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Physical Science Mid-Term
Physical Science
158
Science
Undergraduate 2
02/07/2009

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Term
process of weathering
Definition
disintegration and decomposition of a rock on the surface of Earth
Term
What is the most important agent of chemical weathering?
Definition
water
Term
The chemical weathering of silicate minerals frequently produces what?
Definition
clay minerals
Term
What mineral is most resistant to weathering in the conditions found on Earth's surface?
Definition
quartz
Term
The layer of rock and mineral fragments produced by weathering is referred to as what?
Definition
regolith
Term
the most influential factor controlling soil formation is?
Definition
climate
Term
Highly leached soils that develop in the hot wet tropics are called ?
Definition
laterites
Term
The most common product of the hydrolsis of silicate minerals is ..
Definition
clay
Term
What is responsible for the red color of the well known "Georgia red clay?"
Definition
oxidation of iron bearing minerals
Term
Geology
Definition
science that pursues an understanding of planet Earth
Term
Catastrophism
Definition
the beliefs that Earth's landscapes had been shaped primarily by great catastrophes- James Ussher
Term
Uniformitarianism
Definition
physical, chemical, and biological laws that operate today have also operated in the geologic past - James Hutton- Theory of the Earth
Term
Core
Definition
the innermost layer of Earth based on composition. It is thought to be largely an iron-nickel alloy with minor amounts of oxygen ,silicon, and sulfur
Term
Mantle
Definition
one of Earth's compositional layers. The solid rocky shell that extends from the base of the crust to a depth of 2900 kms
Term
Crust
Definition
the very thin outermost layer of earth
Term
Lithosphere
Definition
the rigid outer layer of Earth, including the crust and upper mantle
Term
Asthenosphere
Definition
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
Term
System
Definition
a group of interacting or interdependent parts that form a complex whole
Term
Continental shelf
Definition
the gently sloping submerged portion of the continental margin, extending from the shoreline to the continental slope
Term
igenous rock
Definition
rock formed from the crystallization of magma
Term
inner core
Definition
the solid innermost layer of Earth, about 1216 kms in radius
Term
Divergent boundary
Definition
a boundary in which two plates move apart, resulting in upwelling of material from the mantle to create a new seafloor
Term
Convergent boundary
Definition
a boundary in which two plates move tegether, resulting in oceanic lithosphere being thrust beneath an overriding plate, eventually to be reabsorbed into the mantle. It can also involve the collision of two continental plates to create a mountain system
Term
Transform fault boundary
Definition
a boundary in which two plates slide past one another without creating or destroying lithosphere
Term
Oceanic ridge system/ Mid ocean Ridge
Definition
a continuous mountainous ridge on the floor of all the major ocean basins and varying in width. The rifts at the crests of these ridges represent divergent plate boundaries
Term
trenches
Definition
elongate depression in the seafloor produced by bending of oceanic crust during subduction
Term
hydrosphere
Definition
the water portion of our planet; one of the traditional subdivision of Earth's physical environment
Term
Rock cycle
Definition
a model that illustrate the origin of the three basic rock type and the interrelatedness of Earth materials and processes
Term
Two broad areas of Geology
Definition
Physical Geology and Historical Geology
Term
Physical Geology
Definition
Seeks to understand certain processes and forces that occur on Earth's surface as well as beneath. Also examines the materials of Earth. Preceedes the study of Historical Geology.
Term
Historical Geology
Definition
Involves studying fossils and where they occur in rock beds, also deals with where the Earth came from and how far the earth has come, it's development.
Term
nebular hypothesis
Definition
the formation of the solar system; Says that a very large rotating cloud also known as a solar nebula formed the solar system. The trigger is unknown. Eventually the pull of gravity balanced out.
Term
streak
Definition
the color of mineral in a powdered form
Term
atom
Definition
the smallest particle that exists as an element
Term
covalent bond
Definition
a chemical bond produced by the sharing of electrons
Term
ionic bond
Definition
a chemical bond between two oppositely charged ions formed by the transfer of valence electrons from one atom to the other
Term
cleavage
Definition
the tendency of a mineral to break along planes of weak bonding
Term
crystal form
Definition
the external appearance of a mineral as determined by its internal arrangement of atoms
Term
ferromagnesian silicates
Definition
aka dark silicate- silicate minerals containing ions of iron and/or magnesium in their structure. they are dark in color and have a higher specific gravity than nonferromagnesian silicates
Term
isotope
Definition
varieties of the same element that have different mass numbers; their nuclei contain the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons
Term
Ion
Definition
an atom or molecule that possesses an eltrical charge
Term
Mohs scale
Definition
a series of 10 minerals used as a standard in determining hardness
Term
Mineral
Definition
a naturally occuring, inorganic crystalline material with a unique chemical structure
Term
Silicate Mineral
Definition
any one of numerous minerals that have the silicon-oxygen tetrahedron as their basic structure
Term
nonferromagnesian silicates
Definition
aka light silicate- silicate minerals that lack iron and/or magnesium. They are generally lighter in color and have lower specific gravities than dark silicates
Term
nucleus
Definition
the small, heavy core of an atom that contains all of its positive charge and most of its mass
Term
fracture
Definition
any break of rupture in rock along which no apreciable movement has taken place
Term
hardness
Definition
a mineral's resistance to scratching and abrasion
Term
polymorph
Definition
two or more minerals having the same chemical composition having the same chemical composition but different crystalline structures. Exemplified by the diamond and graphite forms of carbon
Term
radioactive decay
Definition
the spontaneous decay of certain unstable atomic nuclei
Term
valence electron
Definition
the electrons involved in the bonding process; the electrons occupying the highest principle energy level of an atom
Term
Main types of ferromagnesian minerals
Definition
Olivine, Pyroxenes, amphiboles, Biotite, and Garnet
Term
Three main particles of an atom
Definition
protons, neutrons, and electrons
Term
Some of the common physical properties of minerals
Definition
crystal form, cleavage, streak, luster, hardness, taste, smell, elasticity, and feel
Term
aphanitic texture
Definition
a texture of igneous rocks in which the crystals are too small for individual minerals to be distinguished without the aid of a microscope
Term
magma
Definition
a body of molten rock found at depth, including any dissolved gasses and crystals
Term
partial melting
Definition
the process by which most igenous rocks melt. since individual minerals have different melting points, most igenous rocks melt over a temperature range of a few hundred degrees. If the liquid is squezzed out after some melting has occured, a melt with a higher silica content results
Term
volatiles
Definition
gaseous components of magma dissolved in the melt. volatile will readily vaporize (form a gas) at surface pressures
Term
magmatic differentiation
Definition
the process of generating more than one rock type for a single magma
Term
Bowen's reaction series
Definition
a concept proposed by N.L. Bowen that illustrates the relationships between magma and the minerals crystallizing from it during the dofrmation of igneous rocks
Term
Mantle plume
Definition
a mass of hotter-than-normal mantle material that ascends toward the surface where it may lead to igenous activity. These plumes of solid yet mobile material may originate as deep as the core-mantle boundary
Term
Crystal settling
Definition
during the crystallization of magma, the earlier-formed minerals are denser than the liquid portion and settle to the bottom of the magma chamber
Term
shield volcano
Definition
a broad, gently sloping volcano built from fluid basaltic lavas
Term
stratovolcano
Definition
composite cone- a voolcano composed of both lava flows and pyroclastic material
Term
batholith
Definition
a large mass of igenous rock that formed when magma was emplaced at depth, crystallized, and was subsequently exposed by erosion
Term
Lahar
Definition
debris flows on the slopes of volcanoes that result when unstable layers of ash and debris become saturated and flow downslope, usually following stream channels
Term
Basaltic
Definition
a compositional group of igenous rocks indicating the rock contains substanial dark silicate minerals and calcium-rich plagioclase feldspar
Term
andestic
Definition
aka intermediate composition- a compositional group of igenous rocks, indicating the rock contains at least 25 percent dark silicate minerals. The other dominant mineral is plagioclase feldspar.
Term
Phaneritic texture
Definition
an igenous rock texture in which the crystals are roughly equal in size and are enough so the individual minerals can be identified without the aid of a microscope
Term
Lava
Definition
magma that reaches Earth's surface
Term
Three types of volcanoes
Definition
shield volcanoes, cinder cones, and composite cones
Term
Bauxtite
Definition
the ore of aluminum and forms as a result of weathering processes under tropical conditions. Its color varies from red or brown to nearly white
Term
differential weathering
Definition
the variation in the rate and degree of weathering cuased by such factors as mineral makeup, degree of jointing, and climate
Term
horizon
Definition
a layer in a soil profile
Term
hydrolysis
Definition
a chemical weathering process in which minerals are altered by chemical reacting with water and acids
Term
soil profile
Definition
a vertical section through a soil, showing its succession of horizons and the underlying parent material
Term
chemical weathering
Definition
the processes by which the internal structure of a mineral is altered by the removal and/or addition of elements
Term
mechanical weathering
Definition
the physical disintegration of rock, resulting in smaller fragments
Term
dissolution
Definition
a common form of chemical weathering, it is the process of dissolving into a homogenous solution, as when an acidic solution dissolves limestone
Term
exfoliation dome
Definition
large, dome-shaped structure, usually composed of granite, formed by sheeting
Term
pedalfer
Definition
soil of humid regions characterized by the accumulation of iron oxides and aluminum-rich clays in the B-horizon
Term
oxidation
Definition
the removal of one or more electrons from an atom or ion. So named because elements commonly combine with oxygen
Term
Laterite
Definition
a red, highly leached soil type found in the tropics that is rich in oxides of iron and sluminum
Term
leaching
Definition
the depletion of soluble materials from the upper soil by downward percolating water
Term
mass wasting
Definition
the down slope movement of rock, regolith, and soil under the direct influence of gravity
Term
pedocal
Definition
soil associated with drier regions and characterized by an accumulation of calcium carbonate in the upper horizons
Term
soil
Definition
a combination of mineral and organic matter, water, and air; that portion of the regolith that supports plant growth
Term
regolith
Definition
the layer of rock and mineral fragments that nearly everywhere covers Earth's land surface
Term
caliche
Definition
a hard layer, rich in calcium carbonate, that forms beneat the B horizon insoils of arid regions
Term
humus
Definition
organic matter in soil produced by the decomposition of plants and animals
Term
parent material
Definition
the material upon which a soil develops
Term
bedding plane
Definition
a nearly flat surface separating two beds of sedimentary rock. each bedding plane marks the end of one deposit and the beginning of another having different characteristics
Term
biochemical
Definition
a type of chemical sediment that forms when material dissolved in water is precipitated by water-dwelling organisms. Shells are common examples
Term
cementation
Definition
one way in which sedimentary rocks are lithified. as material precipitates from water from that percolates through the sediment, open spaces are filled and particles are joined into a solid mass
Term
chemical sedimentary rock
Definition
sedimentary rock consisting of material that was precipitated from water by either inorganic or organic means
Term
clastic
Definition
a sedimentary rock texture consisting of brown fragments of preexisting rock
Term
compaction
Definition
a type of lithification in which the weight of overlying material compresses more deeply buried in sediment. It is most important in the fine-grained sedimentary rocks such as shale
Term
diagnesis
Definition
a collective term for all the chemical, physical, and biological changes that take lace after sediments are deposited and during and after lithification
Term
evaporite deposit
Definition
deposits of salt
Term
recrystallization
Definition
the development of mroe stable minerals from less stable ones
Term
facies
Definition
a portion of rock unit that possesses a distinctive set of characteristics that distinguishes from other parts of the same unit
Term
fissility
Definition
the property of splitting easily into thin layers along closely spaced, parallel surfaces, such as bedding planes in shale
Term
mud crack
Definition
a feature in some sedimentary rocks that forms when wet mud dries out, shrinks, and cracks
Term
beds (strata)
Definition
parallel layers of sedimentary rock
Term
lithification
Definition
the process, generally cementation and/or compaction, of converting sediments to solid rock
Term
sorting
Definition
the degree of similarity in particle size in sediment or sedimentary rock
Term
cross bedding
Definition
structure in which relatively thin layers are inclined at an angle to the main bedding. formed by currents of wind or water
Term
fossil
Definition
the remains or traces of organisms preserved from the geologic past
Term
ripple mark
Definition
small waves of sand that develop on the surface of a sediment layer by the action of moving water or air
Term
sediment
Definition
unconsolidated particles created by the weathering and erosion of rock, by chemical precipitation from solution in water, or from the secretions of organisms, and trasported by water, wind or glaciers
Term
graded bed
Definition
a sediment layer characterized by a decrease in sediment size from bottom to top
Term
common detrital sedimentary rocks
Definition
shale, sandstone, conglomerate and breccias
Term
common minerals in detrital sedimentary rocks
Definition
clay and quartz
Term
primary types of chemical sedimentary rocks
Definition
limestone, dolostone, chert, evaporites, and coal
Term
biochemical sediments
Definition
sediments formed by organic processes
Term
three categories of sedimentary environments
Definition
continental, marine, or transitional
Term
transitional environments
Definition
those that stand in between continetnal environments and marine environments
Term
burial metamorphism
Definition
low-grade metamorphism that occurs in the lowest layers of very thick accumulations of sedimentary strata
Term
contact metamorphism
Definition
changes in rock caused by the heat from a nearby magma body
Term
gneissic texture
Definition
a texture of metamorphic rocks in which dark and light silicate minerals are separated, giving the rock a banded appearance
Term
impact metamorphism
Definition
metamorphism that occurs when meteorites strike Earth's surface
Term
hydrothermal solution
Definition
the hot, watery solution that escapes from a mass of magma during the latter stages of crystallizaiton. Such solutions may alter the surrounding country rock and are frequently the source of significant ore deposits
Term
regional metamorphism
Definition
metamorphism associated with largescale mountain building
Term
index mineral
Definition
a mineral that is a good indicator of the metamorphic environment in which it formed. Used to distinguish different zones of regional metamorphism
Term
confining pressure
Definition
an equal, all-sided pressure
Term
differential stress
Definition
forces that are unequal in different directions
Term
metamorphism
Definition
the changes in a mineral composition and texture of a rock subjected to high temperatures and pressures within Earth
Term
foliated texture
Definition
a texture of metamoprhic rocks that gives the rock a layered appearance
Term
thermal metamorphism
Definition
also known as contact metamorphism: change sin rock caused by the heat from a nearby magma body
Term
aureole
Definition
a zone or halo of contact metamorphism found in the country rock surrounding an igneous intrusion
Term
schistosity
Definition
a type of foliation characteristic of coarser-grained metamorphic rocks. Such rocks have a parallel arrangement of platy minerals such as the micas
Term
migmatite
Definition
a rock exhibiting both igenous and metamorphic rock characteristics. Such rocks may form when light-colored silcate minerals melt and then crystallize, while the dark silicate minerals remain solid
Term
slaty cleavage
Definition
the type of foliation characteristic of slates in which there is a parallel arrangement of fine-grained metamorphic minerals
Term
rock cleavage
Definition
the tendency of rocks to split along parallel, closely spaced surfaces. these surfaces are often highly inclined to the bedding planes in the rock
Term
nonfoliated
Definition
metamorphic rocks that do not exhibit foliation
Term
hydrothermal metamorphism
Definition
chemical alterations that occur as hot, ion-rich water circulates through fractures in rock
Term
parent rock
Definition
the rock from which a metamorphic rock formed
Term
three agents of metamorphism
Definition
heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids
Term
angular unconformity
Definition
an unconformity in which the older strata dip at an angle different from that of the younger beds
Term
archaen eon
Definition
the second eon of Precambrian time. The eon following the Hadean and preceding the Proteorozoic. It extends between 3.8 and 2.5 billion years ago
Term
Disconformity
Definition
a type of unconformity in which the beds above and below are parallel
Term
Eon
Definition
the largest time unit on the geologic time scale; eras are divided into shorter units called periods
Term
epoch
Definition
a unit of geologic time scale that is a subdivision of a period
Term
era
Definition
a major divisonon the geologic time scale; eras are divided into shorter units called periods
Term
hadean eon
Definition
the first eon on the geologic time scale. the eon ending 3.8 billion years ago that preceded the archean eon
Term
half-life
Definition
the time required for one half of the atoms of a radioactive substance to decay
Term
radiometric dating
Definition
the procedure of calculating the absolute ages of rocks and minerals that contain certain radioactive isotopes
Term
nonconformity
Definition
an unconformity in which older metamorphic or intrusive igneous rocks are overlain by younger sedimentary strata
Term
original horizontality
Definition
layers of sediment that are generally deposited in a horizontal or nearly horizontal position
Term
inclusions
Definition
a piece of one rock unit contained with another. inclusions are used in relative dating. the rock mass adjacent to the one containing the inclsion must have been there first in order to provide the fragment
Term
period
Definition
a basic unit of geologic time scale that is a subdivision of an ear. periods may be divided into smaller units called epochs.
Term
superposition
Definition
in any undeformed sequence of sedimentary rocks, each bed is older than the one above and younger than the one below
Term
unconformity
Definition
a surface that represents a break in the rock record, caused by erosion and nondeposition
Term
fossil succession
Definition
fossil organisms succeed one another in a definite and determinable order, and any time period can be recognized by its fossil content
Term
relative dating
Definition
rocks and structures are placed in their proper sequence or order. only the chronological order of events is determined
Term
conformable
Definition
rock layers that were deposited without interruption
Term
precambrian
Definition
all geologic time prior to the paleozoic era
Term
mesozoic era
Definition
a time span on the geologic time scale between the paleozoic and cenozoic eras-from about 248 to 65 million years ago
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