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Geology-Intro to the Earth
Final exam
420
Geology
Undergraduate 1
04/27/2012

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Term
Geology
Definition
the study of the planet earth
Term
Catastrophism
Definition
Georges Cuvier, development of earth as a series of sporadic, cataclysmic events
Term
uniformitarianism
Definition
James Hutton, "the present is the key to the past"
Term
Q: According to the principle of uniformitarianism, ____?
Definition
geologic processes we observe today have operated in the past
Term
Hypothesis
Definition
explanation initially offered for a set of observations
Term
when a hypothesis withstands many tests, it may be called a ____.
Definition
theory
Term
a theory for which it seems there to be no sensible reasons to challenge is called a _____.
Definition
scientific model (law)
Term
Grand canyon took more than _____ million years to deposit its sequence of rocks. Rocks at the bottom are about _____ billion years old.
Definition
250; 2
Term
Meteorite crater Arizona, formed in less than ______ about 50,000 years ago.
Definition
1 minute. (some geologic events are rapid)
Term
Wegener proposed that all land was once united in one supercontinent called _____. This theory is known as _____.
Definition
Pangaea, Continental Drift
Term
Harry Hess proposed thermal convection cells.
New crust is forming at ocean ridges (spreading centers)
Crust is recycled at deep sea trenches.
Definition
Sea Floor Spreading
Term
________ also confirms sea floor spreading. ocean basins are youngest at ocean ridges. (all less than 200 million years old)
Definition
deep sea drilling
Term
Earth's outer layer composed of large rigid plates that move with respect to one another. Theory known as ________.
Definition
Plate tectonics
Term
Rigid lithospheric plates 75 to 150 km thick move on ____ partially molten asthenosphere.
Definition
weak
Term
3 types of plate boundaries:
Definition
divergent, convergent, transform
Term
spreading ridges where new ocean lithosphere is forming. _____ boundary. provide example... early stage, later stage, final stage
Definition
divergent, East Africa Rift-early stage, Red Sea-later stage, atlantic ocean-final stage
Term
explain a divergent boundary. ocean lithosphere vs. asthenosphere
Definition
as the ocean lithosphere moves away from the spreading ridge it cools, thickens, and sinks. (lithosphere is heavier than asthenosphere)
Term
older lithosphere is recycled into the upper mantle. one plate descends beneath the other in a subduction zone. _____ boundary.
Definition
convergent.
Term
subduction produces a dipping zone of earthquakes called a ______ zone.
Definition
Wadati-Benioff
Term
Oceanic plates converge, producing a _______ arc. often new lithosphere forms at a ______ basin, behind the volcanic arc. ____boundary. provide example.
Definition
oceanic-oceanic boundaries. produce a volcanic island arc. forms at a back-arc basin. example: Japan, Philippines.
Term
Oceanic plate is subducted under the continental plate. A _____ arc of andesitic _____ forms. ___ boundary. provide example.
Definition
oceanic-continental boundaries. a volcanic arc of andesitic volcanoes forms. example: Andes Mountains
Term
continental crust is too thick and buoyant to subduct, it just thickens. ______ boundary. examples.
Definition
Continental-continental collision. examples: Himalayas and Tibetan plateau. India is colliding with Asia. Appalachians formed when N.America collided with Gondwana.
Term
_____ boundary. Plates slide past each other. Lithosphere is not created or recycled. provide example.
Definition
transform. example: San Andreas fault-California.
Term
Plate motion: Can be measured at divergent boundaries by ______ on the seafloor.
Definition
Magnetic stripes
Term
Motion can be measured at boundaries with ________. hint: satellite laser ranging, quasars radio, GPS
Definition
space geodesy.
Term
Hot magma plumes fixed deep in the mantle rise to the surface to form volcanoes or flood basalts. ______. provide example.
Definition
hot spots. hawaii= midplate hot spot. Iceland= hot spot at a spreading center.
Term
driving mechanism for plate tectonics
Definition
thermal convection in mantle.
ridge-push= weight of ridge
slab-pull= weight of down-going slab
Term
Where is new crust forming today?
Definition
mid ocean ridges
Term
Where are the earth's plate recycling centers?
Definition
deep sea trenches
Term
Oceanic crust that records negative magnetic anomalies formed when the earth's magnetic field was ______. How often does this happen?
Definition
reversed from what it is today. once every million years. (magnetic field is getting weaker)
Term
Which of the following substances is not considered a mineral? coal, diamond, gypsum, rock salt
Definition
coal
Term
4 characteristics of a mineral.
1. natural or unnatural?
2. structure?
3. organic or inorganic?
4. composition?
Definition
naturally occurring substance.
solid, ordered crystalline structure.
inorganic.
specific chemical composition.
Term
form of matter that cannot be broken down into simpler forms; made of atoms.
Definition
element.
Term
combinations of atoms of one or more elements in specific proportions.
Definition
compounds
Term
naturally occurring solids with specific chemical compositions and internal structures.
Definition
minerals
Term
naturally occurring aggregates or combinations of one or more minerals.
Definition
rocks
Term
smallest possible unit of an element that retains the physical and chemical properties of that element.
Definition
atom
Term
at the center of an atom is a ______ that contains most of the mass of the atom.
Definition
nucleus
Term
______ are found surrounding the nucleus.
Definition
electrons
Term
electrons:
-charge?
-mass?
Definition
negative charge, very little mass
Term
protons:
-charge?
-mass?
Definition
positive charge, mass 1800 times greater than electrons
Term
neutrons:
-charge?
-mass?
Definition
no electric charge, mass same as protons (very little)
Term
# of ______ = # of _______
Definition
electrons, protons
Term
# of protons in the nucleus
Definition
atomic number
Term
Atoms of the same element with different numbers of _____ are called _____.
Definition
neutrons, isotopes
Term
When an atom loses or gains an electron to or from another atom it is called an _____.
Definition
ion
Term
positively charged ions (loss of electron)
Definition
cations
Term
negatively charged ions (gain of electron)
Definition
anions
Term
atoms of elements that make up compounds are held together by electrical forces of attraction between ____ and ____.
Definition
electrons and protons
Term
attraction of ions of opposite charges
Definition
ionic bonding
Term
sharing of electrons in outer shells
Definition
covalent bonding
Term
sharing of an electron cloud around several nuclei
Definition
metallic bonding
Term
simplest chemical bond
Definition
ionic bonding. 90% of minerals are ionic compounds
Term
involves element that do not readily form ions, electrons shared between atoms, much MORE STABLE than ionic bonds
Definition
covalent bonding
Term
how do minerals form?
1. _____ from a magma
2. crystal growth in the ______ state.
3. _____ from solution
Definition
crystallization, solid, precipitation
Term
second most abundant group in the earth's crust
Definition
carbonates
Term
major component of limestone
Definition
carbonates
Term
what is the dominant type of bonding in minerals?
Definition
ionic bonding
Term
isotopes of an element have different numbers of _____.
Definition
neutrons
Term
Physical properties of minerals.
resistance to scratching or abrasion
Definition
hardness
Term
physical properties of minerals.
breaks along distinct planes
Definition
cleavage
Term
physical properties of minerals.
nature of broken surface
Definition
fracture
Term
physical properties of minerals.
how surface reflects light
Definition
luster
Term
physical properties of minerals.
color
Definition
? color.
Term
physical properties of minerals.
color in powdered form
Definition
streak
Term
physical properties of minerals.
3-dimensional form of crystals
Definition
crystal habit
Term
varies inversely with bond strength
ionic bonds make this excellent.
# of planes
pattern
Definition
cleavage
Term
Sodium has an atomic number of 11. How many electrons will the sodium ion Na+ have?
Definition
10. (+ means an electron was taken away)
Term
Cleavage in a mineral is controlled by the _____.
Definition
ionic arrangement of atoms within the material**
Term
naturally occurring aggregates or combination of one or more minerals. provide examples.
Definition
rocks. example: marble, granite, sandstone, limestone
Term
relative proportions of constituent minerals
Definition
mineralogy
Term
describes the sizes and shapes of its mineral crystals and the way they are assembled
Definition
texture
Term
all matters exist as either _____, ______, or ______.
Definition
solid, liquid, or gas
Term
variables of state.
temperature _______ with depth.
Definition
increases
Term
variables of state.
pressure _______ with depth.
Definition
increases
Term
combination of elements
Definition
composition
Term
true or false: ultimately, any rock type can be turned into any other rock type via the processes of the rock cycle.
Definition
true**
Term
which of the following igneous rocks crystallizes at the earth's surface? basalt, gabbro, granite, peridotite
Definition
basalt
Term
minerals form as a result of:
Definition
precipitation from solution
Term
the two characteristics used to describe a rock are:
Definition
mineralogy and texture
Term
igneous rocks:
-formed by the ______ of _______.
-originate deep in the _____ or ______ mantle.
-form must of the _____.
Definition
solidification of magma.
crust or upper mantle.
crust.
Term
how do magmas form?
Definition
when rocks melt (or partially melt)
Term
when do rocks melt?
Definition
when the temperature exceeds the melting point of the rock or some minerals within the rock
Term
partial melting occurs when some of the minerals in a rock melt at ____ temperatures than other minerals within the same rock.
Definition
lower
Term
a temperature of about _____ degrees Celsius is required for partial melting of crustal rocks
Definition
1000
Term
a depth of at least ____ km is required for these temperatures to occur.
Definition
40
Term
factors affecting melting of minerals and rocks: (3)
Definition
pressure, water content, rock composition
Term
increased ____ raises melting points
Definition
pressure
Term
increased _______ lowers melting points
Definition
water content
Term
____minerals melt at lower temperatures than _____ minerals.
Definition
felsic, mafic
Term
a rising blob of magma that pushes aside crustal rocks as it rises through the crust.
Definition
magma chamber
Term
describe the formation of magma chambers
Definition
partial melting>>less dense magma>>magma rises>>magma pools in magma chamber
Term
partial melting of upper mantle. provide example.
Definition
mafic magmas. example: divergent spreading centers
Term
partial melting of sedimentary rocks and mafic lithosphere. provide example.
Definition
intermediate magmas. example: subduction zones.
Term
partial melting of continental crustal rocks
Definition
felsic magmas.
Term
where would you expect to find the largest crystals in a lava flow?
Definition
in the center of the flow
Term
why are there so many types of igneous rocks?
Definition
magmatic differentiation
Term
process by which rocks of various compositions can arise from a uniform parent magma, occurs b/c different minerals crystallize at different temperatures.
Definition
magmatic differentiation
Term
process by which crystals forming in a cooling magma are segregated from the remaining magma. first minerals to crystallize from a cooling magma are last to melt. Basaltic magmas will gradually cool and differentiate into a more felsic melt.
Definition
fractional crystallization
Term
mixing of two magmas produces ___ .
Definition
andesitic magma
Term
forms of magmatic intrusions.
Plutons: _____ intrusions (batholiths, stocks)
____ intrusions (sills, dikes, veins)
Definition
discordant, concordant
Term
large igneous bodies that form at depth in the earth's crust
Definition
plutons
Term
andesite is an example of a(n) ____ igneous rock.
Definition
intermediate
Term
experimental sequence of crystallization of minerals from a gradually cooling mafic (basaltic) magma.
Definition
Bowen's Reaction Series
Term
what is molten rock beneath the earths surface called?
Definition
magma
Term
process by which magma rises through the crust, emerges onto the surface as lava, and cools into hard volcanic rock forming a volcano
Definition
volcanism
Term
low-viscosity mafic lavas, typically erupted at 1000 degrees celsius to 1200 degrees celsius cool to form ____.
Definition
basalt. (basaltic lavas)
Term
high-viscosity felsic lavas, typically erupted at 800 degrees celsius to 1200 degrees celsius; cool to form _____.
Definition
Rhyolite (rhyolitic lavas)
Term
intermediate in composition and viscosity between mafic and felsic magmas; cool to form ______.
Definition
andesite (andesitic lavas)
Term
thick, widespread accumulations of basalt, typically fed by fissures. provide example.
Definition
flood basalts. example: Columbia Plateau in Washington and Oregon
Term
very low viscosity basaltic lava characterized by a ropy texture
Definition
Pahoehoe
Term
relatively low viscosity basaltic lava characterized by a jagged, blocky texture
Definition
Aa
Term
a basaltic lava extruded beneath the water, with a glassy texture
Definition
pillow basalts
Term
trapped gases form bubbles
Definition
vesicular basalt
Term
when lava rises, the pressure _____, and the gas escapes creating gas _____, giving the cooled lava a vesicular texture.
Definition
decreases, cavities
Term
what is the name for a basaltic lava flow that has a ropy, folded surface?
Definition
Pahoehoe
Term
fragmentary volcanic rocks ejected high into the air during violent eruptions.
Definition
pyroclastic deposits
Term
low viscosity, low volatiles, and a large volume produces what?
Definition
shield volcano
Term
a volcanic eruption originating along an elongate fissure rather than a central vent. provide example.
Definition
fissure eruptions. example: Laki Fissure (Iceland), resulted in largest lava flow in recorded history
Term
formed by the sudden mixing of large volumes of pyroclasts with water (heavy rain, draining of crater lake, melting of glacier)
Definition
Lahars (volcanic mudflows). can kill LARGE amounts of people
Term
circulation of water through hot volcanic rocks and magma
Definition
hydrothermal activity
Term
volcanic vents emitting gases, some charged with dissolved minerals
Definition
fumaroles
Term
heated hydrothermal waters under pressure, that intermittently erupt
Definition
geysers
Term
fumaroles and geysers provide the source for ______.
Definition
geothermal energy
Term
single huge eruptions. provide example.
Definition
supervolcanoes. example: krakatau, indonesia.
Term
more than ____ active volcanoes
Definition
600
Term
___% of the world's population lives near active volcanoes
Definition
10
Term
at what boundary within the earth do we believe that mantle plumes (hot spots) originate?
Definition
mantle-outer core boundary
Term
what is molten rock beneath the earths surface called?
Definition
magma
Term
process by which magma rises through the crust, emerges onto the surface as lava, and cools into hard volcanic rock forming a volcano
Definition
volcanism
Term
low-viscosity mafic lavas, typically erupted at 1000 degrees celsius to 1200 degrees celsius cool to form ____.
Definition
basalt. (basaltic lavas)
Term
high-viscosity felsic lavas, typically erupted at 800 degrees celsius to 1200 degrees celsius; cool to form _____.
Definition
Rhyolite (rhyolitic lavas)
Term
intermediate in composition and viscosity between mafic and felsic magmas; cool to form ______.
Definition
andesite (andesitic lavas)
Term
thick, widespread accumulations of basalt, typically fed by fissures. provide example.
Definition
flood basalts. example: Columbia Plateau in Washington and Oregon
Term
very low viscosity basaltic lava characterized by a ropy texture
Definition
Pahoehoe
Term
relatively low viscosity basaltic lava characterized by a jagged, blocky texture
Definition
Aa
Term
a basaltic lava extruded beneath the water, with a glassy texture
Definition
pillow basalts
Term
trapped gases form bubbles
Definition
vesicular basalt
Term
when lava rises, the pressure _____, and the gas escapes creating gas _____, giving the cooled lava a vesicular texture.
Definition
decreases, cavities
Term
what is the name for a basaltic lava flow that has a ropy, folded surface?
Definition
Pahoehoe
Term
fragmentary volcanic rocks ejected high into the air during violent eruptions.
Definition
pyroclastic deposits
Term
low viscosity, low volatiles, and a large volume produces what?
Definition
shield volcano
Term
a volcanic eruption originating along an elongate fissure rather than a central vent. provide example.
Definition
fissure eruptions. example: Laki Fissure (Iceland), resulted in largest lava flow in recorded history
Term
formed by the sudden mixing of large volumes of pyroclasts with water (heavy rain, draining of crater lake, melting of glacier)
Definition
Lahars (volcanic mudflows). can kill LARGE amounts of people
Term
circulation of water through hot volcanic rocks and magma
Definition
hydrothermal activity
Term
volcanic vents emitting gases, some charged with dissolved minerals
Definition
fumaroles
Term
heated hydrothermal waters under pressure, that intermittently erupt
Definition
geysers
Term
fumaroles and geysers provide the source for ______.
Definition
geothermal energy
Term
single huge eruptions. provide example.
Definition
supervolcanoes. example: krakatau, indonesia.
Term
more than ____ active volcanoes
Definition
600
Term
___% of the world's population lives near active volcanoes
Definition
10
Term
at what boundary within the earth do we believe that mantle plumes (hot spots) originate?
Definition
mantle-outer core boundary
Term
which of the following igneous rocks has the lowest silica content?
Definition
intermediate
Term
what type of rock makes up most of the hawaiian islands?
Definition
basalt
Term
process of sedimentation
Definition
weathering breaks down rocks, erosion carries particles away, deposition (particles settle or precipitate)
Term
transported rock fragments from rock weathering
Definition
clastic
Term
precipitated from water by chemical reactions
Definition
chemical
Term
same as chemical plus biological material
Definition
biochemical
Term
variation in the range of gain sizes in a rock or sediment
Definition
sorting
Term
physical effects of transport on the sediments (2)
Definition
roundness and sphericity
Term
through lithification- _____ reduces pore space.
Definition
compaction
Term
chemical precipitation of mineral material between gains binds sediment into hard rock
Definition
cementation
Term
pressure and temperature increase with burial
Definition
recrystallization
Term
organic matter becomes oil, gas, and coal with ____, _____, and ____.
Definition
time, pressure, and heat.
Term
what type of sediments are accumulations of solid fragments produced by weathering?
Definition
clastic sediments
Term
sediments tend to accumulate in ______ in the earth's crust formed by subsidence.
Definition
depressions
Term
types of sedimentary environments (3)
Definition
continental, shoreline, marine
Term
bedding, layering controlled by particle size and types of particles
Definition
stratification
Term
sedimentar basins are formed by a process called _______.
Definition
subsidence
Term
what is one of the main processes that drives plate tectonics?
Definition
mantle convection
Term
the presence of water will ______ the melting temperature of a rock.
Definition
decrease
Term
extrusive rocks cool more ______ than intrusive rocks.
Definition
rapidly
Term
intrusive igneous rocks form deep in the _____ or _______ mantle.
Definition
crust or upper mantle
Term
intrusive and extrusive rocks have ______ range of chemical compositions.
Definition
the same
Term
result from the consolidation of loose sediment derived from previously existing rocks
Definition
sedimentary rocks
Term
the three main types of sediment are:
Definition
clastic, chemical, biochemical (organic)
Term
which tectonic setting will be coolest at 30km depth?
-regions of continental extension
-stable continental lithosphere
-volcanic arcs
-all 3 will be the same
Definition
stable continental lithosphere
Term
change affecte by pressure, heat, and water that results in a more compact and more highly crystalline condition
Definition
metamorphism
Term
metamorphic rock that has undergone changes in ____, ____, and chemical composition in the ____ state.
Definition
texture, mineralogical composition, solid state.
Term
main factors driving metamorphism (3)
Definition
internal heat of the earth, earth's pressure, earth's fluids.
Term
how do rocks metamorphose?
Definition
through partial or complete recrystallization of minerals in the rocks over long periods of time. (remain in solid state)
Term
greater pressure tends to ____ the space available for mineral growth; _____.
Definition
decrease, density
Term
_____ pressure can come from any directed stress (burial, collision, etc). _____ pressure.
Definition
increased, confining
Term
stress causes preferred orientation of minerals
Definition
differential stress
Term
____ greatly affects a rock's mineralogy and texture. _____ mobility of elements. (increases or decreases?)
Definition
heat, increases
Term
measure of variation of temperature with depth
Definition
geothermal gradient
Term
____ act as a catalyst during metamorphism.
Aid the exchange of ions between growing crystals.
Definition
fluids (H2O)
Term
change in a rock's bulk composition by fluid transport of chemical substances in or out of a rock
Definition
metasomatism
Term
intensity of metamorphism
Definition
metamorphic grade
Term
amount of change during metamorphism depends on (3)
Definition
grade, duration, composition of rock
Term
directed stress will orient minerals in two ways:
Definition
lineation, foliation (set of flat or wavy parallel planes produced by deformation)
Term
metamorphic rocks result from the recrystallization of existing rocks while they are still in a solid state.
Definition
true
Term
most minerals are stable over a relatively _____ range of pressure and temperature
Definition
narrow
Term
given set of pressure and temperature conditions
Definition
metamorphic facies
Term
minerals in a rock can be clues to the ____ and ____ history of the rock.
Definition
pressure and temperature
Term
subducted lighter metamorphic rocks are driven upward by ____ relative to the surrounding crust. process?
Definition
buoyancy; exhumation
Term
______ are often found near a suture, remnants of metamorphosed oceanic crust.
Definition
ophiolites
Term
which of the following rocks represents the highest metamorphic grade?
Definition
gneiss (highest to lowest: gneiss>schist>phyllite>slate)
Term
the parent rock of a quartzite is ______.
Definition
sandstone
Term
which kind of sediment accumulates where transport currents are strong?
Definition
gravel
Term
the atomic mass of an element is equal to the number of ______.
Definition
neutrons
Term
what types of lavas are erupted at mid-ocean ridges?
Definition
basalt
Term
Hawaiian volcanoes are located at a _____.
Definition
NOT located at a plate boundary
Term
which mountain chain was the result of a continental collision during the assembly of the supercontinent Pangaea?
Definition
Appalachians
Term
each element has a unique number of ____.
Definition
protons
Term
Which mountain range formed as a result of ocean-continent convergence?
Definition
Andes
Term
which mineral is commonly used to determine a metamorphic P-T path?
Definition
garnet
Term
a major difference between geologists and most other scientists is their concept of ____.
Definition
time
Term
a "long" time may not be important unless it is greater than _____ years.
Definition
one million years.
Term
the study of time in relation to the earth
Definition
geochronology
Term
how old a rock is compared to surrounding rocks
Definition
relative dating
Term
actual number of years since the rock was formed
Definition
absolute dating
Term
in a sequence of undisturbed layered rocks, the oldest rocks are on the bottom
Definition
principle of superposition (steno's laws)
Term
layered strata are deposited horizontally or nearly horizontally
Definition
principle of original horizontality.
Term
means "something dug up".
consists of the remains of ancient organisms, or other evidence of their existence.
Definition
fossil
Term
study of life in the past based on the fossil remains of plants and animals
Definition
paleontology
Term
fossils that are preserved in sedimentary rocks are used to determine (2)
Definition
relative age and the environment of deposition
Term
no single area records a complete record of earth history
Definition
correlation
Term
sc geologist, _____ _______, was one of the first to correlate sedimentary beds regionally using ____.
Definition
John Drayton, fossils
Term
surfaces where erosion has removed rock layers.
"missing time"
Definition
unconformities
Term
types of unconformities (3)
Definition
nonconformity, angular, disconformity
Term
sedimentary layers deposited on older igneous and metamorphic rocks
Definition
nonconformity
Term
younger sedimentary layers deposited on older, tilted sedimentary rocks
Definition
angular unconformity
Term
younger sedimentary layers deposited on older, horizontal sedimentary layers
Definition
disconformity
Term
geometry of rock bodies and their relationship with adjacent bodies, allows geologists to place rock units in relative chronological order
Definition
cross-cutting relationships
Term
principle of original horizontality:
Definition
sediments are deposited as horizontal layers
Term
divisions in the worldwide stratigraphic column based on variations in preserved fossils
Definition
geologic timescale
Term
atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
Definition
isotopes
Term
radioactive elements (parents) decay to ____, non-radioactive elements (______).
Definition
stable, daughters
Term
if we know the rate of decay and the amount present of parent and daughter we can calculate ______.
Definition
how long this reaction has been occurring
Term
the _______ of a radioactive isotope is defined as the time required for half of it to decay to the daughter product
Definition
half-life
Term
the half-life is ____ and does not ____ with time, temperature, pressure, etc.
Definition
constant, vary
Term
precision of dating techniques _______ with increasing geologic time.
Definition
decreases
Term
the study of the layers in sedimentary rock is known as _____.
Definition
stratigraphy
Term
the principle of superposition states that __________.
Definition
undisturbed sedimentary layers get progressively younger from bottom to top.
Term
deformation, deform=
stress=
Definition
deform=change volume or shape of rock by
stress= force applied to rock
Term
dip
Definition
angle of steepest descent of the bed from the horizontal
Term
strike
Definition
at right angles to the dip direction
Term
stress:
squeezed=
pull apart=
sideways slip on parallel planes=
Definition
compressional
tensional
shear
Term
any change in original shape or size of an object in response to stress acting on the object.
Definition
strain
Term
temporary change in shape or size of a body that is recovered when the stress is removed
Definition
elastic
Term
permanent change in shape or size of a body that is not recovered when the stress is removed
Definition
ductile (plastic)
Term
the body undergoes little change under the stress, until it breaks suddenly (earthquakes)
Definition
brittle (rupture)
Term
ability of an object to resist deformation, compressive or tensile
Definition
strength
Term
folds caused by _______- permanent, plastic deformation.
Definition
compression
Term
up-arched fold
Definition
anticline
Term
down-arched fold
Definition
syncline
Term
fractures with movement along fracture (fault plane)
Definition
faults
Term
compression, hanging wall up
Definition
reverse faults
Term
extension, hanging wall down
Definition
normal faults
Term
shear, slide sideways
Definition
strike-slip. example: san andreas fault
Term
an up-arched fold with the oldest strata in the middle is:
Definition
anticline
Term
the dip of a layer in a geologic formation can very between ____.
Definition
0-90 degrees
Term
____ floats on a viscous layer below the continents, the ____, within the earth's mantle.
Definition
lithosphere, asthenosphere
Term
archean cratons form in ____ terrains and ____terrains.
Definition
granite-greenstone, high-grade metamorphic
Term
stable platforms:
-______ covered with horizontal sedimentary rocks
-sandstones, limestones, and shales deposited in ancient ____
Definition
shields, shallow seas
Term
magma transferred from mantle to continents at subduction zones
Definition
magmatic differentiation
Term
buoyant fragments of crust attached to continents as the result of plate motions
Definition
continental accretion
Term
general term for mountain-building processes.
folding and thrusting of rock layers
Definition
orogeny
Term
located at hot spots and plate boundaries
Definition
mountains
Term
repeated opening and closing of ocean basins
Definition
wilson cycle
Term
what mountain chain runs along the eastern margin of north america?
Definition
appalachians
Term
continents are made up of
Definition
ancient granitic cratons
island arcs accreted to the edges of the cratons
exotic terranes
Term
The Carolina Piedmont is made of:
Definition
island arc rocks accreted to North America
Term
vibrations of the earth caused by the sudden release of energy as rocks move along fractures or faults
Definition
earthquakes
Term
theory? energy is stored in rocks as they bend.
when rock strength is exceeded, they break and snap back.
Definition
Elastic Rebound Theory
Term
the amount of ground displacement in an earthquake
Definition
slip
Term
what is the maximum amount of slip on a fault during an earthquake?
Definition
20 meters
Term
fastest, compressional, like sound waves
Definition
P-waves (primary)
Term
shear waves, can not travel through liquids or gases
Definition
S-Waves (secondary)
Term
damage structures
Definition
surface waves
Term
study of earthquakes
Definition
seismology
Term
instrument that records and measures earthquake vibrations
Definition
seismograph
Term
seismic waves from an earthquake move out ______ from the focus and arrive at distant seismographic station at different times
Definition
concentrically
Term
at least __ recording stations are necessary to determine the location of an epicenter
Definition
3
Term
which set of waves is most likely surface waves?
Definition
higher frequency
Term
measure of the damage done by an earthquake
Definition
intensity
Term
the amount of energy released by an earthquake
Definition
magnitude. amplitude of magnitude 6 wave is 10x larger than a magnitude 5. energy released by a magnitude 6 is 30x larger than magnitude 4 waves and 900x more powerful.
Term
the largest earthquakes occur at _____ boundaries
Definition
convergent
Term
structures built on _____ _______ suffer less damage.
Definition
solid bedrock
Term
seismic sea waves
Definition
tsunami
Term
the size of a magnitude 8 earthquake is how much larger than that of a magnitude 6 earthquake?
Definition
100x
Term
earthquakes that originate at depths greater than 100km are associated with _____ plate boundaries.
Definition
convergent
Term
structures built on what suffer the most damage in an earthquake?
Definition
wet mud or sand
Term
produce by the interaction of solar radiation and the earth's magnetic field
Definition
northern lights
Term
what does NOT hold up mountain belts?
Definition
high density roots
Term
where is earth's magnetic field produced?
Definition
liquid outer core
Term
parent rock of quartzite
Definition
sandstone
Term
parent rock of marble
Definition
limestone
Term
a rift valley is ______.
Definition
a downfaulted block
Term
the S wave shadow zone is caused by the ____.
Definition
outer core
Term
continental crust beneath mountains can be up to ___ km thick
Definition
70
Term
which layer in the earth does not transmit S waves?
Definition
outer core
Term
the world's largest earthquakes occur along ______.
Definition
megathrusts at subduction zones
Term
seismic tomography can detect relatively warm regions of the mantle because S waves
Definition
travel more slowly through these regions
Term
units a,b,c,d,e,and f are sedimentary rocks. unit g is granite. the horizontal line labeled x-x1 is a(n) ______.
Definition
angular unconformity
Term
Panama arc collided with S. America
Definition
separating the atlantic and pacific, forming a land bridge, uplifting the eastern cordillera of colombia
Term
there are many earthquakes in the northern andes because
Definition
the caribbean, nazca, and south america plates are converging and ocean crust is subducting beneath south america
Term
5 main components of earth's climate system
Definition
atmosphere
hydrosphere
cryosphere
biosphere
lithosphere
Term
atmospheric zones (4)
Definition
troposphere
stratosphere
mesosphere
thermosphere
Term
atmospheric composition
Definition
nitrogen-78%
oxygen 21%
Term
solar energy passes through, some is trapped making earth's atmosphere 33 degrees celsius warmer than it would otherwise be
Definition
greenhouse effect
Term
what are the greenhouse gases?
Definition
carbon dioxide 49%
methane 18%
CFC's 14%
nitrous oxides 6%
Term
where does CO2 come from?
Definition
burning of fossil fuels, land clearing, manufacturing, fuel wood
Term
describe the carbon cycle
Definition
humans add carbon to atmosphere, plants and air-sea gas exchange removes some of it, there is a net annual increase
Term
the earth's albedo is the fraction of _____.
Definition
solar energy reflected by the earth's surface
Term
what is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the earth's atmosphere?
Definition
carbon dioxide
Term
what has most significantly changed the carbon cycle over the past 150 years?
Definition
burning of fossil fuels**
Term
distribution of water on earth
Definition
fresh water 4%
salt water 95.96%
Term
how much of the land surface is covered by ice?
Definition
approximately 10%
Term
moving body of ice that forms from accumulation and compaction of snow
Definition
glacier
Term
in order to form a glacier, need to have ____ snow fall during the winter than snow melt during the sumer
Definition
more
Term
ice is much ____ dense than most other rocks and it melts at a much ____ temperature.
Definition
less, lower
Term
two main types of glaciers
Definition
valley (alpine) and continental
Term
form in the cold heights of the mountains, where snow accumulates usually in preexisting valleys, and they flow down the bedrock valleys.
Definition
Valley (alpine)
Term
extremely slow moving, thick sheet of ice that covers a large part of a continent
Definition
continental
Term
glacier formation requires:
-_____ temps to keep snow on the ground
-_____ altitude
-_____ latitudes
-_____ amounts of snow
Definition
low, high, high, large
Term
total amount of ice that a glacier loses each year
Definition
ablation
Term
glacial budget depends on:
the rate of glacial _______ at the upper end of the glacier
the rate of glacial _______ at the lower end of the glacier
Definition
accumulation, wastage
Term
grooves created by rocks scratching against bedrock at the base of a glacier
Definition
striations
Term
striations are evidence of the direction of ________
Definition
ice movement
Term
the most recent ice age ended _______ years ago
Definition
10,000
Term
what would cause sea level to rise?
Definition
melting of the greenland ice cap
Term
what is an extremely slow-moving sheet of ice that covers vast land areas?
Definition
a continental glacier
Term
accumulation of rocky, sandy, and clayey material carried by the ice and deposited
Definition
moraines
Term
after the oceans, what reservoir contains the most water?
Definition
glaciers and polar ice caps
Term
the strongest influence on local hydrology is the _____, which includes both ______ and _______.
Definition
climate. temperature and precipitation
Term
amount of water vapor in the air expressed as percentage of the total amount of water the air could hold at that temperature if it were saturated
Definition
relative humidity
Term
warm air can hold much _____ water vapor than cold air
Definition
more
Term
the sum of all rainwater that flows over the surface
Definition
runoff
Term
what powers the hydrologic cycle?
Definition
solar energy
Term
surface water enters the ground under the influence of _____
Definition
gravity
Term
a geologic unity capable of storing and transmitting water in sufficient quantities to supply wells
Definition
aquifer
Term
stabilizes soil, returns water to atmosphere through transpiration.
Definition
vegetation
Term
promotes run-off as surface water rather than infiltration
Definition
topography
Term
determines amount of water available for replenishing the groundwater system
Definition
precipitation
Term
percentage of pore space relative to the total volume of soil, rock, or sediment.
Definition
porosity
Term
measure of the ability of a rock or sediment to transmit a fluid
Definition
permeability
Term
conditions for a good aquifer
Definition
good groundwater reservoir with both high porosity and high permeability
Term
permeable layer extends to the surface
Definition
unconfined aquifer
Term
permeable layer is overlain and underlain by less permeable layers
Definition
confined aquifer
Term
infiltration of water, mostly from precipitation, into the earth's surface
Definition
recharge
Term
flow of water from the subsurface to the surface
Definition
discharge
Term
a local depression in the water table, usually a result of water withdrawal
Definition
cone of depression
Term
which of the following unfractured rocks has the highest porosity?
Definition
sandstone
Term
sinkholes are a possible danger in regions underlain by what type of bedrock?
Definition
limestone
Term
"juvenile water" refers to water that ________.
Definition
was derived from the mantle.
Term
layers that store and transmit groundwater are called _____.
Definition
aquifers
Term
the down-slope movement of material by gravity
Definition
mass wasting
Term
world's largest earth dam in 1930 was
Definition
Lake Murray Dam
Term
the angle of repose (steepest angle from horizontal that a soil slope can maintain) is:
Definition
25 to 40 degrees
Term
any flowing body of water, large or small.
most important erosional force on earth
Definition
stream
Term
major branch of a large stream system
Definition
river
Term
a measure of the maximum size particle a stream can transport
Definition
competence
Term
a measure of the total volume of sediment a stream can transport
Definition
capacity
Term
the larger the volume of a flow, the _____ suspended load and bedload it can carry
Definition
more
Term
suspended load includes all material ____.
Definition
temporarily or permanently suspended in the flow
Term
elongated ridges of sand that can be many meters high in large rivers
Definition
dunes
Term
volume of water that passes through a plane per unit of time
Definition
discharge
Term
a 100 year flood is one which occurs, on average, once every ____ years
Definition
100
Term
recurrence interval of floods depends on (3)
Definition
climate, width of the floodplain, size of the channel
Term
the elevation at which a stream ends by entering a large standing body of water, such as a lake or ocean
Definition
base level
Term
stream cutting caused by uplift results in the formation of _____ ______.
Definition
river terraces
Term
which of the following particles is most easily eroded from the bed of a stream?
Definition
sand
Term
a 10-year flood is a flood that:
Definition
occurs on an average of every 10 years
Term
which of the following terms measures the total sediment load carried by a stream?
Definition
capacity
Term
forms world's breadbaskets
Definition
loess soil
Term
expansion of deserts at 70,000 km per year, starvation
Definition
desertification
Term
sand blasting, wind erosion
Definition
abrasion
Term
most erosion in deserts are from
Definition
running water. flash flooding.
Term
from what direction do the trade winds in the tropics blow?
Definition
south
Term
viking landers found ventifacts and desert pavement on Mars that indicated:
Definition
global dust storms
Term
the velocity of a river multiplied by the cross-sectional area of the river channel yields the river's ______.
Definition
discharge
Term
the volume of water flowing past a given point in a given time is called the ______.
Definition
discharge
Term
global temperatures ____ and return to normal in about _____.
Definition
decrease, 4 years
Term
where does most volcanic activity on the seafloor take place?
Definition
mid-ocean ridges
Term
types of continental margins (2)
Definition
passive, active
Term
deep sea drilling confirmed that the ocean floor was less than ____ million years old
Definition
200
Term
sea floor is youngest at _______.
Definition
mid ocean ridges
Term
_____ reflect radio waves off sea surface
Definition
SEASAT
Term
how deep is the deepest part of the ocean?
Definition
10 km deep
Term
____ erode and deposit fine-grained sediments on the continental slope and rise
Definition
turbidity currents
Term
flattest surface on earth
Definition
abyssal plain
Term
waves: highest part?
lowest part?
distance between successive crests?
vertical distance trough to crest?
Definition
crest
trough
wavelength
height
Term
generates most waves
Definition
wind
Term
distance the wind blows over water
Definition
fetch
Term
in shallow water, waves bend to more nearly parallel the shoreline
Definition
refraction
Term
long, narrow islands of sand separated from the mainland by a lagoon or bay
Definition
barrier islands
Term
beach continues to a point that projects into a bay
Definition
spit
Term
sea level is rising worldwide _____ cm/100years
Definition
10-15
Term
Hatteras Island, NC is moving landward about ____ meters per year
Definition
4
Term
if the wavelength is 100 feet, how deep would you have to dive to get completely below the action?
Definition
50 feet
Term
the entire amount of a material that may be available for use sometime in the future
Definition
resources
Term
known resources that can be recovered economically and legally today
Definition
reserves
Term
resources that can be replenished over short time spans
Definition
renewable. solar, wind, geothermal
Term
resources that are created by processes that take long spans of time to form (thousands to millions of years)
Definition
nonrenewable resources. fossil fuels, nuclear energy
Term
earth resources (3)
Definition
energy. mineral. water.
Term
breakdown of organic matter into a liquid or gas
Definition
maturation
Term
petroleum and natural gas are considered ____ energy resources.
Definition
non-renewable
Term
coal forms from ____.
Definition
large accumulations of plant material.
Term
which material is a fossil fuel?
Definition
coal
Term
presently expanding universe
present background radiation
Definition
big bang theory
Term
4 basic forces separated:
Definition
gravity, electromagnetic force, strong nuclear force, weak nuclear force
Term
light formed from _____ and _____.
Definition
hydrogen and helium
Term
10 billion years, a rotating cloud of gas and dust collapsed into the solar system
Definition
earth
Term
earthlike, inner, dense rocks and metals
Definition
terrestrial planets
Term
jupiter-like, giant outer planets
Definition
jovian planets
Term
"shooting stars" enter atmosphere
Definition
meteoroids
Term
which planet has the largest volcano and the largest canyon in the solar system?
Definition
Mars
Term
the large outer planets are composed of:
Definition
hydrogen and helium
Term
the asteroid belt is located between the orbits of:
Definition
mars and jupiter
Term
where would you expect to find evaporite sediments in a desert environment?
Definition
playa lake
Term
diamonds are high pressure carbon carried to the earth's surface in kimberlite pipes from a depth of ____.
Definition
100-300km
Term
large, cone-shaped deposits of sediment at a mountain front are called ____.
Definition
alluvial fans
Term
the height of an ocean wave increases as ____.
Definition
the wind blows for longer times
Term
what causes most of the erosion in deserts?
Definition
streams
Term
in what type of rocks are you most likely to find oil, natural gas, and coal?
Definition
sedimentary
Term
what term is used to indicate a geologic process powered by wind?
Definition
Eolian
Term
why does the Sahara desert of Africa exist?
Definition
it lies near 30 degrees N latitude
Term
as waves move shoreward, velocity and wavelength _____, and height _______.
Definition
decrease, increases
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