Geology - lecture 1

What can we conclude about theories?

We say that a theory is a highly successful hypothesis. We start with a hypothesis which makes a prediction. After a hypothesis is well tested and backed, it becomes a theory. From there, we say that a theory is testable and falsifiable. Any scientific theory is subject to change as our ability to make tests, or make observations of a tests results, improves over time.

How do you test a hypothesis?

You test a hypothesis by collecting data that tests predictions of the hypothesis. If data is inconsistent with the prediction, the hypothesis is abandoned. If data is consistent, then the hypothesis is valid. From there, repeated verification of a hypothesis may result in formation of a theory.

What is a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a statement designed to explain a set of observations. We say that the best hypothesis explains all existing observations. We say that a hypothesis is able to predict the outcome of some observation (i.e. it's testable), and that there exists the possibility that the hypothesis can be proven wrong.

What is a system?

A system is a group of interacting parts that form a complex whole. We say that an open system is not isolated from the environment and a closed system is isolated from the environment.

What is a theory?

A theory is a well tested and widely accepted view that scientists agree best explain certain observational facts. All theories are testable and provisioned. Theories are the endpoints of science. There is no scientific statement stronger or more widely accepted than a theory.

Is a theory less than a law?

A theory is not less than a law, it simply describes something different. A law predicts "what" happens, while a theory proposes "why" something happens.

What is an interface?

An interface is a common boundary where different parts of a system come in contact and interact, such as the water and rock cycle.

How do we know glaciers move?

First by observing that the glaciers did in fact move. Then by testing our prediction, by placing wooden stakes, and then recognizing that those stakes did in fact move, solidifying our prediction. And lastly in our result, we see that at the center of the stakes that they moved farther out, which means movement at the center is faster than the sides.

Why is geology important?

Geology is important for following reasons 1. To understand the formation of earth's landscapes. 2. To explore natural resources (for important things i.e. fuel) 3. To mitigate geological hazards (volcanoes, hurricanes, floods, etc). 4. To understand environmental change (such as climate change and levels of carbon dioxide) 5. To understand evolution of earth and other planets (for example, the potential of water and volcanoes on mars)

What does 'Earth system science' aim to do?

It aims to study Earth as a system composed of numerous interacting parts, called subsystems. It also employs an interdisciplinary approach to solve global environmental problems.

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

It is the theory that the lithosphere is divided into a couple of dozen plates that move across earth's surface, like slabs of ice on a lake.

What is negative feedback?

Negative feedback consists of maintaining the status quo (i.e. trying to stay at the speed limit)

What is Pangaea?

Pangaea is a theory that all continents were once connected.

What is positive feedback?

Positive feedback consists of deviating upwards from the status quo (i.e. going over the speed limit)

What is an important characteristic of successful theories?

Repeatability, by you or anyone.

What is science?

Science is a body of knowledge related to the study of natural phenomenon.

What does science consist of?

Science is a way of thinking with regards to some specific subject. We say that science starts with observations, and from there we get hypotheses (which must be testable and falsifiable). We also say that supernatural hypothesis are not testable or falsifiable.

What powers the Earth system?

The Earth system is powered by the sun, which drives the processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and earth's surface. The earth system is also powered by Earth's interior.

What are the three earth's landscapes?

The earth's landscapes are plains, mountains, and plateaus.

What two cycles do we consider for the Earth System?

The hydrologic cycle (water cycle) and the rock cycle.

What is the scientific method?

The scientific method is a process of gathering facts through observation, formulating hypotheses, and then testing the hypotheses.

What is Geology?

The scientific study of the processes, events, and consequences of the Earth's past, present, and future.

Do theories "grow up" to be laws?

Theories do not grow up to be laws, but developing theories often provide insight about laws. Laws approach the mathematical aspect of what happens, while theories propose why something happens.

How does the meaning of "theory" in the dictionary differ from the meaning of theory to a scientist?

Theory in the dictionary is more of a conjecture or a guess, while theory for scientists is a proposal for why something happens through repeated tests and observations.

Describe the interface between the water and rock cycle.

To be done.

How do we define Earth in Geology?

We define Earth as a dynamic planet with many interacting parts.

What are the requirements for developing observations?

1. An objective reality, meaning we all see the same thing. 2. We say that the laws of nature are constant, meaning what happens "here" happens there, and what happened yesterday will happen tomorrow. 3. The cosmos is knowable, meaning we should be able to understand the universe as a well-ordered whole.

What are the steps to the scientific method?

1. observe an event 2. develop a prediction (hypothesis) 3. test the prediction (hypothesis) 4. observe the result 5. revise the hypothesis 6. repeat as needed From there, a successful hypothesis becomes a scientific theory.