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EarthScience 12e
EarthScience 12e Chap 1-4
228
Science
Undergraduate 2
05/22/2011

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Term
The science of __________ literally means "study of Earth."
Definition
geology
Term
Geology is traditionally divided into two broad areas called physical and nonphysical geology.
Definition
False
Term
This science emphasizes the study of marine environments including composition and movement of seawater, as well as coastal processes, seafloor topography, and the abundant and varied marine life.
Definition
oceanography
Term
You can learn a lot about atmospheric sciences, including whether to bring that umbrella, by listening to a ___________.
Definition
meteorologist
Term
To better understand Earth, we'd better learn more about how our planet relates to the solar system and the universe by investigating the science of ______________.
Definition
astronomy
Term
There is a mixture of gases and small particles that surrounds and envelops Earth because of ___________.
Definition
Earth's gravity
Term
Which of the following is not part of physical geology? Minerals;Rocks;Mountain Building; Earthquakes;Stars ?
Definition
stars
Term
Astronomy is the study of the atmosphere and the processes that produce weather and climate.
Definition
False
Term
Earth is a dynamic, ever-changing planet.
Definition
True
Term
Internal forces are responsible for all erosional landscapes.
Definition
False (Erosion might occur with wind,water or ice above the surface, not within)
Term
Between the years 1930 and 1975 the population of Earth
Definition
doubled
Term
The average annual per capita consumption of metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources for the United States is nearly 11 tons.
Definition
True
Term
The global rate of mineral and energy resource usage has climbed less rapidly than the overall growth of population.
Definition
False (population is booming, but so are our standards)
Term
Which of the following natural processes can represent a hazard? Hurricanes, landslides, earthquakes, or drought ?
Definition
All of the above: Hurricanes, landslides, earthquakes, drought
Term
Natural resources include: Soil, coal, gold, water, all of the above ?
Definition
All of the above : Soil, coal, gold, water
Term
Which of the following is not directly part of the physical environment? Human Activities, temerature, water, rocks, none of the above
Definition
human activities
Term
Which of the following is not considered a renewable resource?
Definition
coal
Term
Artificial changes as a result of human activities always produce beneficial effects.
Definition
False ; Natural systems do not always adjust to artifical changes the way we anticipate.
Term
An understanding of Earth is essential for which of the following? dealing with the human impact on environment; minimizing the effects of natural hazards; location and recovery of basic resources; All of the above ?
Definition
All of the above: dealing with the human impact on environment; minimizing the effects of natural hazards; location and recovery of basic resources;
Term
The process in which researchers gather facts through observations and formulate scientific hypotheses and theories is called the ____________.
Definition
scientific method
Term
A tentative (or untested) explanation of a natural phenomenon is called a scientific ____________.
Definition
hypothesis
Term
All science is based on the assumption that the natural world behaves in a consistent and predictable manner that is comprehensible through careful, systematic study.
Definition
True
Term
A scientific hypothesis is a well-tested and widely accepted view that the scientific community agrees best explains certain observable facts.
Definition
False (widely tested& accepted is not guessing)
Term
Facts are obtained as a direct result of ____________.
Definition
observation and measurement
Term
A scientific discovery can be made by ____________. making sound observations and measurements; unexpected and unpredicted experimental outcomes; computer simulations; all of the above; none of the above?
Definition
all of the above; making sound observations and measurements; unexpected and unpredicted experimental outcomes; computer simulations
Term
As a hypothesis stands up to experimentation, and other competing hypotheses are proven false, the hypothesis is likely to advance to acceptance as a ____________.
Definition
theory
Term
Which of the following ways is not included in how to test a hypothesis? Predictions, repititions of experiments, strict analysis of data, popular belief?
Definition
popular belief
Term
The Earth-centered model of the universe is accepted today because Earth is unique.
Definition
False
Term
Paradigms are narrow and isolated in scope to achieve a high degree of certainty.
Definition
False
Term
The __________ suggests that the bodies of the solar system evolved from an enormous rotating cloud composed mostly of hydrogen and __________.
Definition
nebular hypothesis; helium
Term
Shortly after Earth formed, __________, coupled with heat released by colliding particles, produced at least some melting of the interior.
Definition
radioactive decay
Term
Earth and the other planets formed during essentially the same time span and from the same primordial material as the Sun.
Definition
True
Term
The solar system began forming approximately 13–15 billion years ago.
Definition
False
Term
As the inner planets formed, the solar winds whisked away the lighter elements.
Definition
True
Term
Early in the formation of Earth, melting allowed the denser elements, principally iron and nickel, to sink to the center of the planet.
Definition
True
Term
Earth is located in the __________ galaxy.
Definition
Milky Way
Term
A very large interstellar cloud of dust and gases is called a ____________.
Definition
nebula
Term
The age of Earth is best approximated at ____________.
Definition
4.5 billion years
Term
Which of the following sets of planets correctly identifies the four inner rocky planets, in order starting from the closest to the Sun?
Definition
Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars
Term
Based on compositional differences, which one of the following is not a principal region of Earth?
Definition
nebula
Term
Humans are a part of the Earth system.
Definition
True
Term
Eighty percent of Earth's atmosphere lies below an altitude of 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles).
Definition
False ; Ninety percent of the air in Earth's atmosphere occurs below an altitude of approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles). How much do you think would be within less than half this distance
Term
The hydrosphere is restricted to our global oceans.
Definition
False
Term
Soil is part of the __________ ; hydrosphere, biosphere, geosphere, all of the above?
Definition
All of the above: hydrosphere, biosphere, geosphere,
Term
Choose the best answer to describe our atmosphere. The atmosphere __________: Protects us from the Sun, is an integral part of our planet , includes weather processes , provides the air we breathe , all of the above ?
Definition
All of the above protects us from the Sun, is an integral part of our planet , includes weather processes , provides the air we breathe
Term
The geosphere is also known as the "Solid Earth."
Definition
True
Term
The geosphere is the largest part of Earth.
Definition
True ; The geosphere extends from the surface to the center of the planet.
Term
Events of the geologic past and Earth's history can be arranged into different units and presented as the __________.
Definition
Geologic Time Scale
Term
The term lithosphere refers to the rigid outer layer of Earth that includes the crust and uppermost mantle.
Definition
True
Term
The core, mantle, and crust are layers sorted and divided based on ________ differences.
Definition
compositional and density
Term
Earth's interior experiences changes in __________ with depth. temperature, pressure, density, all oif the above
Definition
All of the above; temperature, pressure, density,
Term
Activity in this area is thought to be directly responsible for Earth's magnetic field.
Definition
outer core
Term
Plate tectonics is best described as a ________.
Definition
theory
Term
The flat, expansive, stable interior areas of the continents are known as ________.
Definition
shields - most notably in Canada
Term
Temperature is the only factor considered when determining if a rock will melt.
Definition
False
Term
Lithospheric plates move because unequal distribution of heat creates motion and a mechanism within Earth called ________.
Definition
convection
Term
Which of the following features of the oceans is part of the continental margin?
Definition
continental shelf
Term
The hydrologic cycle is a familiar example of a subsystem of the Earth system.
Definition
True (this describes the movement of H2o through the different parts of the earth)
Term
Earth processes are powered by energy from two sources, the __________ and Earth's interior.
Definition
Sun
Term
Loosely defined, a __________ can be any size group of interacting parts that form a complex whole.
Definition
system
Term
The Earth system is characterized by processes that vary on spatial scales from fractions of millimeters to thousands of kilometers and time scales from milliseconds to billions of years.
Definition
True ( i.e. lightning caqn happen very fast, and significant plate motion can me measured in hundreds of thousands of years)
Term
Earth consists of three major spheres: What are they?
Definition
Hydrosphere( the water portion of our planet) , atmosphere(earths gaseous envelope), & geosphere (solid earth)
Term
Earth system science attempts to integrate the knowledge of several academic fields.
Definition
True
Term
Most natural systems are closed systems.
Definition
False (natural systems can be complicated, with energy & matter flowing in & out)
Term
Negative feedback mechanisms work to maintain the system as it is, in other words, to maintain the status quo.
Definition
True (they stabilize the system)
Term
A common boundary where different parts of a system or subsystem come in contact or overlap and interact is called a/an ________.
Definition
interface
Term
Since carbon dioxide is one of the atmosphere's greenhouse gases, its removal has a negative impact on global warming.
Definition
True (plants can remove CO2)
Term
A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid, with a definite chemical composition and orderly internal structure.
Definition
True
Term
___________ are the building blocks of rocks.
Definition
Minerals
Term
Which of the following is not a mineral?
Definition
synthetic diamonds
Term
Choose the best answer to describe the characteristics of a crystalline substance; atoms arranged in a repetitive pattern; solid shapes; atoms arranged in an orderly manner; all of the above ?
Definition
All of the above: atoms arranged in a repetitive pattern; solid shapes; atoms arranged in an orderly manner;
Term
Which of the following is not considered an organic material?
Definition
shells
Term
Which of the following statements is true about the material obsidian? consists of impure masses of calcite; made of minerals; is crystalline material ; is a volcanic glassy rock; none of the above
Definition
It is a volcanic glassy rock
Term
Water is a mineral.
Definition
False (Our Professor says this is debatable - in Ice form it could be considered a mineral)
Term
Rocks must contain minerals.
Definition
False
Term
An aggregate of mineral and/or mineral-like matter is best described by the term _______.
Definition
rock
Term
The rock "limestone" consists of impure masses of _______.
Definition
calcite
Term
Ions form when atoms gain or lose neutrons.
Definition
False; Neutrons are neutral particles
Term
Isotopes of the same element have different mass numbers.
Definition
True
Term
All uncombined neutral atoms have the same number of neutrons as protons.
Definition
FALSE (Neutral atoms need the same # of electrons & protons)
Term
Elements can be organized into rows and groups and these relationships are displayed as ___________.
Definition
the periodic table
Term
The atomic number of isotope carbon-12 is six, so we can calculate that the nucleus includes ___________.
Definition
six protons and six neutrons
Term
An atom is the smallest particle that retains the properties of a given element.
Definition
True
Term
Sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) form an electrically neutral compound through the process of ionic bonding.
Definition
True - Opposites attract
Term
An electically neutral subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom is called a/an ___________.
Definition
Neutron
Term
Two or more elements bond together in definite proportions to form a/an ___________.
Definition
compound
Term
Properties of elements can change dramatically when they form compounds.
Definition
True - Cholorine is also a main element of swalt
Term
The property that is a measure of the resistance of a mineral to abrasion or scratching is __________.
Definition
Hardness
Term
The scale used by geologists to measure the hardness of a mineral is called __________ scale.
Definition
Mohs
Term
Luster is the external expression of a mineral's internal orderly arrangement of atoms.
Definition
False (Luster can be metallic or non-metallic)
Term
Vitreous, pearly, and silky are types of metallic lusters.
Definition
False (Vitreous means glassy)
Term
Which of the following properties is the least reliable to help identify a mineral?
Definition
color Quartz & a few other minerals can be yellow, clear, purple or pink)
Term
Breakage along planes of weak bonding producing distinctive, smooth, flat surfaces is known as __________.
Definition
cleavage (it is related to the internal structure and it is abnout breakage, not growth of the mineral)
Term
The hardest mineral substance is __________.
Definition
diamond
Term
Fractures resulting in smooth curved surfaces, such as broken glass, are called __________ fractures.
Definition
conchoidal
Term
Which type of material will effervesce (fizz) when in contact with acidic solutions (such as hydrochloric acid)?
Definition
carbonates
Term
Which of the following is not one of the eight most abundant elements in Earth's continental crust?
Definition
hydrogen (water covers nealy 75% of the surface of the earth, but is not one of the most abundant elements in the rocks of the continental crust)
Term
Oxygen comprises about _________ percent by weight of Earth's continental crust.
Definition
47
Term
Eight minerals make up 98% of the crust.
Definition
False (8 major ELEMENTS make up 98% (by weight) of the continental crust)
Term
The two most abundant elements in Earth's continental crust are _________.
Definition
oxygen(O) and silicon (Si)
Term
Which major nonsilicate rock-forming mineral is the primary constituent of the rock limestone?
Definition
calcite
Term
Which of the following is the least abundant of the eight rock-forming elements that make up most of the continental crust?
Definition
magnesium (iron & magnesium are ijmpt but are more abundant in the oceanic crust)
Term
Nonsilicates represent the largest group of minerals found in crustal rocks.
Definition
False ( Silicates represent ~ 90% of the crust)
Term
Which of the following groups is the most abundant in the crust?
Definition
silicates (carbonites, sulfides & halides are all nonsillicates)
Term
Iron and magnesium are the two most abundant elements in silicate minerals.
Definition
False (They are important, but not due to their abundance)
Term
Which silicate mineral group has a single-chain silicate structure?
Definition
pyroxenes (Augite is an example of the corrrect mineral group)
Term
The basic building block of the silicate minerals _________.
Definition
contains 1 silicon atom and 4 oxygen atoms
Term
Most silicate minerals form from _________.
Definition
molten rock (it cools & crystalizes)
Term
The elements silicon and carbon comprise nearly three-fourths of Earth's continental crust.
Definition
False (Si & O are needed for silicates)
Term
The composition of quartz is _________.
Definition
SiO2
Term
The cleavage of a silicate mineral is largely directly determined by _________.
Definition
internal structure
Term
The characteristics of muscovite include flat plates of cleavage.
Definition
True
Term
Each silicate mineral group is associated with a particular silicate structure.
Definition
True
Term
Quartz is the mineral from which plaster and other similar building materials are composed.
Definition
False (Gypsum is used for plaster & other similar building materials)
Term
Reserves are already identified mineral deposits from which minerals can be extracted profitably.
Definition
True
Term
Oxides, sulfides, and carbonates are common nonsilicate mineral groups.
Definition
True
Term
Which nonsilicate group contains important iron ores?
Definition
oxides
Term
Galena is an important ore of gold.
Definition
False
Term
Metallic minerals mined at a profit are best referred to as ________.
Definition
ores
Term
After ancient seas evaporate, thick layers of this mineral can be formed and later mined for economic use.
Definition
halite (the chemical formula for halite is NaCI)
Term
Chalcopyrite is known as an ore of copper.
Definition
True
Term
The status of an ore deposit depends on ________.consumer demand; the price; the concentration of elements; the mining operation; all of the above?
Definition
All of the above: consumer demand; The price; The concentration of elements; the mining operation;
Term
Match the mineral with the primary metallic ore. Galena = ? Hematite =? Cinnabar=? Sphalerite=?
Definition
galena = Pb (lead) hematite=Fe(iron) cinnabar= Hg(mercury) sphalerite=Zn (zinc)
Term
The surface process that slowly disintegrates and decomposes rock is called ________.
Definition
weathering - VERY important for detrital sedimentary rocks
Term
Compaction and cementation are two common steps or processes of lithification.
Definition
True (Lith = rock)
Term
The process called weathering, whereby magma cools, solidifies, and forms igneous rocks, may take place either beneath the surface, following a volcanic eruption, or at the surface.
Definition
False (weathring breaks down material)
Term
Rocks are classified according to the mode of origin. Match the rock group with the catch-phrase describing the origin. Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic;
Definition
change form = metamorphic / From Fire = Igneous / To settle = sedimentary
Term
Metamorphic rocks exposed at the surface will most likely ________.
Definition
weather
Term
The rock cycle involves only components of the Geosphere.
Definition
False - Rocks are part of the Geosphere or Earth, but the cycle shows the interactions with other spheres as well
Term
__________ processes produce sedimentary rocks.
Definition
External - (Sedimentqary rocks are generally found at the surface)
Term
Sediments are best defined as ________.
Definition
deposits of loose material
Term
Environmental conditions of heat and pressure are most likely associated with ________.
Definition
metamorphism (intense heat & pressure are produced during mountain building events)
Term
Over time, magma will crystallize to form igneous rocks.
Definition
True (magma can cool beneath the surface & form intrusive rocks or erupt as lava to produce extrusive igneous rocks)
Term
Molten material found inside Earth is called ___________.
Definition
magma
Term
Why can two igneous rocks have the same minerals but different names?
Definition
They may have different textures.
Term
The most common extrusive igneous rock is granite.
Definition
False (Granite is a course-grained rock that formed from magma cooling slowly within earth)
Term
Igneous rocks are the rock type most likely to contain fossils.
Definition
False
Term
Match each item by composition each pair should represent different textures based on the origin of formation ; granite / diorite / gabbro * rhyolite / basalt / andesite
Definition
granite= rhyolite / diorite = andesite / gabbro = basalt
Term
Quenching of molten material is an important step in the formation of igneous rocks such as ___________.
Definition
Obsidian
Term
Granite exhibits a coarse-grained texture.
Definition
True
Term
Igneous rocks are classified by ___________.
Definition
texture and mineral composition
Term
The size of mineral crystals in igneous rocks is greatly influenced by the rate of magma cooling.
Definition
True
Term
Igneous rocks that contain the last minerals to crystallize from magma and consist mainly of feldspars and quartz are said to have a ____________ composition.
Definition
felsic
Term
Which one of the following is not a primary element found in magma?
Definition
carbon (most sillcate minerals from from the crystaliztion of magma)
Term
Magma is exactly the same as lava.
Definition
False (magma is molten material within earth)
Term
Which of the following is not a common dark (mafic) silicate mineral?
Definition
potassium feldspar
Term
The process that results as the random movement of ions slows and the ions come to rest organized within a pattern is called __________.
Definition
crystallization
Term
The formation of one or more secondary magmas from a single parent magma is best called __________.
Definition
magmatic differentiation
Term
If a theoretical ultramafic magma begins to solidify, we can expect :? the remaining magma composition to be changed; the magma to become more silica-rich, making quartz more likely to form; minerals rich in Fe and Mg begin to crystallize; the remaining magma composition to be changed; the magma to become more silica-rich, making quartz more likely to form; minerals rich in Fe and Mg begin to crystallize;
Definition
All of the above: the remaining magma composition to be changed; the magma to become more silica-rich, making quartz more likely to form; minerals rich in Fe and Mg begin to crystallize; other minerals form as the magma continues to cool;
Term
In which of the following locations are you least likely to see plutonic igneous rocks exposed at the surface?
Definition
Hawaii
Term
The crystallization of silicate minerals from magma is better understood because of the experiments and work of __________.
Definition
N. L. Bowen
Term
The great majority of rocks exposed at Earth's surface are of which type?
Definition
sedimenary rocks
Term
Separating strata are bedding planes, flat surfaces along which rocks tend to separate or break.
Definition
True
Term
Detrital sedimentary rocks can form from ____________; detritus; organic material; loose sediment; solid particles of weathered rock; all of the above?
Definition
All of the above; detritus; organic material; loose sediment; solid particles of weathered rock;
Term
Particles transported short distances from their source will most likely be ____________.
Definition
angular
Term
Which of the following cannot be an example of biochemical sedimentary rock?
Definition
sandstone
Term
Pore space in loose sediment is reduced over time through compaction and cementation.
Definition
True
Term
Mud cracks are most closely associated with ____________.
Definition
tidal flats
Term
The sand-sized particles of red sandstone are most likely cemented with iron oxide.
Definition
True (iron Oxide cement often results in orange or red color, like rust)
Term
Bituminous coal is considered a chemical sedimentary rock.
Definition
True
Term
Chemical precipitates can form as water evaporates.
Definition
True (chemical sedimentary rocks that form this way are called evaporites)
Term
Chemical sedimentary rocks are often distinguished by features such as
Definition
shells AND weathered pieces of rock
Term
Detrital particles are predominantly quartz and
Definition
clay
Term
The alignment of mineral crystals with a preferred orientation in a metamorphic rock that gives the rock a layered or banded appearance is referred to as a ____________ texture.
Definition
foliated (slate, schist & gneiss are metaporphic rocks that often display this texture)
Term
Metamorphism can cause changes in a rock's _________; Textures; chemical composition; mineralogy; overall appearance(large scale folds); all of the above ?
Definition
All of the above; Textures; chemical composition; mineralogy; & overall appearance(large scale folds)
Term
When subjected to high pressure, shale will change to marble.
Definition
True
Term
The most important agent of metamorphism is heat.
Definition
True
Term
Changes in the temperature of the solid Earth with increasing depth is known as _________.
Definition
geothermal gradient
Term
Confining pressures are responsible for regional metamorphism.
Definition
False - regional metamorphism occurs as a large quantities & areas of rock experience direct pressures & high temperatures)
Term
Metamorphism by chemically active fluids are most likely to result in _________.
Definition
change in composition
Term
Regional metamorphism is the result of differential stress.
Definition
True
Term
Which of the following is best considered a high-grade regional metamorphic rock?
Definition
gneiss
Term
Some of the most important accumulations of metals such as gold, silver, and copper are produced by igneous and metamorphic processes.
Definition
True; Important metallic deposits can form from magmatic differentiation or as a result of fluid migration.
Term
Carbon-rich deposits can be converted to fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
Definition
True
Term
Shale is often used for billiard tables because of the good rock cleavage.
Definition
False (the metamorphic rock slate has better developed clevage than shale & has a variety of building uses)
Term
Sedimentary rocks are important economically for ___________: ; construction materials; coal; natural gas reserves; petroleum reserves; all of the above?
Definition
All iof the above; construction materials; coal; natural gas reserves; petroleum reserves
Term
Bushveld Complex in South Africa is best known for the economically important reserves of ___________.
Definition
platinum (Pt) [Bushveld contains over 70% of the worlds known reserves…]
Term
Which of the following is used as an abrasive industrial mineral? Opal; florite; sylvite; limestone; corundum ?
Definition
corundum
Term
Important metallic ore deposits can form when ___________.
Definition
heavy crystals settle to the bottom of the magma chamber
Term
Deposits of material, including metallic minerals, from fluids moving through fractures or along bedding planes are called ___________.
Definition
veins
Term
Important metallic minerals, such as gold and copper, are sometime distributed in trace amounts throughout the whole rock in a ____________deposit.
Definition
disseminated
Term
Nonmetallic resources are often classified according to their use as building materials or industrial minerals.
Definition
True
Term
The disintegration and decomposition of rock at or near Earth's surface is called __________.
Definition
weathering
Term
External processes are responsible for transforming solid rock into sediment.
Definition
True
Term
Weathering is a basic part of the hydrologic cycle.
Definition
False (more with rock cycle)
Term
Which of the following is not considered a mobile agent?
Definition
temperature
Term
Steep slopes should be used in landscaping to prevent erosion.
Definition
False (in many cases, steep slopes enhanse erosion)
Term
Fabricated products do not break apart in response to natural processes.
Definition
False (concrete weathers)
Term
Erosion can influence and reduce the effectiveness of : Water control; Flood control; Land use; agricultural practices; all of the above?
Definition
All of the above; Water control; Flood control; Land use; agricultural practices
Term
Which of the following is not directly related to external processes?
Definition
volcanic activity
Term
The chemical alteration of rock is called combustion.
Definition
False ( decompositionis the general term used for the chemical alteration or transformation of rock)
Term
Weathering is the incorporation and transportation of rock materials.
Definition
False (weathering breaks the rock apart and into pieces so its easier to move)
Term
Chemical weathering will be most rapid in ____________ climates.
Definition
warm, wet
Term
When a rock is subjected to ____________, it breaks into smaller pieces having the same characteristics as the original rock.
Definition
mechanical weathering
Term
Whenever the characteristics and internal structures of minerals have been altered by weathering, they have undergone ___________.
Definition
chemical weathering
Term
The atmospheric gas that forms a mild acid when dissolved in water is ___________.
Definition
carbon dioxide
Term
Water expands when it freezes.
Definition
True
Term
This type of mechanical weathering process is commonly found associated with igneous rocks as overlying rock material is eroded away.
Definition
sheeting
Term
Exposure of rocks at Earth's surface to water and atmospheric conditions is most likely to cause ___________.
Definition
chemical weathering
Term
Quartz chemically weathers to produce abundant clay minerals.
Definition
False -( feldspar minerals chemically weather to produce clays & other products including sillica)
Term
Mechanical weathering increases the surface area available to chemical weathering processes.
Definition
True
Term
The rate of weathering depends on ___________; Partical size; composition; atmospheric conditions; B & C only; All of the above
Definition
all of the above; Partical size; composition; atmospheric conditions
Term
All rocks weather at the same rate.
Definition
False
Term
Frost wedging is most pronounced or effective in mountainous areas and this weathering process contributes to the formation of large piles of rocks called ___________ at the base of steep rocky cliffs.
Definition
talus slopes
Term
Which of the following is not a form of chemical weathering?
Definition
root wedging
Term
Iron-rich minerals and metals exposed to atmospheric conditions are most likely to weather through a process called ___________.
Definition
oxidation
Term
The rate of weathering increases in areas with high pollution.
Definition
True
Term
Decayed organic matter in soil is called ___________.
Definition
humus
Term
Which soil type is likely to be found in the humid tropics?
Definition
oxisols
Term
Soils formed from bedrock are called residual soils.
Definition
True
Term
About fifty percent of the total volume of a good quality soil consists of pore spaces.
Definition
True
Term
Climate is the most influential control of soil formation.
Definition
True
Term
The soil layer composed of partially altered parent material is called the C horizon.
Definition
True
Term
Soil develops only when the sediment is transported long distances over extended periods of time.
Definition
False
Term
Soil erosion is an important topic because it can ___________: cause pollution; result in topsoil loss; increawse unwanted sediment deposition elsewhere; increase in rate during droughts; all of the above
Definition
all of the above; cause pollution; result in topsoil loss; increawse unwanted sediment deposition elsewhere; increase in rate during droughts
Term
When a mass of material moves downslope along a curved surface the process is called __________.
Definition
slump
Term
The most widespread form of mass wasting is __________.
Definition
creep
Term
The downward movement of material as a viscous fluid is termed "slide."
Definition
False (Viscous means thick, somewhat resistant to flow, but still moving)
Term
Mass wasting will most likely occur when materials are at an angle that is less than their angle of repose.
Definition
False (if the angle is less than the angle of response, the material will be stable)
Term
Events that can weaken a slope, increase instability, and can initiate downslope movement are called __________.
Definition
triggers (hurricanes, heavy rains, & other events)
Term
Debris flows composed of volcanic material are called __________.
Definition
lahars
Term
Material can move downslope by __________: falling; sliding; flowing; A & C; all of the above ?
Definition
all of the above
Term
In areas underlain by permafrost, solifluction is most likely to occur __________.
Definition
during the summer
Term
Mass wasting is classified by the type of motion and the rate of movement.
Definition
True
Term
Testing Hypotheses uses Positive & Negative processes? T/F
Definition
True
Term
Define Paradigm
Definition
A theory that exlains a large # of interactive aspects of the natural world (i.e. plate techtonics)
Term
Origin of the Universe? (Big Bang)
Definition
14 BYA
Term
What is the Nebular Hypothesis?
Definition
It proposes that the bodies of our solar system evolved from a enormous rotating cloud called the solar nebula
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