Chapter 1 - Historical Geology

Question 1

hypothesis

Answer 1

a question

Question 2

theory

Answer 2

hypothesis that survives repeated challenges and is supported by accumulating favorable evidence

Question 3

divergent boundaries

Answer 3

where two or more plates move apart from one another

Question 4

plate tectonics

Answer 4

large-scale deformation of rocks in Earth’s outer layers

Question 5

lithosphere

Answer 5

rigid outerlayer of Earth, roughly 100km thick

Question 6

transfrom boundaries

Answer 6

where plates grind past one another

Question 7

scientific method

Answer 7

systematic way to uncover answers to questions, solutions to problems, and evidence to prove or disprove ideas and beliefs

Question 8

natural selection

Answer 8

that any given species produces more organisms than can survive

variations exist among offspring

offspring must compete

individuals witht eh most favorable variations survive

Question 9

age of Earth

Answer 9

4.56 billion years

Question 9

geology

Answer 9

the science devoted to the study of Earth, - its origin, history, composition, and properties

Question 10

historical geology

Answer 10

addresses the Earth’s origin and evolution, distribution of lands and seas through time, the growth and reduction of mountains, and the succession of animals and plants that lived in the ocean and on continents down thrrough the ages

Question 12

absolute age

Answer 12

actual age

Question 13

physical geology

Answer 13

focuses on processes within an on the surface of the Earth, as well as Earth’s chemical and physical features

Question 14

convergent boundaries

Answer 14

where two or more plates move closer to one another

Question 15

asthenosphere

Answer 15

a platic, easily deformed layer of the mantle