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Chapter 1 - Introducing Geology
Midterm number 1
22
Geology
Undergraduate 1
09/17/2009

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Cards

Term
Geology
Definition
the scientific study of Earth
Term
atmosphere
Definition
the gases that envelop the earth
Term
hydrosphere
Definition
the water on or near Earth's surface
Term
biosphere
Definition
all of the living or once-living material on Earth
Term

geosphere

(solid earth system)

Definition
the rock and other inorganic Earth material that make up the bulk of the planet
Term
mantle
Definition

 

  • solid rock
  • parts of it flow slowly, upward or downward
  • comprised of ultramafic rocks (rich in Fe and Mg, poor in silica
  • extends to 2900 km
  • largest part of earth

 

Term
crust
Definition

thickness is insignificant compared to the whole earth, only have direct access to the crust.

oceanic crust and continental crust, oceanic crust is very thin.

Term
lithosphere
Definition

crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.

makes up the plates of Plate Tectonic Theory

Term
asthenosphere
Definition

upper part of the mantle below lithosphere.

ductile solid, will flow under stress rather than rupture, like the lithosphere.

Term
tectonic forces
Definition

cause defromation of rock as well as vertical and horizontal movement of crust.

mountain ranges are built by this

Term
continental crust
Definition

thick

less dense

silica rich

Term
oceanic crust
Definition

thin

more dense

more mafic

Term
divergent boundary
Definition

plates move apart and new oceanic crust is formed.

coincide with crests of mountain ranges, called mid-oceanic ridges.

Term
igneous rock
Definition
rock that forms when magma (molten rock) solidifies.
Term
convergent plate boundary
Definition

plates move toward each other and oceanic crust is recycled into the mantle.

ensures that earth doesn't grow in size.

oceanic-continent, ocean-ocean, continent-continent.

Term
subduction zone
Definition

(ocean-continent convergence)

the less dense continental plate overrides denser oceanic plate and sinks at this point.

neither plate subducts in c-c convergence.

more dense plate subducts in o-o convergence.

Term
transform boundary
Definition

plates move past each other horizontally.

 

Term
isostatic adjustment
Definition

uplift due to removal of overburden through erosion.

vertical movement of sections of Earth's crust to achieve balance.

Term
external heat engine
Definition

the sun.

drives most surficial processes.

Term
erosion
Definition

removal of rocky material from its original location.

results in the wearing down of the land's surface.

moving water, ice, or wind loosens and removes material.

Term
sediment
Definition

loose material, the product of the breakdown of rock.

eroded sediments are transported to low energy environments where they accumulate, eventually cement into sedimentary rock.

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