Introduction to Earth Science

This flashcard set covers key vocabulary and concepts from the 'Introduction to Earth Science' lecture, including terms related to natural disasters, scientific methodology, and influential scientists.

Earth Science

Collective term for the sciences studying the Earth and surrounding space.

Hypothesis

A testable explanation for a series of facts based on limited evidence, serving as a starting point for further research.

Theories

Well-supported hypotheses based on extensive evidence that could be proven wrong with new data.

Natural Hazards

Potential damages from natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis.

Hazard

Potential damage from a natural disaster.

Risk

Chance of injury, damage, or loss resulting from a natural disaster.

Mary Anning

A noted paleontologist known for her discoveries of marine fossils, credited as a pioneer despite her contributions being overlooked due to sexism.

Marie Tharp

Geologist who, along with Bruce Heezen, produced the first high-quality map of the seafloor from sonar data.

Continental Drift Theory

A geological theory proposed by Alfred Wegener stating that continents moved passively through time, later replaced by Plate Tectonics Theory.

Strengths of Science

Features such as being fact-based, testable, and progressive through the scientific cycle.

Limitations of Science

Factors such as personal biases of scientists and funding agency influences that can affect scientific research.

Alfred Wegener

Geologist who proposed the Continental Drift Theory in 1912.

Ground Liquefaction

A phenomenon where saturated soil temporarily loses its strength due to shaking during an earthquake.

Tsunami

A series of ocean waves caused by a large disturbance, often from an underwater earthquake.

San Andreas Fault

A major fault line in California known for its seismic activity.

Scientific Cycle

The process by which observations lead to hypotheses and theories that are tested through experiments.

Astrology

The belief that the positions of stars and planets influence human behavior, considered not a science.

Which city has the highest hazard from an earthquake?

CityA - Sparsely populated city 10 miles away from an earthquake fault

CityB - Abandoned city 1 mile from an earthquake fault

CityC - Densely populated city 10 miles from an earthquake fault

CityD - Densely populated city 300 miles away from an earthquake fault

City B has the highest hazard due to its proximity to the fault.

Which city has the lowest hazard?

CityA - Sparsely populated city 10 miles away from an earthquake fault

CityB - Abandoned city 1 mile from an earthquake fault

CityC - Densely populated city 10 miles from an earthquake fault

CityD - Densely populated city 300 miles away from an earthquake fault

City D has the lowest hazard being the furthest from the earthquake fault.

Which city has the highest risk?

CityA - Sparsely populated city 10 miles away from an earthquake fault

CityB - Abandoned city 1 mile from an earthquake fault

CityC - Densely populated city 10 miles from an earthquake fault

CityD - Densely populated city 300 miles away from an earthquake fault

City B has the highest risk, despite being abandoned.

Which city has the lowest risk?

CityA - Sparsely populated city 10 miles away from an earthquake fault

CityB - Abandoned city 1 mile from an earthquake fault

CityC - Densely populated city 10 miles from an earthquake fault

CityD - Densely populated city 300 miles away from an earthquake fault

City D has the lowest risk as it is far from the fault and densely populated.

What is the relationship between hazard size and frequency?

The relationship indicates that as the size of a hazard increases, its frequency often decreases; larger events are less common than smaller ones.

Can hypotheses, laws, and theories be proven wrong?

Yes, hypotheses, laws, and theories can be proven wrong through new evidence or observations that contradict previous understandings.

How do you know if you can trust what you read?

Evaluating sources for credibility is crucial; check for author expertise, publication standards, and empirical evidence.

How is your final grade calculated for the course?

Midterm1 Exam: 30%

Midterm2 Exam: 30%

Final Exam: 40%

Is the textbook for the class optional?

Yes

How many exams are there and where do you go to check

when they will be?

Midterms and Final Exam dates on the syllabus on CANVAS. 3 exams

How do you take exams?

In class, multiple choice scantron