Earth sci- chapter 1 Flashcards
Hypothesis
Idea that explains a given phenomena
Criteria: based on objective observations & must be testable
Tested and tested until falsified
If can’t be falsified it becomes a theory
Scientific method
Process in which researchers gather facts through observations and formulate scientific hypotheses and theories
Theory
Well tested and widely accepted view that explains certain observable facts
Earths spheres
Hydrosphere
Atmosphere
Biosphere
Geosphere
Hydrosphere
Water portion of planet
One of the traditional subdivisions of earths physical environment
Atmosphere
Gaseous portion of earth
90% occurs within 10 miles of earths surface
Energy changes btwn atmosphere & space and atmosphere & earths surface effects weather and climate
Biosphere
Parts of the solid earth, hydrosphere, and atmosphere on which all living organisms can be found
Geosphere
Solid earth
Largest of all spheres
6400 km to center of earth
Made up of core mantle and crust
Core
Dense inner sphere
Iron and nickel with a bit of oxygen silicon and sulfur
Outer core- liquid 2260 km thick
Movement of metallic iron that generates magnetic field
Inner core- solid 1216 km thick
Solid due to pressure
Mantle
82% earths volume solid high density rock 2890 km thick upper and lower mantle olivine and silica rich
upper mantle
660 km deep
top is lithosphere
bottom asthenosphere
lithosphere
sphere of rock
consists of entire crust and upper most mantle
forms earths cool rigid outer shell
100 km thick
asthenosphere
weak sphere solid but not mobile easily deformed 100-650 km upper part some melting
lower mantle
strengthens with depth bc of pressure
very hot and gradual flow
crust
low density rock
continental and oceanic crust
thickness 7-70km
