Erth 111 Midterm 1 Exam Questions & Answers |
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What is Physical geology/dynamic earth? - (ANSWER)The study of the processes
of the Earth and the composition
Scientific method: - (ANSWER)Hypothesis: a message expressing an opinion
based on incomplete evidence
Theory: scientific ideas supported by abundant evidence. passed many tests -
failed none
Law: Statements that completely describe a specific relationship or phenomenon
Earths Formation; - (ANSWER)Initially homogeneous: all same parts
Differentiation event: Heat from collision + heat when matter starts to squeeze +
heat from decay of radioactive elements results in denser iron alloy separating
out and lighter material rising
present state of differentiation:
lithosphere/lithospheric motions
Earth's Interior - (ANSWER)Crust: (Oceanic and Continental):
Oceanic Crust: 7-10km thick. Top is a thin layer of clay and tiny shells.. beneath
consists of basalt and below that, gabbro
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Continental Crust: - (ANSWER)35-40km Thick. Rock type ranges from mafic to
felsic. Continental on average less mafic (felsic to intermediate composition) than
oceanic, furthermore less dense. Oxygen = most abundant
Mantle - (ANSWER)2885 Km thick layer - largest part of earth. Consists entirely of
ultramafic (dark and dense) rock called peridotite, making peridotite most
abundant rock on planet. Almost all mantle is solid rock but its soft enough that it
flows
Outer/Inner Core: - (ANSWER)Outer core: liquid iron alloy, this flow of iron alloy
creates magnetic field
Inner core: solid iron because of pressure
Gradients in Earth: - (ANSWER)Pressure and temperature both increase with
depth in the Earth. The rate at which temperature increases as depth increases is
the geothermal gradient.
Sources of energy for the earth - (ANSWER)Interior: 80% of energy from decay of
radioactive elements
Exterior: Sun
Exterior Processes (Fast): - (ANSWER)Wind, weather, rivers, currents, glaciers
Interior (Slow): - (ANSWER)plate tectonics.. mountain building, earthquakes,
landslides, volcanoes, oceans open/close...