

<p>Overpopulation and overconsumption lead to increased resource use and environmental destruction. = Human impact on resource consumption and environmental degradation 25% of humans consume a large share of resources and contribute to pollution and waste. = Unequal resource distribution and environmental impact Non-renewable resources like fossil fuels and minerals have limited supply and environmental impacts. = Impact of non-renewable resource extraction and usage Renewable resources, while replenishable, are at risk of overexploitation. = Sustainability and risk of overuse</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions related to mining:

<p>Primary and secondary mineral deposits = Determining factors for mining methods and production Canada's mining industry = Significant contribution to GDP and valuable assets Critical minerals = Important for green/digital economy and security Mine tailings = Can pollute water sources and pose environmental risks</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following earth processes with their primary driving forces:

<p>Plate tectonics = Internal radioactive decay Magnetic field reversal = Earth's magnetism Igneous rock formation = Magma Sedimentary rock formation = Transport mechanisms and environment of deposition</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following geological boundaries with their associated features:

<p>Divergent boundaries = Mid-ocean ridges Convergent boundaries = Mountain ranges and volcanic arcs Transform boundaries = Earthquakes and faulting Plate boundaries = Various geological features</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following rock types with their formation processes:

<p>Igneous rocks = From magma Sedimentary rocks = Retention of information on transport mechanisms and environment of deposition Metamorphic rocks = Alteration of original rocks due to pressure and temperature Rocks formation = Mineral content and style of eruption</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following dating methods with their applications in earth and life history:

<p>Relative dating = Deciphering earth and life history Absolute dating = Providing insights into the earth's long history and divisions Dating methods = Used to decipher earth and life history Life history = Insights into the earth's long history and divisions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following consequences of human-induced change with their descriptions:

<p>Loss of habitats = Impact of human-induced change Deforestation = Impact of human-induced change Pollution = Impact of human-induced change Climate change = Impact of human-induced change</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following earth system components with their primary compositions:

<p>Crust = Earth's structure Mantle = Earth's structure Core = Earth's structure Earth's structure = Plate boundaries driving geological activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following geological eras with their primary characteristics:

<p>Paleozoic = Rapid appearance of complex life in fossil record Hadean eon = Solar system forms from nebula Mesozoic = Time of dinosaurs Cenozoic = Time of the mammals</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following seismic events with their characteristics:

<p>Chicxulub impact crater = Located at Yucatan 2023 Turkle events = M7.8 earthquake occurred in SE Turklye 2004 Sumatra-Andaman tsunami = M9.2 earthquake occurred off the coast of Sumatra K-T extinction event = Almost vertebrates become extinct at 65 Ma</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following seismic hazard terms with their definitions:

<p>Magnitude = A measure of the strength of an earthquake Tsunami = Series of ocean waves created when seafloor is rapidly displaced Ground motion = Shaking resulting from a sudden release of acoustic energy in the lithosphere Detection = Systems deployed to detect seismic events</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following tectonic features with their characteristics:

<p>Solar system = Forms from nebula and includes inner rocky planets Fault zones = Release of seismic energy and ground motion occurs along these Tsunami wave front = Speed decreases as it approaches shore Seismic waves = Acoustic events moving through the solid earth</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following earthquake characteristics with their descriptions:

<p>Richter scale = Logarithmic scale used to measure earthquake strength Tectonic stress = Builds up when faults are locked, and when these faults rupture or slip, seismic energy is released Moment magnitude scale = Currently used for measuring earthquake strength Largest earthquakes recorded by humans = Include 1960 Chile, 1964 Alaska, 2004 Sumatra, and 2011 Japan</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following geological phenomena with their descriptions:

<p>Cambrian explosion = Rapid appearance of complex life in fossil record at ~540 Ma Tectonic hazards = Release of seismic energy at fault zones in the earth Tsunami hazards = Series of ocean waves created when seafloor is rapidly displaced Hadean eon = Solar system forms from nebula and includes inner rocky planets</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of residence time in the Earth system and provide an example related to the carbon cycle.

<p>The concept of residence time refers to the average time a material stays in a component of the Earth system. In the carbon cycle, it can be illustrated by the time carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere before being absorbed by plants during photosynthesis or dissolved in the oceans. This helps understand the dynamics of carbon movement within the Earth system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the major components of the Earth system and their interactions, highlighting the closed nature of the system.

<p>The major components of the Earth system include the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere. These components interact through various processes such as the water cycle, carbon cycle, and rock cycle. The system is considered closed because matter cycles within the system, but energy is exchanged with space. This closed nature influences the overall stability and dynamics of the Earth system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the lithosphere in the Earth system and how it interacts with other components.

<p>The lithosphere, which is the upper part of the solid earth, plays a crucial role in interacting with other components of the Earth system. It influences the movement of tectonic plates, the release of minerals and nutrients, and the shaping of landforms. Its interactions with the atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere contribute to the overall functioning and resilience of the Earth system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the composition and characteristics of the Earth's atmosphere, focusing on the main gases and their percentages.

<p>The Earth's atmosphere is composed mainly of nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), argon (A), and carbon dioxide (CO2), with small amounts of other gases. In its dry state, it consists of approximately 78.084% nitrogen, 20.947% oxygen, 0.934% argon, and 0.035% carbon dioxide. Water vapor, although variable, also plays a significant role in the atmosphere, comprising around 4% of its composition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential environmental impacts of fracking on groundwater and seismic activity?

<p>The potential environmental impacts of fracking include migration of fracking fluid directly into groundwater, flowback of contaminated wastewater at the surface, methane leaks into groundwater, and induced seismicity due to the injection of fracking fluids into the ground.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern regarding the combustion of fossil fuels and its impact on the Earth's carbon cycle?

<p>The primary concern is that the combustion of fossil fuels moves carbon (in the form of carbon dioxide) to the atmosphere, significantly disturbing Earth's carbon cycle and contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases that influence the planet's climate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the major types of fossil fuels and their potential environmental impacts when burned for energy production?

<p>The major types of fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, natural gas, oil sand, and heavy oils. When burned for energy production, they release CO2 into the atmosphere, contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases and influencing the planet's climate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary sources of primary energy production by humans, and what percentage is derived from fossil fuels?

<p>Fossil fuels account for over 80% of primary energy production by humans. The primary sources of fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, natural gas, oil sand, and heavy oils.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the estimated current reserves and consumption projections for oil, coal, and gas?

<p>The estimated current reserves for oil are &gt;1,000 billion barrels, with a consumption projection to increase. Coal has abundant current reserves of &gt;800 gigatons (equivalent to 4,500 billion barrels of oil), and gas has current reserves of 180 trillion cubic meters (equivalent to 1,000 billion barrels).</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the Cambrian explosion in the fossil record.

<p>The Cambrian explosion marks the rapid appearance of complex life in the fossil record, indicating a massive diversification of species and the emergence of a 'big bang of ecology' around 540 million years ago.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the potential future prediction for the existence of Earth.

<p>In approximately 5 billion years, the Sun will run out of fuel and briefly expand into a red giant, causing Earth to evaporate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are tectonic hazards, and how do they manifest in the form of earthquakes?

<p>Tectonic hazards involve the release of seismic energy at fault zones in the Earth, resulting in ground motion (shaking) due to a sudden release of acoustic energy in the lithosphere. These seismic events typically occur along geological faults, where tectonic stress and energy build up and are then released during fault rupture or slippage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the formation and characteristics of tsunamis.

<p>Tsunamis are series of ocean waves created when the seafloor is rapidly displaced, often by undersea earthquakes or landslides. Even a small displacement of the seafloor can induce a massive tsunami, and a major earthquake with modest vertical fault rupture can cause significant uplift of the water column, transferring a huge amount of energy to the ocean. As tsunamis approach shore, their amplitude increases, wavelength decreases, and speed decreases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Richter scale and how is earthquake magnitude measured?

<p>The Richter scale is a logarithmic scale used to measure the strength of earthquakes. It is calculated based on the amplitude of the seismic waves from an earthquake, with each number increase in magnitude indicating a tenfold increase in measured amplitude.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman tsunami and its impact.

<p>The 2004 Sumatra-Andaman tsunami was triggered by a massive M9.2 earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, resulting in the displacement of a significant volume of ocean water and the generation of waves up to 30 meters high across the Indian Ocean. This devastating event led to the loss of over 227,000 lives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the seismic hazards associated with Southern Ontario and their potential causes.

<p>Southern Ontario experiences low-magnitude earthquake activity, often occurring along pre-existing structural faults such as ancient suture zones and upper crustal features. The causes of these earthquakes may be attributed to glacial isostatic adjustment or background intraplate stresses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the detection and characteristics of tsunamis.

<p>Tsunamis are detected through systems deployed to monitor ocean waves created by seafloor displacement. Even a small displacement of the seafloor can induce a massive tsunami, and major earthquakes can cause significant uplift of the water column, transferring a huge amount of energy to the ocean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hadean eon known for in Earth's history?

<p>The Hadean eon, which started approximately 4.567 billion years ago, is known for the formation of the solar system from a nebula, including the emergence of the Sun at the center, the development of inner rocky planets (including Earth), and the occurrence of significant impacts and events such as the formation of the moon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of seismic energy release and its relation to earthquakes.

<p>Seismic energy release occurs at fault zones in the Earth, leading to ground motion (shaking) due to a sudden release of acoustic energy in the lithosphere. This energy builds up as tectonic stress when faults are locked, and is released when these faults rupture or slip, resulting in earthquakes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the potential future prediction for the existence of Earth.

<p>In approximately 5 billion years, the Sun will run out of fuel and briefly expand into a red giant, causing Earth to evaporate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are tectonic hazards, and how do they manifest in the form of earthquakes?

<p>Tectonic hazards involve the release of seismic energy at fault zones in the Earth, resulting in ground motion (shaking) due to a sudden release of acoustic energy in the lithosphere. These seismic events typically occur along geological faults, where tectonic stress and energy build up and are then released during fault rupture or slippage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary categories of natural hazards mentioned in the text?

<p>Tectonic, weather, extra-terrestrial, and geological hazards</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main categories of mineral resources mentioned in the text?

<p>Non-renewable (fossil fuels, nuclear fuel, minerals) and renewable (forests, fisheries, groundwater, agricultural land, and soil)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the contribution of Canada's mining industry to the GDP and the amount spent on exploration in 2021?

<p>6% to GDP with assets totaling $273 billion, and $3.6 billion spent on exploration in 2021</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are 'critical minerals' and why are they important?

<p>Critical minerals are important for the green/digital economy and security</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are primary and secondary mineral deposits, and how do they determine exploration and extraction methods?

<p>Primary deposits are in host rock, while secondary deposits are formed after moving. They determine the type of exploration and extraction required</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of mining processes that can lead to environmental pollution?

<p>Acid leaching for gold extraction and oil sands extraction</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of reclamation in the context of mining?

<p>To return mined land to end use, as seen in the case study of Efemcukuru gold mine in Turkey</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some characteristics and uses of gold and diamonds mentioned in the text?

<p>Gold is a dense, soft, non-reactive element used in various industries, while diamonds are natural minerals with unique properties and are mined in Canada's NWT</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technology does DART (deep-ocean assessment and reporting of Tsunami) utilize for tsunami warning?

<p>DART uses bottom pressure detectors and communication buoys for tsunami warning, not prediction</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do overpopulation and overconsumption impact resource use and environmental destruction?

<p>Overpopulation and overconsumption lead to increased resource use and environmental destruction</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of humans consume a large share of resources and contribute to pollution and waste?

<p>25% of humans consume 50% energy, 86% aluminum, 76% harvested timber, 61% meat, and 42% fresh water</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of natural hazards and mineral resources discussed in the text?

<p>The main components are tectonic, weather, extra-terrestrial, and geological hazards for natural hazards, and non-renewable and renewable resources for mineral resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of Earth system science and how it integrates physical and biological sciences to understand the interconnected processes on the planet.

<p>Earth system science integrates physical and biological sciences to understand the interconnected web of processes on the planet, including the interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the two sources of energy that fuel the dynamic earth system and their respective roles.

<p>The dynamic earth system is fueled by external solar radiation, which drives processes such as weather and climate, and internal radioactive decay and cooling of the planet, which contributes to processes like plate tectonics and volcanic activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary consequences of human-induced changes to the earth system, and what factors have driven these changes?

<p>Human-induced changes have led to environmental impacts such as loss of habitats and biodiversity, deforestation, soil degradation, pollution, and enhanced greenhouse effect. Population growth and technological advances have been driving factors behind these changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the composition and behavior of the earth's structure, including the crust, mantle, and core, based on rheology.

<p>The earth's structure includes the crust, mantle, and core, with their behavior defined by rheology, which is based on temperature, pressure, and composition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the geological activity associated with plate boundaries and the types of boundaries found in the earth's crust.

<p>Plate boundaries are locations of geological activity, including volcanoes, mountain belts, earthquakes, and geothermal heating, and can be divergent, convergent, or transform boundaries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do igneous rocks form, and what determines their mineral content and style of eruption?

<p>Igneous rocks form from magma and can be felsic or mafic based on composition. Their mineral content and style of eruption are determined by factors such as silica content and gas content.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the process of soil formation and its relationship to the rock cycle.

<p>Soils are created through the weathering of rocks by the biosphere and atmosphere, and are part of the continuous transformation of rocks in the rock cycle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the methods used to decipher earth and life history, including the concepts of relative and absolute time and key geological principles.

<p>Deciphering earth and life history involves understanding relative and absolute time, as well as using principles like original horizontality and stratigraphic superposition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary features and geological chronometers used to divide the earth's history into eons, eras, and periods?

<p>Earth's history is divided into eons, eras, and periods based on features such as fossil records, as well as geological chronometers like radiometric dating.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the formation of sedimentary rocks and the information they retain about earth and life history.

<p>Sedimentary rocks form from sediments or precipitates, and retain information about past environments, climate, and life forms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the polarity reversal of the earth's magnetic field, and where is this recorded?

<p>The polarity reversal of the earth's magnetic field, recorded in the sea-floor, provides important evidence for understanding the history of the earth's magnetic field and plate tectonics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the estimated age of the Earth and how it is divided into eons, eras, and periods based on certain features and geological chronometers.

<p>The Earth was created 4.7 billion years ago and is divided into eons, eras, and periods based on features such as fossil records and geological chronometers like radiometric dating.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Lecture on Natural Hazards, Resources, and Minerals

  • DART is a warning system for tsunamis, not a prediction system.
  • Natural hazards include tectonic events, weather-related disasters, extraterrestrial impacts, and geological phenomena.
  • Overpopulation and overconsumption lead to increased resource use and environmental destruction.
  • 25% of humans consume a large share of resources and contribute to pollution and waste.
  • Non-renewable resources like fossil fuels and minerals have limited supply and environmental impacts.
  • Renewable resources, while replenishable, are at risk of overexploitation.
  • Canada's mining industry contributes significantly to its GDP and holds valuable assets.
  • "Critical minerals" are important for the green/digital economy and security.
  • Primary and secondary mineral deposits determine mining methods and production.
  • Mine tailings, such as those from gold ore and oil sands, can pollute water sources.
  • Reclamation aims to return mined land to its end use, such as habitat or agriculture.
  • Diamonds are mined in Canada's NWT, and their value is influenced by various factors like color, clarity, and inclusions.

Earth System Science Overview

  • Earth system science integrates physical and biological sciences to understand the planet's interconnected processes.
  • Dynamic earth system is fueled by external solar radiation and internal radioactive decay.
  • Global change can be natural or human-induced, occurring gradually or catastrophically.
  • Human-induced changes, driven by population growth and technological advances, impact the environment.
  • Consequences of human-induced change include loss of habitats, deforestation, pollution, and climate change.
  • Earth's structure includes the crust, mantle, and core, with plate boundaries driving geological activity.
  • Plate boundaries include divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries, leading to various geological features.
  • Earth's magnetism and the polarity reversal of the magnetic field are recorded in sea-floor stripes.
  • Igneous rocks form from magma and their composition determines mineral content and style of eruption.
  • Sedimentary rocks retain information on transport mechanisms and environment of deposition.
  • Metamorphic rocks form from the alteration of original rocks due to pressure and temperature.
  • Relative and absolute dating methods are used to decipher earth and life history, providing insights into the earth's long history and divisions.

Earth System Science and Geology Lecture Summary

  • Earth system science integrates physical and biological sciences to understand the interconnected web of processes on the planet.
  • Two sources of energy fuel the dynamic earth system: external solar radiation and internal radioactive decay and cooling of the planet.
  • Global change involves modifications of the earth system’s components and their interactions, both natural and human-induced, and can be gradual or catastrophic.
  • Human-induced changes, driven by population growth and technological advances, have led to environmental impacts and the need for energy and resources.
  • Consequences of human-induced change include loss of habitats and biodiversity, deforestation, soil degradation, pollution, and enhanced greenhouse effect.
  • The earth’s structure includes the crust, mantle, and core, with rheology defining their behavior based on temperature, pressure, and composition.
  • Plate boundaries are locations of geological activity, including volcanoes, mountain belts, earthquakes, and geothermal heating, and can be divergent, convergent, or transform boundaries.
  • Earth’s magnetism, recorded in the sea-floor, reveals the polarity reversal of the earth’s magnetic field every 500,000 years.
  • Igneous rocks form from magma and can be felsic or mafic based on composition, while sedimentary rocks form from sediments or precipitates, and metamorphic rocks result from pressure and temperature changes.
  • The rock cycle involves continuous transformation of rocks, and soils are created through the weathering of rocks by the biosphere and atmosphere.
  • Deciphering earth and life history involves understanding relative and absolute time, as well as using principles like original horizontality and stratigraphic superposition.
  • Earth was created 4.7 billion years ago and is divided into eons, eras, and periods based on certain features and geological chronometers.

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