Earth Science Final Exam Coverage Notes PDF
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This document provides an outline of key concepts in Earth Science, covering topics such as weathering, erosion, plate tectonics, folding, faulting, volcanism, and geological processes. It includes subtopics like physical and chemical weathering and the formation of various landforms. The document also focuses on geological processes and examples such as plate boundaries and the evolution of the Earth. This is likely examination preparation material.
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Earth Science Final Examination Coverage Notes Chapter 1: Weathering and Erosion 1. Weathering o Definition: The process of breaking down and corroding solid rocks into sediments. o Types: ▪ Physical (Mechanical) Weathering: Breakdown of rocks witho...
Earth Science Final Examination Coverage Notes Chapter 1: Weathering and Erosion 1. Weathering o Definition: The process of breaking down and corroding solid rocks into sediments. o Types: ▪ Physical (Mechanical) Weathering: Breakdown of rocks without chemical change (e.g., freeze-thaw cycles, thermal expansion). ▪ Chemical Weathering: Breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions (e.g., oxidation, hydrolysis, carbonation). o Examples: ▪ Dissolution: Minerals dissolve in water. ▪ Oxidation: Minerals react with oxygen, forming oxides (e.g., rust). ▪ Hydration: Minerals absorb water, causing expansion and weakening. 2. Erosion o Definition: The process of moving sediments from one place to another. o Main Forces: ▪ Water Erosion: Rivers, rainfall, and surface run-off. ▪ Wind Erosion: Formation of sand dunes. ▪ Ice Erosion: Glaciers and ice sheets. ▪ Coastal Erosion: Waves and tides. Chapter 2: Earth’s Layers and Plate Tectonics 1. Earth’s Layers o Inner Core: Solid sphere composed mainly of iron and nickel. o Continental Crust: Approximately 35–70 km thick. o Lithosphere: About 100 km thick, composed of the crust and the uppermost mantle. o Asthenosphere: Plastic and partially molten layer beneath the lithosphere. 2. Plate Tectonics o Alfred Wegener's Continental Drift Theory (1912): Proposed that continents were once a single landmass (Pangaea) and have drifted apart. o Seafloor Spreading: Creation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges, pushing tectonic plates apart. o Key Contributions: ▪ Henry Hess: Proposed the theory of seafloor spreading. ▪ Mid-Ocean Ridges: Formed as a result of seafloor spreading. ▪ Geomagnetic Reversals: Occur every 200,000 to 300,000 years, last major event was the Matuyama-Brunhes transition. Chapter 3: Folding and Faulting 1. Folding o Anticline: Convex upward fold with the oldest rocks at the core. o Syncline: Concave upward fold with the youngest rocks at the core. o Monocline: Step-like fold in rock strata. o Plunging Fold: Fold with a non-horizontal axis. 2. Faulting o Normal Fault: Block above the fault moves downward relative to the block below. o Reverse Fault: Block above the fault moves upward over the block below. o Strike-Slip Fault: Horizontal sliding of rock blocks. Chapter 4: Volcanism and Magmatism 1. Magma and Magma Chambers o Components: Gases, minerals, and liquid rock. o Magma Chamber: Stores magma before it erupts. o Solidification: Magma cools and crystallizes into igneous rock. 2. Volcanic Activity o Importance of Study: Provides insights into volcanic activity and crust formation. o Effects on Environment: Volcanic eruptions can significantly alter landscapes and impact climate. Chapter 5: Geological Processes and Landforms 1. Erosion and Deposition o Deposition: Builds up layers of sediment, creating new landforms. o Landform Formation: Trenches form due to tectonic plate interactions (e.g., subduction). 2. Plate Boundaries o Transform Boundaries: Earthquakes occur due to the buildup of stress as plates grind against each other. o Continental-Continental Boundaries: Create large mountain ranges through the crumpling and thickening of the crust. o Oceanic-Continental Boundaries: Result in subduction of the denser oceanic plate beneath the less dense continental plate. o Divergent Boundaries: Associated with seafloor spreading and creation of new oceanic crust. Essay Topics 1. Importance of Studying Erosion and Weathering o Explains the processes that shape Earth's surface. o Helps predict geological changes and manage natural resources. 2. Study of Fossils in Understanding Earth’s History o Provides insights into past life forms and environments. o Helps in understanding evolutionary processes and geological time scales. 3. Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on the Environment o Can cause immediate and long-term changes to climate. o Impact ecosystems and human activities.