final exam geology

What is the thinnest layer of the Earth?

Crust

What part of the core of the Earth is thought to be a liquid, metallic region in the interior.

Outer core

The principal idea proposed by James Hutton in the 18th century was that physical, chemical and biological laws that operate today also operated in the geologic past. This principal in geology is called______.

Uniformitarianism_

The statement, "the present is the key to the past." Give the key word that describes the geologic concept or doctrine?

Uniformitarianism_

Which of the following best defines Theory? A: A possible explanation that is then tested to determine if it is valid B: The action or process of looking at something carefully in order to gain information. C: Detailed examination of the parts or structure of something. D: Well tested and widely accepted view that explains certain observable facts.

Well tested and widely accepted view that explains certain observable facts. (correct)

Giant impact hypothesis?

a planet hit earth and both melted and created the moon

true or false :In an open system both energy and matter flow into and out of the system.

false

true or false: Oceans cover slightly less than half of the Earth's surface.

false

Which answer best describes a system that allows energy to enter and leave?

open and closed systems

The energy that operates the Earth's systems comes from two sources, which energy source causes weather on our planet?

sun light

The accepted age of the Earth when the Earth developed the inner core, outer core, mantle and crust.

4.3 billion years

The currently accepted age of Earth is ________ years.

4.57 or 4.6 billion

What is the most abundant gas in our Atmosphere?

nitrogen

What is the process of small pieces of matter that come together and form larger pieces of matter during the formation of our solar system?

Accretion

________ was the highly influential, ancient Greek philosopher noted for his writings and teachings on natural philosophy and on the workings of Earth.

Aristotle

In correct order from the center outward, Earth includes which units? A:core, inner mantle, outer mantle, crust B: inner core, outer core, mantle, crust C:inner core, crust, mantle, hydrosphere D:core, crust, mantle, hydrosphere

B: inner core, outer core, mantle, crust

The ________ refers to the sum total of all life on Earth.

Biosphere

What are the basic differences between the disciplines of physical and historical geology?

Historical geology involves the study of rock strata, fossils, and geologic events, utilizing the geologic time scale as a reference; physical geology includes the study of how rocks form and of how erosion shapes the land surface.

What two elements is our sun mostly made of?

Hydrogen and Helium

What are the names of the four outer planets and exclude Pluto?

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

What part of the Earth is the asthenosphere?

Mantle

What are the names of all 8 planets in our solar system?

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

What are the four planets closest to the Sun?

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars.

In natural systems, there are positive and negative feedback mechanisms, which mechanism drives or enhance change are called ____.

Positive Feedback mechanisms

What atom/element makes up most of the Earth's crust?

Silicon / oxygen

The composition of the core of Earth is thought to be _____.

Solid iron nickel alloy

What is the process of two hydrogens forced together to form a helium atom?

Thermonuclear Fusion

All of the following are possible steps of scientific investigation except for ________.A: the collection of scientific facts through observation and measurement B: assumption of conclusions without prior experimentation or observation C: the development of one or more working hypotheses or models to explain facts D: development of observations and experiments to test the hypotheses

assumption of conclusions without prior experimentation or observation (correct)

A(n) ________ system is one in which energy moves freely in and out, but no matter enters or leaves the system. ( open, closed or both)

closed

what two theories / Hypothesis explain the formation of the Earth's oceans?

comets (dirty snowballs) and volcanoes

What is the Big Bang theory? -

is A widely accepted theory made by astronomers to explain the way the universe began

What is global chemical differential?

the heavier elements including melted iron began to sink into the core of the earth (middle), while the lighter elements such as oxygen and silica floated up towards the surface.

What is the nebular hypothesis?

to explain the formation and evolution of the Solar System and how the solar system and planets were formed from a cloud of gasses.

Which of the following is NOT one of the Earth's four spheres?

zenothphere