Earth Flashcards
. uniformitarianism
a priv=ciple that states the geologic processes that occured in the past can be explained by current geological process
catastrophism
a priciple that states that geologic change change occurs suddenly
paleontology
a dinosaur doctor
relative dating
any meathod of determining whether an event or object is older or younger than other events or objecys
absolute dating
the process of determining an age
superposition
a principle of quantum theory that describes a challenging concept about the nature and behavior of matter and forces at the sub-atomic level.
isotope
each of two or more forms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei, and hence differ in relative atomic mass but not in chemical properties; in particular, a radioactive form of an element.
radioactive decay
the process by which the nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting radiation
half-life
the time required for a quantity to reduce to half its initial value.
fossil
the remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock.
trace fossil
a fossil of a footprint, trail, burrow, or other trace of an animal rather than of the animal itself.
mold
A fossil formed when an animal, plant, or other organism dies and is covered by sediment
A fossil formed when an animal, plant, or other organism dies, its flesh decays and bones deteriorate due to chemical reactions; minerals gradually enter into the cavity, resulting in a cast
Cast
unconformity
a surface of contact between two groups of unconformable strata
mass extinction
a widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth.