Geology Test: Flashcards
Define principle of uniformity
the scientific thought that past processes are no different than processes today; meaning everything happens by gradual process over very long periods of time.
Define principle of catastrophe
the scientific thought that sees evidence of rapid, highly energetic events over short periods of time, doing a lot of geologic work
Define erosion
the process by which soil and rock are worn away
Define petrification
the process by which trees, plants, and even animals are solidified by burial in hot, silica-rich water
Define turbidite
an underwater, rapid deposition of mud which hardens into a layer of rock
Define gastrolith
rounded stones which were used by plant-eating dinosaurs to aid in digestion and sometimes found with fossilized remains
Define fumaroles
an opening in the earth’s crust, usually associated with volcanic activity
Define metamorphism
a process of heat and pressure that causes one rock to alter into another
Define magnetic field
a field that exerts forces on objects made of magnetic materials; made up of many lines of force
Define sediment
natural materials broken down by processes of erosion and weathering; can be transported or deposited by water or wind.
Define the Second Law of science
also referred to as the second law of thermodynamics, which states that in every process or reaction in the universe the components deteriorate
Define Fountains of the deep
a phrase mentioned in Genesis 7 as a reference to sources of water as part of the Great Flood of Noah
Define Glacier
a huge mass of ice that moves slowly over land
Define volcanism
the eruption of molten rock (magma) onto the surface of the earth
There are two ways of thinking about the unobserved past. What are they?
Uniformity - the present is the key to the past; Catastrophe - highly energetic events operated over short periods of time and did much geologic work rapidly
What are the main “zones” into which the earth is divided?
crust, mantle, outer core, inner core
What four events had the greatest impact in shaping the earth’s geology?
Creation, the Fall, Flood, Ice Age
What is the main condition required for a fossil to form?
the organism must be buried rapidly, protected from scavengers and from decomposition by bacteria and chemicals
What factors influence whether a rock will bend or break?
whether it is soft or brittle, how deep it is buried
What conclusion can be drawn about the age of the earth from the various dating methods
a majority of methods used to age-date the earth yield far less than the acclaimed billions of years
How did the creation affect the earth’s geology?
formed the cores of the continents; some erosion and deposition probably happened
Why do we find ocean fossils near the top of Mt. Everest?
The top of Mount Everest was once underwater and was later pushed up after the Flood waters receded
What caused the Ice Age
the warm ocean waters rapidly evaporated and condensed over the colder continents causing a buildup of ice and snow
What was the cause of the global Flood?
God sent the Flood as a judgement on the wickedness of mankind.
How was Grand Canyon formed?
At the end of Noah’s flood it appears that a great volume of water was trapped, held in place by the Kaibab Upwarp. Ice Age rains filled the lake to overflowing and as it burst through its mountain “dam,” the huge volume of lake waters carved the canyon.
How did Niagara Falls form?
The level of water in Lake Erie is somewhat higher than the elevation of nearby Lake Ontario. A river draining the waters of Lake Erie into Lake Ontario runs over the Niagara escarpment, resulting in a spectacular set of falls. Erosion takes place as the water roars over the falls, and the escarpment naturally recedes toward Lake Erie.
Why are the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains so different?
Both mountain chains are the result of layers of sediments deposited by Noah’s flood. The Appalachians buckled up in the early stages of the flood and were subjected to massive erosion by continuing flood waters. The Rocky Mountains buckled up late in the flood, extending up above the flood waters as the waters drained off. Thus, the erosion to which they were subjected was much less intense.
How long does it take to form petrified wood?
Petrified wood can form, under laboratory conditions, in a very short period of time. The speed of petrification is related to the pressures which inject the hot silica-rich waters into wood.
Which category of rocks does Granite belong to?
Igneous
Which category of rocks does Marble belong to?
Metamorphic
Which category of rocks does Shale belong to?
Classic Sedimentary
Which category of rocks does Limestone belong to?
Organic Chemical Sedentary
Which category of rocks does Coal belong to?
Organic Chemical Sedentary
Which category of rocks does Rhyolite belong to?
Igneous
Which category of rocks does Slate belong to?
Metamorphic
Describe how sedimentary rocks are formed.
First, layers of sediment are deposited. The weight of the water and the sediments on top begin to compact the sediments underneath. Next, warm water circulates throughout the sediments and dissolves certain minerals. The dissolved minerals surround the individual grains of sediment. Finally, when the water cools off and stops moving, the dissolved minerals act as a “glue” that cements the grains of sediment together to form sedimentary rock.
Describe how metamorphic rocks are thought to form.
Heat and pressure recrystallize the minerals in rock into new mineral combinations. Some believe it happened over long periods of time; others believe it happened over short periods of time.
Explain the process of carbon dating in determining when a plant died.
When a plant is living, it takes the isotope carbon 14 into its leaves, stems, and seeds. After the plant dies, the carbon 14 decays into nitrogen 14. Scientists can measure the amounts of both carbon 14 and carbon 12. Since they know the time it takes the isotope to decay, they can calculate when the plant died.
