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32 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Why is plate tectonics considered a unifying theory?
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Explains all things governed by the movement of the Earth.
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How can large volcanic eruptions affect parts of the entire world?
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Volcanic dust blasted into the Eearth's atmosphere can block sunlight and cause some cooling over large areas fo the Earth.
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How is Earth unique among the planets of our solar system?
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Earth is unique for having water in its liquid form at the surface, in an amount conducive to life evolving.
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Two broad areas of the field of Geology:
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1. physical geology - concerned with the materials and processes which compose and operate on the surface of the Earth
2. historical geology - concerned with the origin and evolution of Earth's continents, oceans, atmosphere, and life. |
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One specific examploe of how geology effects daily life in terms of materials and energy needs:
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The exploration and drilling for oil.
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Example: Geologists and environmental quality
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Geologists regulate surface mining and research and monitor ground water quality.
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What are planetesimals?
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Ojects formed from the condensation of gaseous, liquid, and solid particles, and that eventually become true planetary bodies
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By how long ago had the Earth formed?
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4.6 billion years ago
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On what bases are the concentric layers of Earth primarily distinguished?
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composition
density |
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Sequent of solid layer from surface to interior:
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Crust
Upper Mantle Inner Core |
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Why is Earth considered to be dynamic as opposed to static?
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Because it has continually changed during its 4.6 billion years of existence.
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What are the types of crust?
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Thick - continental crust
Thin - oceanic crust |
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How do Earth's inner and outer cores differ?
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Inner: solid and dense
Outer: larger and apparently liquid |
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The lithosphere is comprised of which layer or layers?
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The crust and upper mantle make up the lithosphere which forms the solid outer layers of the Earth.
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Definition of "theory"
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A coherent explanation for one or several related natural phenomena that is supported by a large body of evidence.
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Three types of tectonic plate boundaries
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Divergent Boundaries
Convergent Boundaries Transform Plate Boundaries |
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Divergent Boundaries
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New crust is created as two or more plates pull aways from each other ...oceans are born and grow wider which plates diverge (mid-oceanic ridge)
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Convergent Boundaries
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Crust is destroyed and recycled as one plate dives under another.
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Convergent Boundaries:
Subduction Zone |
Areas where plates dive under another ...mountains or volcanoes are formed (Andes Mountains)
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Three Tyes of Convergent Boundaries
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Continental - Continental
Contiinental - Oceanic Oceanic - Oceanic |
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Transform Plate Boundaries
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Where two plates slide past each other horizontally (San Andreas Fault)
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How does Plate Tectonics Theory differ from Hypothesis of Continental Drift?
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HPD = continents move but does not explain why
PTT = explains why; tells you that earthquakes and volcanoes result |
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With which type of plate boundaries is earthquake activity associated?
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All three:
Convergent, Divergent, and Transform Plate |
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Describe the role of plate tectonics in geological processes:
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Explaiins all events that have occurred on Earth - mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, etc.
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San Andreas Fault is which type of boundary?
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Transform Plate Boundary
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Difference between a rock and a mineral?
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Rock - an aggregate of minerals
Mineral - naturally occuring, inorganic, crystalline solids that have definite physical and chemical properties |
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Three major groups of rocks
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Igneous
Sedimentary Metamorphic |
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Igneous Rocks
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Result from the crystallization of magma, or the consolidation of volcanic ejecta
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Sedimentary Rocks
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Originate from the consolidation of rock fragments, precipitation of mineral matter from solution, or compaction of pllant or animal remains
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Metamorphic Rocks
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Result from the alteration of other rocks, usually beneath the surface - heat, pressure, or chemical activity of fluids
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Along which tectonic plate boundaries are igneous rock formed?
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All three:
convergent, divergent, and transform plate |
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Why are igneous rocks classified intrusive or extrusive if both originate from melted material below the surface?
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Intrusive - magma cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface (ex: granite)
Extrusive - magma was cooled at the Earth's surface |