GEOL 1340 FINAL EXAM REVIEW.txt

What is geology?

The scientific study of Earth, including its physical structure, substance, processes, and development.

What are the methods of mineral formation?

Minerals can form through solidification from melt, precipitation from solution, bioprecipitation, solid-state diffusion, and direct precipitation from vapor.

What defines a mineral?

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic, crystalline solid that has a specific chemical composition.

What does it mean for a mineral to be crystalline?

It means the mineral has a regular, repeating, and orderly arrangement of atoms.

What are the most abundant elements in Earth's crust?

Oxygen (47%), Silicon (28%), Aluminum (8%), Iron (5%), Calcium (4%), Sodium (3%), Potassium (3%), Magnesium (2%).

What constitutes a rock?

A rock is a coherent, naturally occurring aggregate of one or more minerals.

How are igneous rocks classified?

Igneous rocks are classified into extrusive (volcanic) and intrusive types based on their formation process.

What is the process of lithification in sedimentary rocks?

Lithification is the process of compaction and cementation that converts loose sediments into solid rock.

What characterizes metamorphic rocks?

Metamorphic rocks are formed from pre-existing rocks that undergo solid-state changes due to high pressure and temperature.

What causes earthquakes?

Earthquakes occur when underground rock suddenly breaks and there is rapid motion along a fault, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves.

What is the difference between a fault and a joint in geology?

A fault is a break in the earth's crust along which movement has occurred, whereas a joint is a fracture with no significant movement.

What is the principle of uniformitarianism?

The principle states that the processes observed today have been the same throughout geological history.

What are the types of plate boundaries?

The three types of plate boundaries are divergent (moving apart), convergent (moving towards each other), and transform (sliding past each other).

What is the geological time scale?

The geological time scale is a system used by geologists to describe the timing and relationships of events in Earth's history.

What is the difference between relative time and numerical time in geology?

Relative time is based on the order of rock layers and events while numerical time gives specific ages to rocks or events.

What is porosity?

Porosity is the percentage of the total volume of rock or soil that consists of open spaces or pores.

What is an aquifer?

An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit water, characterized by high porosity and permeability.

What influences the viscosity of magma?

Viscosity is influenced by silica content, temperature, and the amount of volatiles dissolved in the magma.

What is weathering in geological terms?

Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces by mechanical or chemical processes.

What is a metamorphic facies?

A metamorphic facies is a set of metamorphic conditions, typically associated with specific pressure and temperature ranges.

What are sedimentary structures?

Sedimentary structures are features formed in sedimentary rocks before lithification that help reconstruct past environments.

What are hydrothermal processes in geology?

Hydrothermal processes involve hot water interacting with rock to alter its composition and facilitate mineral formation.