NRE 1000E M3: Geological Processes, Soils & Minerals

What is environmental science?

An interdisciplinary field that studies the interactions between natural resources and the environment.

How did the Earth form?

The Earth formed 4.6 billion years ago from cosmic dust that solidified after being molten.

What separates heavier and lighter elements in the Earth's structure?

The cooling of the Earth allowed heavier elements to sink and lighter elements to rise.

What is the lithosphere?

The lithosphere is composed of several plates floating on the asthenosphere, which is the lower part of the mantle.

Who proposed the theory of plate tectonics?

Alfred Wegener in 1912.

What was Pangaea?

A supercontinent that existed 225 million years ago, which later split into Laurasia and Gondwana.

What are the three types of plate movements?

Divergent (plates pulled apart), convergent (plates pushed together), and transform fault (plates sliding past each other).

What is the Ring of Fire?

A region in the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, outlined by tectonic plate boundaries.

What does the Richter scale measure?

The magnitude of earthquakes on a logarithmic scale, where each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude.

What are the three types of rocks in the rock cycle?

Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

How are igneous rocks formed?

From the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

What is sedimentary rock formation?

Sediments are layered and compacted over time, often transported by water, wind, or weather.

What causes metamorphic rocks to form?

Extreme heat and pressure that alter existing rocks.

What is weathering?

The process of breaking down rocks through physical, chemical, or biological means.

What is soil formation dependent on?

Parent material, climate, topography, organisms, and time.

What is loam soil?

A perfect mix of sand, silt, and clay, ideal for agriculture.

What is soil degradation?

The loss of topsoil, often due to erosion, which can lead to crises like the American Dust Bowl.

What is the significance of the 1872 Mining Law?

It established regulations for mining on public lands in the United States.

What is surface mining?

A mining technique where minerals are extracted from the surface of the Earth.

What is subsurface mining?

A mining method that involves digging tunnels underground to access minerals.

What is cation exchange capacity (CEC)?

A measure of how well soil can retain and supply cations to plant roots.

What role do fungi and bacteria play in soil?

They contribute to the organic content of soils, enhancing fertility and plant growth.

What is the impact of acid rain on soil?

It can lower the pH of soil, affecting plant growth and soil health.

What is the process of erosion?

The movement of rocks and soil from one location to another, often caused by water, wind, or ice.

What are the characteristics of clay soil?

Clay soil has small particles, is less porous, and retains water well.

What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?

Intrusive rocks cool slowly beneath the surface, while extrusive rocks cool quickly at the surface.

What is the significance of the thin layer of topsoil?

It is crucial for plant growth and is formed from the weathering of rocks over thousands of years.

What is the role of time in soil formation?

Soil formation is a slow process that can take thousands of years to develop a significant layer.