GEOG 2350 Earth Science

Flashcards covering key concepts in Earth Science, including scientific method, minerals, rocks, and soil.

What is Earth science?

Earth science is the study of the Earth and its processes.

What are the four categories of Earth Science?

The four categories are geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy.

What are the four major spheres on planet Earth?

The four major spheres are the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.

What is environmental science?

Environmental science is the study of the interactions between the biological, physical, and chemical components of the environment.

What is the biosphere?

The biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems, where life exists.

What is the scientific method?

The scientific method is a systematic process for investigating phenomena and acquiring new knowledge.

What is the difference between Science and Pseudoscience?

Science is based on empirical evidence and is testable, while pseudoscience lacks this basis and does not adhere to the scientific method.

What are the steps of the scientific method?

The steps include observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and conclusion.

What is the goal of an experiment?

The goal of an experiment is to test a hypothesis and determine if it is supported or not.

What is the last step before publication in the scientific method?

The last step is often peer review.

What is a mineral?

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

What are the main characteristics of minerals?

Main characteristics include being naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, having a definite chemical composition, and a crystalline structure.

List and define at least 4 physical properties of minerals.

1. Hardness: resistance to scratching. 2. Luster: appearance of light reflected. 3. Cleavage: tendency to break along flat planes. 4. Fracture: breakage that is not along cleavage planes.

Is color a reliable characteristic to identify minerals? Explain your answer.

No, color can vary due to impurities and is not consistent for many minerals.

What is the difference between magma and lava?

Magma is molten rock below the Earth's surface, while lava is magma that has reached the Earth's surface.

What is the purpose of hydraulic fracking?

The purpose is to extract natural gas and oil from underground rock formations.

Define weathering, mass wasting, and erosion.

Weathering is the breakdown of rocks; mass wasting is the movement of rock and soil down a slope; erosion is the removal and transport of sediments.

What is the difference between mechanical weathering and chemical weathering?

Mechanical weathering physically breaks rocks into smaller pieces, while chemical weathering alters the chemical composition of minerals.

List 4 important processes in mechanical weathering.

1. Frost wedging. 2. Thermal expansion. 3. Abrasion. 4. Root expansion.

What are the factors influencing the rate of weathering?

Factors include climate, rock type, soil presence, and vegetation.

What are the components of the soil?

The components are minerals, organic matter, water, and air.

Which soil texture is suitable for agricultural activities? Justify your answer.

Loam is suitable due to its balance of sand, silt, and clay, providing good drainage and nutrient retention.