Earth System Science

Question 1

what is an igneous rock?

Answer 1

molten rock that has cooled and solifidied

Question 2

what is sedimentary rock?

Answer 2

compressed sediments as a result of weathering, in widespread layers

Question 3

whats metamorphic rock?

Answer 3

change in form due to heat/pressure/chemical activity

Question 4

what are the 4 spheres of the earth?

Answer 4

biosphere: surface of the planet
hydro(cryo)sphere: water
lithosphere: rocky stuff
atmosphere: space stuff/gassy

Question 5

whats the difference between open/closed/isolated system

Answer 5

exhange of energy/matter
open: both ok
isolated; neither okay
closed: no exchange of matter, but energy yes!

Question 6

what is a negative feedback/positive feedback loop?

Answer 6

negative: drives stability, ie. heating system
positive: causes chaos i.e. polar ice caps

Question 7

what is the daisyworld model?

Answer 7

james lovelock and his “gaia hypothesis”, the earth is a result of lots of feedback loops.

daisyworld: as the sun intensiifes, world temp and the daisy populations respond
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