Fundamentals of Geology

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to geology, based on the lecture notes.

Geology

The scientific study of the Earth, its origin, structural composition, and evolution.

Physical geology

A branch of geology that examines the materials composing the Earth and seeks to understand the processes that operate beneath and upon the Earth.

Historical geology

A branch of geology that examines the origin of the Earth and the development of the planet through its 4.5 billion year history.

Hydrologic Cycle

The continuous cycle of water movement from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface and back.

Rock Cycle

The process by which rocks are formed, broken down, and reformed through geological processes.

Uniformitarianism

The principle that current geological processes are the same as those that occurred in the past.

Igneous rocks

Rocks produced by crystallization from a liquid.

Metamorphic rocks

Rocks that have changed due to pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth.

Sedimentary rocks

Rocks formed from the accumulation and cementation of mineral and organic particles.

Geothermal gradient

The rate at which temperature increases with depth in the Earth.

Nebular Hypothesis

The theory proposing that the solar system formed from a rotating disc of gas and dust.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems, including all life on Earth.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, composed of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.

Atmosphere

The thin layer of gases surrounding the Earth, essential for life.

Hydrosphere

The dynamic mass of water that is on the move, including oceans, rivers, and atmospheric water vapor.

Chemical energy

Energy released by breaking or forming chemical bonds.

Radiant energy

Energy carried by electromagnetic waves, such as light.

Erosion

The process by which materials are worn away and transported from one location to another.

Weathering

The breakdown of rocks at the Earth's surface through mechanical and chemical processes.

Pressure and temperature increase

The phenomenon whereby both pressure and temperature rise as one moves deeper into the Earth.

Mineral

A naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.

Planetary accretion

The gradual accumulation of matter to form planets, primarily from dust and gas in space.

Chondritic meteorites

A type of meteorite that is believed to be among the oldest materials in the solar system, containing small spherical particles called chondrules.

Volcanic eruptions

The discharge of molten rock, ash, and gases from a volcano.

Geologic hazards

Natural events, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, that pose risks to human life and property.