, TESTBANK for Physical Geology Investigating
Earth , 1st Edition Reed Wicander
Notes
1- The file is chapter after chapter.
2- We have shown you 10 or five pages.
3- The file contains all Appendix and Excel
sheet if it exists.
4- We have all what you need, we make
update at every time. There are many
new editions waiting you.
5- If you think you purchased the wrong file
You can contact us at every time, we can
replace it with true one.
Our email:
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
Essay
1. Describe a system and its components, and give an example.
ANSWER: A system is a combination of related parts that interact in an organized manner. The
components of a system include inputs that consist of information, materials, and energy
entering the system from outside, and outputs that consist of information, materials, and
energy leaving the system. A simple example of a system is the process of respiration, where
oxygen is inhaled (input) and carbon dioxide is exhaled (output).
2. What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
ANSWER: Hypotheses are tentative explanations formulated to explain observed phenomena. Theories
are coherent explanations for one or several related natural phenomena supported by a large
body of objective evidence. Scientists derive predictive statements, which are tested by
observations and/or experiments, and assess their validity. Theories are formulated through
the process known as the scientific method.
3. Describe the ways in which geology affects our everyday lives.
ANSWER: Almost every part of our lives is affected by geology. Natural disasters profoundly affect the
impacted areas. Many of the natural resources, including water and soil, necessary for human
existence are geologic materials. Other resources such as metal ores, petroleum products, and
so forth are also geologic materials that have been processed for various uses. Geology, in
part, determines more desirable locations for people to live.
4. With the help of Figure 1.6, explain the greenhouse effect and its impact on Earth.
ANSWER: The recycling of carbon dioxide between Earth’s crust and atmosphere is an important
regulator of climate, as greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide,
chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor allow sunlight to pass through them, but they trap the
heat reflected back from Earth’s surface. This retention of heat is termed as the greenhouse
effect, which results in a rise in the temperature of Earth’s surface and, most importantly,
Earth’s atmosphere. The increase in greenhouse gases from human activity results in
temperatures that are higher than from natural processes alone.
5. Compare the terrestrial planets with the Jovian planets.
ANSWER: The composition and evolutionary history of the planets are dependent on their distance from
the Sun. The terrestrial planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars were condensed at high
temperatures and are small and composed of rock and metallic elements. The Jovian planets
are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune; consist of small, rocky cores; and are composed
primarily of hydrogen, helium, ammonia, and methane, which condense at low temperatures.
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,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
6. Name and describe the three layers of Earth.
ANSWER: The three concentric layers of Earth are the core, mantle, and crust. At Earth’s center is the
densest layer, the core, with a calculated density of 10–13 g/cm3. At 16% of the total volume,
the core is mostly iron, with a small amount of nickel. The core has two layers, a solid
interior, and a liquid-molten outer core. The mantle makes up 83% of the planet’s volume.
The mantle is much less dense than the core, 3.3–5.7 g/cm3. It is composed mostly of dark,
dense peridotite. The outermost layer is the least dense layer, the crust. There are two major
types of crust: continental and oceanic. Continental crust is granitic and thicker compared to
the oceanic crust and has an average density of 2.7 g/cm3. Oceanic crust is composed of basalt
and gabbro and is thinner than continental crust with a density of 3.0 g/cm3.
7. Explain the plate tectonic theory and its significance with the help of Figure 1.13.
ANSWER: The plate tectonic theory is based on the premise that the lithosphere is divided into rigid
plates, which move relative to one another over the asthenosphere. The three types of plate
boundaries are divergent (where plates separate and move apart); convergent (where plate
boundaries move towards one another and collide); and transform (where plates slide past
each other). These boundaries are where volcanic activity and/or earthquakes occur.
8. How is the rock cycle related to plate tectonics?
ANSWER: Interactions between plates—convergence, divergence, lateral movements—determine to a
great extent which of the three rock groups will form. Subsidence of crust results in melt,
which rises to the surface to form igneous rocks. Any type of rock can be altered via heat and
pressure without melting to form metamorphic rocks. Rocks exposed to weathering form
sediments, which subsequently form sedimentary rocks. Due to plate tectonics, rocks are
recycled through continental and oceanic crust.
9. Explain the principle of uniformitarianism and its significance in interpreting past geologic events.
ANSWER: The principle of uniformitarianism is based on the premise that present-day processes
observed on Earth have operated throughout time, or the present is the key to the past.
Uniformitarianism provides the basis for interpreting the geologic history of Earth. By using
modern analogies, geologists can make reasonable interpretations about past events. Processes
occurring today such as weathering, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, severe weather, and so
forth serve as good examples.
10. What is the lithosphere?
ANSWER: The solid upper mantle and the overlying crust make up the lithosphere, which is broken into
numerous individual pieces called plates that move over the asthenosphere, partly as a result
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,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
of underlying convection cells. Interactions among these plates are responsible for the
occurrence of natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and formation of
ocean basins and mountain ranges.
Subjective Short Answer
11. What is the asthenosphere?
ANSWER: Asthenosphere is the zone that surrounds the lower mantle. It has the same composition as the
lower mantle, but behaves plastically and moves slowly.
12. According to most scientists, what is the major environmental problem facing the world and why?
ANSWER: According to scientists, overpopulation is the major environmental problem facing the world
today. The world’s population was 7.8 billion in 2020 and is predicted to be 9.9 billion by
2050. This increase in population would create an imbalance in resources, exceeding Earth’s
carrying capacity.
13. Name any four greenhouse gases.
ANSWER: Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone,
chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor.
14. What are the four forces of the universe that immediately followed the Big Bang?
ANSWER: The four basic forces immediately following the Big Bang are a) gravity, b) electromagnetic,
c) strong nuclear force, and d) weak nuclear force.
15. Why is Earth considered a dynamic and evolving planet?
ANSWER: Earth has continually changed throughout its 4.6-billion-year existence. The size, shape, and
geographic location and distribution of continents and oceans have varied throughout time;
the composition of the atmosphere has evolved; and the life forms existing today are different
from those from the past. Tectonic activity causing natural disasters, weathering, and so forth
contribute to Earth being a dynamic and evolving planet.
16. Why is the density of the core different from that of the crust?
ANSWER: The densities between the core and crust are different because they are made of different
elements. The core is the innermost layer, which has a density of 10 to 13 g/cm3 and consists
mostly of iron and a small quantity of nickel. It is very dense compared to the crust, which has
a density of 2.7 to 3.0 g/cm3 and consists of silicon, aluminum, and magnesium.
17. Describe the two types of crusts.
ANSWER: The two types of crust are continental and oceanic. Continental crust is much thicker and less
dense (2.7 g/cm3) and consists of granite and rhyolite. Oceanic crust is thinner in comparison,
but denser (3.0 g/cm3) and consists of gabbro and basalt.
18. Name the type of rocks formed from magma, the two different types, and where they are formed.
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,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
ANSWER: The rocks that form from magma are igneous rocks. There are two types of igneous rocks: intrusive, whi
surface of Earth, and extrusive, which form on the surface of Earth.
19. How are intrusive igneous rocks exposed at the surface of Earth?
ANSWER: Intrusive rocks are exposed by uplifting through tectonic activity and erosion.
20. What happens to rocks once they are exposed on Earth’s surface?
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,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
ANSWER: Once rocks are exposed on Earth’s surface, they are subject to weathering, erosion, and deposition.
21. What is the process by which sediments are converted into sedimentary rocks?
ANSWER: Sediments are converted to sedimentary rocks via the process of lithification.
22. What happens to rock in the metamorphic process if the heat is great enough for the rock to melt?
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 5
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
ANSWER: If the rock melts due to excessive heat in the metamorphic process, then it would be considered magma.
23. Briefly describe the process that occur at plate boundaries?
ANSWER: Along plate boundaries, plates separate (diverge), collide (converge), or slide past one another
(transform), and are characterized by volcanic activity and/or earthquakes.
24. Why should Earth be treated as a system?
ANSWER: When viewing Earth as a system, one can better understand how the various components are
interconnected and appreciate Earth’s complex and dynamic nature.
25. What are the three ways by which sedimentary rocks form?
ANSWER: Sedimentary rocks form via a) consolidation of mineral or rock fragments; b) precipitation of
minerals from solution; and c) compaction of plant and animal remains.
26. Describe what is meant by the scientific method.
ANSWER: The scientific method involves formulating theories and is an orderly, logical approach that
involves gathering and analyzing facts and/or data about the problem under consideration.
27. What is the process within the asthenosphere that generates magma?
ANSWER: Partial melting within the asthenosphere generates magma, some of which rises to the surface
as it is less dense than the rock from which it was derived.
28. What was the discovery of the 19th century that allowed geologists to assign numerical ages to the
geologic time scale?
ANSWER: The discovery of radioactivity in 1895 and the development of various radiometric-dating
techniques allowed geologists to assign numeral ages in years to the geologic time scale.
29. Describe the principle that allows geologists to interpret the past and predict future events.
ANSWER: The principle of uniformitarianism is based on the premise that present-day processes have
operated throughout Earth’s history. This means that the processes that shaped Earth in the
past are the same processes operating and modifying it today.
30. Why do most people have difficulty comprehending geologic time?
ANSWER: Most people think of time in years, months, days, and so forth. Ancient history pertains to
what occurred hundreds or thousands of years ago. Geologic time is in terms of millions to
billions of years ago.
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,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
Multiple Choice
31. The branch of geology that deals with Earth material?
a. historical geology
b. physical geology
c. chemical geology
d. biological geology
ANSWER: b
32. The branch of geology that deals with the origin and evolution of Earth and its continents?
a. historical geology
b. physical geology
c. chemical geology
d. biological geology
ANSWER: a
33. How old is Earth?
a. 46,000 years
b. 460,000 years
c. 4.6 million years
d. 4.6 billion years
ANSWER: d
34. Which of the following describes the combination of related parts that interact in an organized
manner?
a. system
b. hypothesis
c. theorem
d. theory
ANSWER: a
35. Which of the following is NOT a Jovian planet?
a. Jupiter
b. Uranus
c. Saturn
d. Earth
ANSWER: d
36. Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
a. ozone
b. methane
c. nitrogen
d. chlorofluorocarbons
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Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
ANSWER: c
37. Which of the following are small rocky objects whose composition might provide clues to the origin
of the solar system?
a. asteroids
b. shooting stars
c. planetoids
d. comets
ANSWER: a
38. Which of the following are interplanetary bodies composed of loosely bound ice and rocky material?
a. asteroids
b. shooting stars
c. planetoids
d. comets
ANSWER: d
39. Which planets have small rocky cores compared to their overall size?
a. inner planets
b. terrestrial planets
c. Jovian planets
d. supernova planets
ANSWER: c
40. Which event in Earth’s history resulted in it being a layered planet?
a. separation
b. differentiation
c. partial melting
d. gravitation
ANSWER: b
41. Which portion of Earth consists of a small, solid inner region and a larger, liquid outer region and
occupies 16% of Earth’s volume?
a. crust
b. upper mantle
c. lower mantle
d. core
ANSWER: d
42. Which is the most voluminous portion of Earth?
a. crust
b. mantle
c. inner core
d. outer core
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Earth , 1st Edition Reed Wicander
Notes
1- The file is chapter after chapter.
2- We have shown you 10 or five pages.
3- The file contains all Appendix and Excel
sheet if it exists.
4- We have all what you need, we make
update at every time. There are many
new editions waiting you.
5- If you think you purchased the wrong file
You can contact us at every time, we can
replace it with true one.
Our email:
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
Essay
1. Describe a system and its components, and give an example.
ANSWER: A system is a combination of related parts that interact in an organized manner. The
components of a system include inputs that consist of information, materials, and energy
entering the system from outside, and outputs that consist of information, materials, and
energy leaving the system. A simple example of a system is the process of respiration, where
oxygen is inhaled (input) and carbon dioxide is exhaled (output).
2. What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
ANSWER: Hypotheses are tentative explanations formulated to explain observed phenomena. Theories
are coherent explanations for one or several related natural phenomena supported by a large
body of objective evidence. Scientists derive predictive statements, which are tested by
observations and/or experiments, and assess their validity. Theories are formulated through
the process known as the scientific method.
3. Describe the ways in which geology affects our everyday lives.
ANSWER: Almost every part of our lives is affected by geology. Natural disasters profoundly affect the
impacted areas. Many of the natural resources, including water and soil, necessary for human
existence are geologic materials. Other resources such as metal ores, petroleum products, and
so forth are also geologic materials that have been processed for various uses. Geology, in
part, determines more desirable locations for people to live.
4. With the help of Figure 1.6, explain the greenhouse effect and its impact on Earth.
ANSWER: The recycling of carbon dioxide between Earth’s crust and atmosphere is an important
regulator of climate, as greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide,
chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor allow sunlight to pass through them, but they trap the
heat reflected back from Earth’s surface. This retention of heat is termed as the greenhouse
effect, which results in a rise in the temperature of Earth’s surface and, most importantly,
Earth’s atmosphere. The increase in greenhouse gases from human activity results in
temperatures that are higher than from natural processes alone.
5. Compare the terrestrial planets with the Jovian planets.
ANSWER: The composition and evolutionary history of the planets are dependent on their distance from
the Sun. The terrestrial planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars were condensed at high
temperatures and are small and composed of rock and metallic elements. The Jovian planets
are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune; consist of small, rocky cores; and are composed
primarily of hydrogen, helium, ammonia, and methane, which condense at low temperatures.
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 1
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
6. Name and describe the three layers of Earth.
ANSWER: The three concentric layers of Earth are the core, mantle, and crust. At Earth’s center is the
densest layer, the core, with a calculated density of 10–13 g/cm3. At 16% of the total volume,
the core is mostly iron, with a small amount of nickel. The core has two layers, a solid
interior, and a liquid-molten outer core. The mantle makes up 83% of the planet’s volume.
The mantle is much less dense than the core, 3.3–5.7 g/cm3. It is composed mostly of dark,
dense peridotite. The outermost layer is the least dense layer, the crust. There are two major
types of crust: continental and oceanic. Continental crust is granitic and thicker compared to
the oceanic crust and has an average density of 2.7 g/cm3. Oceanic crust is composed of basalt
and gabbro and is thinner than continental crust with a density of 3.0 g/cm3.
7. Explain the plate tectonic theory and its significance with the help of Figure 1.13.
ANSWER: The plate tectonic theory is based on the premise that the lithosphere is divided into rigid
plates, which move relative to one another over the asthenosphere. The three types of plate
boundaries are divergent (where plates separate and move apart); convergent (where plate
boundaries move towards one another and collide); and transform (where plates slide past
each other). These boundaries are where volcanic activity and/or earthquakes occur.
8. How is the rock cycle related to plate tectonics?
ANSWER: Interactions between plates—convergence, divergence, lateral movements—determine to a
great extent which of the three rock groups will form. Subsidence of crust results in melt,
which rises to the surface to form igneous rocks. Any type of rock can be altered via heat and
pressure without melting to form metamorphic rocks. Rocks exposed to weathering form
sediments, which subsequently form sedimentary rocks. Due to plate tectonics, rocks are
recycled through continental and oceanic crust.
9. Explain the principle of uniformitarianism and its significance in interpreting past geologic events.
ANSWER: The principle of uniformitarianism is based on the premise that present-day processes
observed on Earth have operated throughout time, or the present is the key to the past.
Uniformitarianism provides the basis for interpreting the geologic history of Earth. By using
modern analogies, geologists can make reasonable interpretations about past events. Processes
occurring today such as weathering, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, severe weather, and so
forth serve as good examples.
10. What is the lithosphere?
ANSWER: The solid upper mantle and the overlying crust make up the lithosphere, which is broken into
numerous individual pieces called plates that move over the asthenosphere, partly as a result
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 2
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
of underlying convection cells. Interactions among these plates are responsible for the
occurrence of natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and formation of
ocean basins and mountain ranges.
Subjective Short Answer
11. What is the asthenosphere?
ANSWER: Asthenosphere is the zone that surrounds the lower mantle. It has the same composition as the
lower mantle, but behaves plastically and moves slowly.
12. According to most scientists, what is the major environmental problem facing the world and why?
ANSWER: According to scientists, overpopulation is the major environmental problem facing the world
today. The world’s population was 7.8 billion in 2020 and is predicted to be 9.9 billion by
2050. This increase in population would create an imbalance in resources, exceeding Earth’s
carrying capacity.
13. Name any four greenhouse gases.
ANSWER: Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone,
chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor.
14. What are the four forces of the universe that immediately followed the Big Bang?
ANSWER: The four basic forces immediately following the Big Bang are a) gravity, b) electromagnetic,
c) strong nuclear force, and d) weak nuclear force.
15. Why is Earth considered a dynamic and evolving planet?
ANSWER: Earth has continually changed throughout its 4.6-billion-year existence. The size, shape, and
geographic location and distribution of continents and oceans have varied throughout time;
the composition of the atmosphere has evolved; and the life forms existing today are different
from those from the past. Tectonic activity causing natural disasters, weathering, and so forth
contribute to Earth being a dynamic and evolving planet.
16. Why is the density of the core different from that of the crust?
ANSWER: The densities between the core and crust are different because they are made of different
elements. The core is the innermost layer, which has a density of 10 to 13 g/cm3 and consists
mostly of iron and a small quantity of nickel. It is very dense compared to the crust, which has
a density of 2.7 to 3.0 g/cm3 and consists of silicon, aluminum, and magnesium.
17. Describe the two types of crusts.
ANSWER: The two types of crust are continental and oceanic. Continental crust is much thicker and less
dense (2.7 g/cm3) and consists of granite and rhyolite. Oceanic crust is thinner in comparison,
but denser (3.0 g/cm3) and consists of gabbro and basalt.
18. Name the type of rocks formed from magma, the two different types, and where they are formed.
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 3
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
ANSWER: The rocks that form from magma are igneous rocks. There are two types of igneous rocks: intrusive, whi
surface of Earth, and extrusive, which form on the surface of Earth.
19. How are intrusive igneous rocks exposed at the surface of Earth?
ANSWER: Intrusive rocks are exposed by uplifting through tectonic activity and erosion.
20. What happens to rocks once they are exposed on Earth’s surface?
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 4
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
ANSWER: Once rocks are exposed on Earth’s surface, they are subject to weathering, erosion, and deposition.
21. What is the process by which sediments are converted into sedimentary rocks?
ANSWER: Sediments are converted to sedimentary rocks via the process of lithification.
22. What happens to rock in the metamorphic process if the heat is great enough for the rock to melt?
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 5
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
ANSWER: If the rock melts due to excessive heat in the metamorphic process, then it would be considered magma.
23. Briefly describe the process that occur at plate boundaries?
ANSWER: Along plate boundaries, plates separate (diverge), collide (converge), or slide past one another
(transform), and are characterized by volcanic activity and/or earthquakes.
24. Why should Earth be treated as a system?
ANSWER: When viewing Earth as a system, one can better understand how the various components are
interconnected and appreciate Earth’s complex and dynamic nature.
25. What are the three ways by which sedimentary rocks form?
ANSWER: Sedimentary rocks form via a) consolidation of mineral or rock fragments; b) precipitation of
minerals from solution; and c) compaction of plant and animal remains.
26. Describe what is meant by the scientific method.
ANSWER: The scientific method involves formulating theories and is an orderly, logical approach that
involves gathering and analyzing facts and/or data about the problem under consideration.
27. What is the process within the asthenosphere that generates magma?
ANSWER: Partial melting within the asthenosphere generates magma, some of which rises to the surface
as it is less dense than the rock from which it was derived.
28. What was the discovery of the 19th century that allowed geologists to assign numerical ages to the
geologic time scale?
ANSWER: The discovery of radioactivity in 1895 and the development of various radiometric-dating
techniques allowed geologists to assign numeral ages in years to the geologic time scale.
29. Describe the principle that allows geologists to interpret the past and predict future events.
ANSWER: The principle of uniformitarianism is based on the premise that present-day processes have
operated throughout Earth’s history. This means that the processes that shaped Earth in the
past are the same processes operating and modifying it today.
30. Why do most people have difficulty comprehending geologic time?
ANSWER: Most people think of time in years, months, days, and so forth. Ancient history pertains to
what occurred hundreds or thousands of years ago. Geologic time is in terms of millions to
billions of years ago.
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 6
,Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
Multiple Choice
31. The branch of geology that deals with Earth material?
a. historical geology
b. physical geology
c. chemical geology
d. biological geology
ANSWER: b
32. The branch of geology that deals with the origin and evolution of Earth and its continents?
a. historical geology
b. physical geology
c. chemical geology
d. biological geology
ANSWER: a
33. How old is Earth?
a. 46,000 years
b. 460,000 years
c. 4.6 million years
d. 4.6 billion years
ANSWER: d
34. Which of the following describes the combination of related parts that interact in an organized
manner?
a. system
b. hypothesis
c. theorem
d. theory
ANSWER: a
35. Which of the following is NOT a Jovian planet?
a. Jupiter
b. Uranus
c. Saturn
d. Earth
ANSWER: d
36. Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
a. ozone
b. methane
c. nitrogen
d. chlorofluorocarbons
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, Name: Class: Date:
Chapter 01: Understanding Earth
ANSWER: c
37. Which of the following are small rocky objects whose composition might provide clues to the origin
of the solar system?
a. asteroids
b. shooting stars
c. planetoids
d. comets
ANSWER: a
38. Which of the following are interplanetary bodies composed of loosely bound ice and rocky material?
a. asteroids
b. shooting stars
c. planetoids
d. comets
ANSWER: d
39. Which planets have small rocky cores compared to their overall size?
a. inner planets
b. terrestrial planets
c. Jovian planets
d. supernova planets
ANSWER: c
40. Which event in Earth’s history resulted in it being a layered planet?
a. separation
b. differentiation
c. partial melting
d. gravitation
ANSWER: b
41. Which portion of Earth consists of a small, solid inner region and a larger, liquid outer region and
occupies 16% of Earth’s volume?
a. crust
b. upper mantle
c. lower mantle
d. core
ANSWER: d
42. Which is the most voluminous portion of Earth?
a. crust
b. mantle
c. inner core
d. outer core
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