GEO exam 1 Flashcards
What is the definition of a mineral?
A naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.
Minerals are the building blocks of rocks and have specific physical properties.
What are the 4 types of bonds in minerals?
- Ionic bond
- Covalent bond
- Metallic bond
- Van der Waals bond
Each type of bond affects the properties of minerals, such as hardness and conductivity.
What properties are used to identify minerals?
- Hardness
- Luster
- Color
- Streak
- Cleavage
- Fracture
- Density
- Crystal form
These properties help in distinguishing between different minerals.
What are the three rock types?
- Igneous
- Sedimentary
- Metamorphic
Each rock type has distinct formation processes and characteristics.
How do igneous rocks relate to cooling history?
Two factors: cooling rate and temperature.
These factors influence the texture and mineral composition of the rock.
What is Bowen’s Reaction Series Chart?
A diagram that illustrates the order in which minerals crystallize from cooling magma.
It helps to understand the relationships between different minerals in igneous rocks.
What is the significance of depositional environments for sedimentary rocks?
Depositional environments influence the mineral composition and texture of sedimentary rocks.
Different environments lead to varying characteristics in sedimentary formations.
What is the difference between foliated and non-foliated metamorphic rocks?
- Foliated: layered appearance due to pressure alignment
- Non-foliated: no distinct layers, typically formed under uniform pressure
Foliation occurs due to differential pressure during metamorphism.
What is a Protolith?
The original, unmetamorphosed rock from which a metamorphic rock forms.
Understanding the protolith helps in identifying the metamorphic rock type.
What is the scientific method’s definition of ‘Theory’?
A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.
Theories are based on a body of evidence and can be tested through experimentation.
What does the solar nebula theory explain?
The formation of the solar system from a rotating disk of gas and dust.
This theory describes how planets and other celestial bodies formed.
What are the compositional layers of the Earth?
- Crust
- Mantle
- Outer core
- Inner core
Each layer has distinct mineral compositions, densities, and rock types.
What is the concept of plate tectonics?
The theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into large plates that move and interact at their boundaries.
This movement is responsible for many geological processes, including earthquakes and volcanic activity.
What are the four types of plate boundaries?
- Divergent
- Convergent
- Transform
- Plate boundary zones
Each type has unique properties and geological features.
What are hotspots in geology?
Areas of volcanic activity that are fed by underlying mantle that is anomalously hot.
Hotspots can create volcanic islands and are used to calculate plate movement rates.
What are the four types of volcanoes?
- Shield
- Stratovolcano
- Cinder cone
- Lava dome
Each type has distinct properties and eruption styles.
What is the relationship between magma composition and volcano type?
Magma composition affects viscosity and explosiveness, influencing the type of volcano that forms.
More viscous magmas tend to produce explosive eruptions.
How are calderas formed?
By the collapse of a volcano following a massive eruption that empties the magma chamber.
Calderas can be large depressions and are often filled with water to form lakes.
Scientific method: understand scientific use of the terms “Theory”
“hypothesis”
Understand the formation of solar system: solar nebula theory
Understand the formation of earth: homogeneous accretion and differentiation
Know the compositional layers of earth and their properties: mineral composition
density
Know the functional layers of the earth and how they relate to plate tectonics.
Earth’s magnetic pole reversals: what is it and how do we use this information?
