Introductory Chapter

Question 1

The discipline of science that studies the 4 spheres of research associated with the Earth and its existence within the context of the universe; astronomy, geology, oceanography, and biology.

Answer 1

Earth Science

Question 2

The dynamic mass of water that is continually in movement, from oceans to the atmosphere.

Answer 2

Hydrosphere

Question 3

The life giving gaseous envelope that surrounds the Earth and provides the air we breathe, and protects us from the sun’s heat and radiation

Answer 3

Atmosphere

Question 4

Includes all life on Earth, and consists of all of the other spheres in which living organisms can be found. Without it, every other sphere would be drastically different

Answer 4

Biosphere

Question 5

Extends from the surface of the earth to the core of the Earth, and consists of all the material features and processes it comprises

Answer 5

Geosphere

Question 6

A group of interacting or interdependent parts that form a complex whole

Answer 6

System

Question 7

Everything that surrounds and influences an organism

Answer 7

Environment

Question 8

The nonliving influences resulting from the environment onto an organism

Answer 8

Physical Environment

Question 9

Phenomenon associated with the four spheres of Earth and Space science that prove exceptionally dangerous to life

Answer 9

Natural Hazards

Question 10

Studies the material composition of the Earth and attempts to understand the processes and material conditions that operate beneath and upon its surface

Answer 10

Physical Geology

Question 11

Examines the beginning of the Earth and how the Earth has changed throughout time.

Answer 11

Historical Geology

Question 12

How much of the earth’s surface is covered by the oceans?

Answer 12

71%

Question 13

How much of the Earth’s water is contained in the oceans?

Answer 13

97%

Question 14

What are the layers of the Earth based upon chemical composition?

Answer 14

Crust, mantle, and core

Question 15

In terms of chemical composition, this is the thin and rocky outer skin of the Earth, of which there are two types; oceanic, and continental.

Answer 15

Crust

Question 16

In terms of chemical composition, this is a 5 mile thick layer of basalt with a low density. It is up to 180 million years old.

Answer 16

Oceanic crust

Question 17

In terms of chemical composition, this is 35 miles thick and is a layer primarily composed of granite. It is up to 4 billion years old.

Answer 17

Continental crust

Question 18

In terms of chemical composition, this is a solid and rocky shell that contains over 82% of the Earth’s volume and extends to depths of 1800 miles (2896.819km)

Answer 18

The mantle

Question 19

In terms of chemical composition, this iron nickel alloy, approximately 2164 miles thick, is an incredibly dense layer of the Earth.

Answer 19

The core