Lecture Review: Big Bang, Nebular Theory, Planets, Earth's Atmosphere, Rock Cycle, and Metamorphism

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes on the Big Bang Theory, Nebular Theory, inner and outer planets, Earth's atmospheric evolution, sediment transport, and metamorphic rock characteristics.

What event marks the inception of the universe according to the Big Bang Theory?

The Big Bang itself.

Approximately when did the Big Bang occur?

Around 15 billion years ago.

What key elements were created during the Big Bang?

All matter, space, and time.

What are the main pieces of evidence supporting the Big Bang Theory?

Background microwave radiation, red shift (indicating an expanding universe), and the Doppler effect.

What is the Nebular Theory and how does it differ from the Big Bang Theory?

The Nebular Theory describes the origin of our solar system, starting as a nebula. It differs from the Big Bang Theory because it explains a later event (solar system formation instead of the universe's origin) and occurred about 5 billion years ago.

What are the defining characteristics of the four inner planets?

They are smaller, denser, rocky, hotter, have heavy atmospheric gases (e.g., CO2, O2, S2), and few to no moons.

What are the defining characteristics of the four outer planets?

They are larger, less dense, gaseous/icy, colder, have lighter atmospheric gases (e.g., H2, He, CH4), and many moons.

What gases comprised proto-Earth's initial 'atmosphere' and what happened to them?

H2 and He, which were swept away into space because Earth could not retain them.

What gases were present in Earth's early atmosphere after volcanic outgassing and cooling?

Nitrogen (N2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and water vapor (H2O(v)), with no free oxygen.

What major changes led to the present composition of Earth's atmosphere, specifically the rise of oxygen?

Cooling caused water vapor to condense into oceans, CO2 dissolved in oceans, and the evolution of life led to photosynthesis, which released free oxygen (O2).

List the four main agents that transport sediments.

Wind, water, gravity, and ice.

Which sediment transport agents are excellent at sorting sediments by size?

Wind and water.

Which sediment transport agents are not effective at sorting sediments?

Gravity and ice.

What is foliation in metamorphic rocks?

Foliation is the parallel alignment of long, lean minerals perpendicular to directed pressure.

What causes foliation in metamorphic rocks?

Directed pressure during metamorphism.

What is the parent rock for slate, phyllite, schist, and gneiss?

Shale.

List slate, phyllite, schist, and gneiss in order of increasing metamorphic grade (lowest to highest).

Slate, Phyllite, Schist, Gneiss.