Exam I Chapter I Terminology

Question 1

Asthenosphere

Answer 1

A subdivision of the mantle situated below the lithosphere. This zone of weak material exists below a depth of about 100 kilometers and in some regions extends as deep as 700 kilometers. The rock within this zone is easily deformed.

Question 2

Catastrophism

Answer 2

The concept that earth was shaped by catastrophic events of a short term nature

Question 3

closed system

Answer 3

A system that is self contained with regard to matter– that is, no matter enters or leaves

Question 4

core

Answer 4

The inner most layer of earth based on composition. It is thought to be largely an iron-nickel alloy with minor amounts of oxygen, silicon, and sulfur

Question 5

craton

Answer 5

The part of the continental crust that has attained stability ; that is, it has not been affected by significant tectonic activity during the phanerozoic eon. It consists of the shield and stable platform

Question 6

crust

Answer 6

the very thin outer most layer of the earth

Question 7

geology

Answer 7

The science that examines earth, its form and composition, and the changes that it has undergoing

Question 8

historical geology

Answer 8

A major division of geology that deals with the origin of earth and its development through time. usually involves the study of fossils and their sequence in rock beds

Question 9

hypothesis

Answer 9

A tentative explanation that is then tested to determine if it is valid

Question 10

igneous rock

Answer 10

Rock formed from the crystallization of magma

Question 11

inner core

Answer 11

The solid innermost layer of Earth, about 1216 kilometers (754 miles) in radius

Question 12

law of superposition

Answer 12

In any undeformed sequence of sedimentary rocks, each bed is older then the one above and younger then the one below

Question 13

lithosphere

Answer 13

The rigid outer layer of Earth, including the crust, and upper mantle

Question 14

lower mantle

Answer 14

Also known as Mesosphere, The part of the mantle that extends from the core-mantle boundary to a depth of 660 kilometers

Question 15

mantle

Answer 15

one of earths compositional layers. The solid rocky shell that extends from the base of the crust to a depth of 2900 kilometers

Question 16

metamorphic rock

Answer 16

Rock formed by the alteration or preexisting rock deep within the earth , but still in solid state, by heat, pressure, and/or chemically active fluids

Question 17

open system

Answer 17

A system in which both matter and energy flow into and out of the system. Most natural systems are of this type

Question 18

outer core

Answer 18

A layer beneath the mantle about 2270 kilometers (1410 miles) thick, which has the properties of a liquid

Question 19

physical geology

Answer 19

A major division of geology that examines the materials of earth and seeks to understand the processes and forces acting beneath and upon earths surface

Question 20

principle of fossil succession

Answer 20

fossil organisms succeed one another in a definite and determinable order,and therefore any time period can be recognized by its fossil content

Question 21

relative dating

Answer 21

Rocks and structures are placed into their proper sequence or order. Only the chronological order of events is determined

Question 22

rock cycle

Answer 22

A model that illustrates the origin of the three basic rock types and the interrelatedness of earths materials and process

Question 23

sedimentary rock

Answer 23

Rock formed from weathered products of preexisting rocks that have been transported , deposited, and lithified

Question 24

shields

Answer 24

A large, relatively flat expanse of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks within the craton

Question 25

stable platform

Answer 25

The part of the carton that is mantled by relatively undeformed sedimentary rocks and underlain by a basement complex of igneous and metamorphic rocks

Question 26

system

Answer 26

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

Question 27

theory

Answer 27

A well tested and widely accepted view that explains certain observable facts

Question 28

uniformitarianism

Answer 28

The concept that the process that have shaped earth in the geologic past are essentially the same as those operating today