Gen Science Module 6

Question 1

catastrophism

Answer 1

the view that most of earth’s geological features are the result of large-scale catastrophes such as floods, volcanic eruptions, etc.

Question 2

uniformitarianism

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

humus

Answer 3

the decayed remains of once-living creatures

Question 4

minerals

Answer 4

inorganic crystalline substances found naturally in the earth

Question 5

weathering

Answer 5

the process by which rocks are broken down by the forces of nature

Question 6

erosion

Answer 6

the process by which sediments and rock fragments are carried away by wind or rain

Question 7

unconformity

Answer 7

a surface of erosion that separates one layer of rock from another

Question 8

sedimentary rock

Answer 8

rock formed from sediments (sand, silt, and other components of soil) and laid down by water or some other agent.

Question 9

igneous rock

Answer 9

rock formed from molten rock, which is usually called magna.

Question 10

metamorphic rock

Answer 10

rock that has undergone extreme change due to lots of heat and pressure.

Question 11

lamination

Answer 11

when a single layer of rock is less than 1 centimeter

Question 12

nonconformity

Answer 12

when stratified layers rest on top of unstratified layers

Question 13

disconformities

Answer 13

when there are parallel, stratified rock layers above and below the unconformity, but there is a clear surface of erosion between them

Question 14

paraconformities

Answer 14

unidentifiable unconformities

Question 15

intrusion

Answer 15

veins of igneous rock that shoot right through several layers of sedimentary rock

Question 16

sills

Answer 16

intrusions that run in the same direction as the strata

Question 17

dikes

Answer 17

veins that run perpendicular to the direction of the strata

Question 18

Stalagmite

Answer 18

A deposit, usually of calcium carbonate, more or less resembling an inverted stalactite, formed on the floor of a cave or the like by the dripping of percolating calcareous water.

Question 19

Stalactite

Answer 19

a deposit, usually of calcium carbonate, shaped like an icicle, hanging from the roof of a cave or the like, and formed by the dripping of percolating calcareous water.