Modules 1

Density is greatest in which of Earth's interior layers?

the core

Heat generated from the decay of radioactive elements is one source of energy that powers which part of the Earth System?

the geosphere

The formation of the solar system can be explained by

the nebular theory

Geologists work on the premise that the physical and biological process that operated today have also operated in the geologic past. This premise is known as:

the principle of uniformitarianism

In which geologic time Era do we live?

The Cenozoic Era

Tsunamis are the result of which natural process?

Undersea earthquakes

"The Earth revolves around the Sun every 365.25 days." This is the example of which:

a theory

The Earth is approximately how old?

4.6 billion years

Which characteristics correctly describe the rock basalt?

Basalt is an igneous rock composed of microscopic crystals of dark-colored minerals and is the typical rock of the ocean crust.

Soil is an interface between which of Earth's spheres?

The geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere.

Consider the following event: A mudslide occurred following a prolonged period of heavy rain. The tragic event pulls trees from their roots and buried a small town killing a number of people. This event involves the interaction between which of the following of Earth's spheres?

all of the spheres were involved in this event biosphere geosphere hydrosphere atmosphere

Chemical differentiation very early in Earth's history

allowed for heavier elements to sink toward the center and lighter elements to rise toward the surface creating Earth's layered interior.

The flooded extension of the continent is referred to as the

continental shelf

Lithification is a process involved in the formation of which type rock type?

sedimentary rock

Earth's oldest rocks are located within the

stable interior shield