Science and Geology Overview

Science is a systematic process of learning about the natural world through observation and experimentation.
Scientific inquiry involves formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data to draw conclusions.
Geology is the study of Earth, its composition, structure, processes, and history.

Earth is a dynamic system with interconnected components: atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere.
Plate tectonics drives many geological processes, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Earth's internal heat drives convection currents in the mantle, influencing plate movement.
The rock cycle illustrates the continuous transformation of rocks between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic forms.
Geologic time encompasses vast spans, requiring specialized dating techniques.
Earth's systems interact in complex ways, impacting climate and resources.

Earth is composed primarily of minerals, naturally occurring, inorganic solids with specific chemical compositions and crystalline structures.
Minerals form through various geological processes, including crystallization from magma or precipitation from solution.
Mineral properties include crystal shape, hardness, color, and cleavage.
The abundance of different minerals varies throughout Earth’s different layers.

Minerals are defined by their chemical composition and crystal structure, the ordered arrangement of atoms.
Chemical bonds determine mineral properties.
Mineral formation is influenced by temperature, pressure, and the availability of elements.
Isotopes and radioactive decay are used for geologic dating of minerals.
Polymorphism describes minerals with the same chemical composition but different crystal structures.

Rocks are composed of one or more minerals.
Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
Sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation and cementation of sediments.
Metamorphic rocks form from the transformation of existing rocks under heat and pressure.

Igneous rocks are classified based on texture (e.g., intrusive vs. extrusive) and mineral composition.
Sedimentary rocks form through processes like weathering, erosion, transport, deposition and lithification.
Sedimentary rocks can be clastic (fragments of other rocks), chemical (precipitated from solution), or organic (formed from organisms).
Metamorphic rocks are classified based on texture (foliated vs. non-foliated) and mineral composition.
Metamorphism occurs due to regional metamorphism (large-scale tectonic events), contact metamorphism (heat from magma), or other factors.
Rock cycle shows the transitions between the three rock types through various geological processes.

Minerals have diverse economic uses, including construction materials, industrial processes, and electronics.
Mining and extraction of minerals have environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution.
Mineral extraction can lead to water contamination.
Some minerals have health impacts, either from exposure during mining or from use in products.
Proper waste disposal is crucial to minimize environmental and health impact from mineral use and extraction.

Defines science as a systematic process of acquiring knowledge about the natural world.
Describes scientific inquiry as the diverse ways scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on evidence.
Introduces geology as the study of Earth, its materials, processes, and history.

Explains Earth's systems (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere) and their interactions.
Details the processes shaping Earth's surface (plate tectonics, erosion, weathering).
Covers internal Earth processes (volcanism, earthquakes, mountain building).
Discusses Earth's history and evolution over geological time.

Defines minerals based on their natural occurrence, inorganic composition, solid state, ordered atomic arrangement, and definite chemical composition.
Lists common rock-forming minerals and their properties (e.g., silicate minerals, oxides).

Explains how chemical composition dictates mineral properties.
Describes crystal structures and their influence on mineral properties.
Details the formation processes of different minerals (crystallization from melts, precipitation from solutions).
Discusses polymorphism (minerals with same composition but different structure).

Classifies rocks into igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Details igneous rock formation from magma/lava cooling and solidification (intrusive vs. extrusive).
Explains sedimentary rock formation through weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation (clastic vs. chemical).
Describes metamorphic rock formation from existing rocks undergoing heat and pressure changes (foliated vs. non-foliated).
Discusses the rock cycle illustrating transformations between rock types.

Lists the various uses of minerals (building materials, electronics, etc.).
Describes the environmental impacts of mineral extraction and processing (habitat destruction, pollution).
Explains the health impacts associated with mineral exposure (respiratory problems, heavy metal poisoning).

Summarizes the overall environmental and health effects related to Earth resources.
Discusses mitigation strategies for reducing negative impacts.
Highlights the importance of sustainable resource management.