Introduction to Mastering Geology

A scientific theory is a tentative or untested explanation that is proposed to explain scientific observations. T/F

False

A scientific theory is the first step in developing an idea. It is not very well tested. T/F

False

Earth Science is the only science that doesn't use mathematics beyond simple arithmetic. T/F

False

Humans are not a part of the Earth System. T/F

False

Oceans cover slightly less than half of the earth's surface. T/F

False

Hurricanes and tornados are natural disasters. What branch of the Earth sciences studies the origin of these phenomena?

Meteorology

What is the source of the energy that powers the Earth system?

The Sun and heat from the Earth's interior

Oceanography is the study of the oceans and geology is the study of the earth, so what is meteorology?

The study of the atmosphere

Environmental science always involves a large component of Earth Science. T/F

True

Not all scientific hypotheses require real world observations. Some are tested through computer modeling or some other non-direct observations. T/F

True

We can tell a lot about the internal processes in the earth by looking at the exterior of the earth. T/F

True

If you want to buy a house in an area and you are worried there may be an earthquake hazard, who would be the best person to ask for advice on this hazard?

a geologist

Which science is used within the Earth sciences?

all sciences Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

All of the following are possible steps of scientific investigation except for ________.

assumption of conclusions without prior experimentation or observation

What is NOT one of Earth's four major "spheres"?

cryosphere

The ________ refers to the water-dominated parts of the earth.

hydrosphere

The study of Earth's atmosphere is known as:

meteorology

A ________ is a well-tested and widely accepted view that best explains certain scientific observations.

theory

The primary goal of Earth Science is ________.

to identify the patterns in nature and use that information to predict the future.