2017 Mod6 Flashcards
Define the following terms:
A. Catastrophism
The view that most of earth’s geological features are the result of large-scale catastrophes such as flood mechanic and irruption’s etc.
B. Uniformitarianism
The view that most of earth’s geological features are the result of slow, gradual processes that have been at work for millions or even billions of years
C. Humus
The decayed remains of once – living creatures
D. Minerals
Inorganic crystalline substances found naturally in the earth
E. Weathering
The process by which rocks are broken down to form sediments
F. Erosion
The process by which rocks and soil are broken down and transported away
G. unconformity
A surface of erosion that separate one layer of rock from another
Which of the hypothesis (Uniformitarianism or catastrophism) requires that the earth be billions of years old?
Uniformitarianism
What are the three basic types of rocks?
Sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
How is each type of rock mentioned in question three formed?
Sedimentary: from sediments
Igneous: from magna/lava
Metamorphic rocks: rock that has undergone a change due to heat or pressure.
What agent is responsible for laying down most of the sedimentary rock we see today?
Water
A rock in the desert is consistently bombarded by bits of sand that are carried on the wind. Sometimes the sand hits the rock so hard that tiny chips of the rock are broken off. As time goes on, the constant beating of sand on the rock wears is the rock down, and it gets much smaller. Has the rock experience physical or chemical weathering?
Physical weathering
When limestone is exposed to weekly acidic water, it breaks down, forming a gas in the process. Is this chemical or physical weathering
Chemical weathering
A geologist is comparing the erosion that occurred as a result of two different rivers. The first river flows quickly, while the second river flows slowly. Which river do you expect to cause the most erosion? Why?
The first river. Because it’s moving faster.
To hillsides in the same country experience very heavy rain. The first hillside is covered with grass and flowers, while the second river is mostly bear. Which hillside will experience the most erosion? Why?
The second hill side. Because there are no roots to hold the soil down
