Prelude: And just what is Geology?
The scientific method
a sequence of steps for systematically analyzing scientific problems in a way that leads to verifiable results 1. recognizing the problem 2. collecting data 3. proposing a hypothesis (educated guess on observations) 4. testing hypothesis theories- scientific ideas supported by abundant evidence scientific laws-concise statements that completely describe specific relationship or phenomenon
Geological time scale
eons: --phanerozoic--/--proterozoic-----/--archean---/--heaclean--- from proterozoic-heaclean it s known as precambrian eras: -cenozoic-/-mesosoic-/--paleozoic--/--proterozoic-----/--archean---/--heaclean---
Geologist
scientist who study the Earth
Geology (geoscience)
the study of the Earth
In search of ideas
-Mt. Erebus is earths southernmost volcano -Intro: landing in Antarctica, nothing but black, rock and white. Dead silence -What is a geologist? (scientist who study the Earth) -Geologist want to see how the world was made, find its valuable resources, prevent contamination of its waters and soils and to predict its dangerous movements
The nature of Geology
-What is Geology? (study of the Earth) -Why should one be interested in Geology? Is is a very practical subject to learn and can help with everyday doubts. The study of geology gives a holistic context for interpreting your surroundings. (how the earth is and how much it has changed) The study of geology puts the accomplishments and consequences of human civilization in a broader context
Themes of this book
-the earth is a unique, evolving system -Geology helps you understand physical science -plate tectonics explains many earths processes (plates & theory of plate tectonics) -earth is a planet (formed like other planets in our solar system, gas and dust) -the earth is very old (geological data indicates it was born 4.57 billion years ago) Geologist developed the geological time scale to define intervals of time - internal and external processes drive geologic phenomena. Internal- driven by heat from inside the earth. External- heat supplied by radiation that comes from the sun. -Geologic phenomena affect our environment -physical aspects of the earth system are linked to life processes
Objectives
-the scope and applications of geology -the foundational themes of modern geologic study -how geologist employ the scientific method
Heat and Heat Transfer
-thermal energy: the faster atoms vibrate or move, the greater the thermal energy -temperature: a measure of warmth relative to some standard -heat: the thermal energy transferred from one object to another. Heat can be transferred from one place to another by 4 distinct means 1. radiation- electro magnetic transporting heat to a body 2. conduction-heat moving. sticking the end of an iron bar and watching it heat. 3. convection- when hot and cold water form circulation and the overall flow contains heat. (think boiling water... cold on top hot on bottom and switches until its all hot) 4. Advection- when hot fluid flows into cracks and pores within a solid, and heat up the solid
