UPCAT Review 2018: Earth Science

These flashcards cover key concepts from the UPCAT Review 2018 Earth Science lecture notes, including definitions, theories, processes, and classifications relevant to Earth Science.

What is Earth Science?

A branch of science that deals with the physical constitution of the Earth and its atmosphere.

What are the branches of Earth Science?

Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, and Astronomy.

What does the Big Bang Theory state?

The universe began in a very hot and dense sphere that expanded to form galaxies, with an estimated age of 13.8 billion years.

What is the Nebular Hypothesis?

The solar system formed from a nebula made of dust and gas.

What are the components of the solar system?

The Sun, planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids.

What are the characteristics of planets?

They orbit the Sun, have enough gravity to be spherical, and have cleared their orbital neighborhood.

What is the difference between terrestrial and gas giant planets?

Terrestrial planets are mostly solid rock, while gas giants have thick gaseous layers.

What is a solar eclipse?

An event where the moon blocks out the sunlight from Earth.

What is a lunar eclipse?

An event where the Earth blocks out the sunlight from the moon.

What are the main components of Earth's atmosphere?

Nitrogen (78.08%), Oxygen (20.95%), Argon (0.93%), and trace gases.

What are the layers of the atmosphere?

Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere.

What factors influence climate?

Topography, wind patterns, and altitude.

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

The trapping of heat inside the atmosphere, which has been exacerbated by human activities.

What causes winds?

Uneven heat distribution at the Earth's surface, flowing from high to low pressure.

What defines a mineral?

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

What are the three main types of rocks?

Igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.

How are igneous rocks formed?

From magma that cools and hardens either below or on the Earth's surface.

What are the two classifications of metamorphic rocks?

Foliated and non-foliated.

What are the types of sedimentary rocks?

Clastic, biochemical, and chemical.

What is weathering?

The process by which rocks are broken down by water, air, and organisms.

What is erosion?

The transportation of material from one location to another.

What are the Earth's main layers?

Crust, mantle, and core.

What is the difference between continental and oceanic crust?

Continental crust is thicker, older, and less dense, while oceanic crust is thinner, younger, and denser.

What causes earthquakes?

Energy stored in elastically strained rocks being suddenly released.

What are the types of faults?

Normal, reverse, thrust, strike-slip, and oblique-slip faults.

What are seismic waves?

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth's layers generated by earthquakes.