Geology Exam 1 Study Guide Notes

Scientific Method

A systematic process for conducting scientific research, including steps such as observation, hypothesis formation, and testing.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, consisting of the Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere, where weather phenomena occur.

Geosphere

The solid Earth, comprised of internal layers: Inner Core, Outer Core, Mesosphere, Asthenosphere, and Lithosphere.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems, encompassing all life and living organisms on Earth.

Hydrosphere

The combined mass of water found on, under, and above the Earth’s surface, including oceans, rivers, and ice.

Cryosphere

The frozen water part of the Earth system, including ice caps, glaciers, and sea ice.

Earth’s Differentiation

The process by which Earth formed distinct layers based on density and material composition.

Stromatolites

Layered sedimentary formations created by the growth of microbial mats, significant in early Earth's biosphere.

Banded Iron Formations (BIF)

Sedimentary rocks consisting of alternating layers of iron-rich minerals and silica, indicative of the Earth's early oxygen levels.

Anorthosite

A type of intrusive igneous rock consisting mainly of plagioclase feldspar; associated with the Moon's crust.

Neap Tides

The lower-than-average tidal range that occurs when the moon is in the first or third quarter.

Spring Tides

The higher-than-average tidal range occurring when the moon is full or new, with the Earth, moon, and sun in alignment.

Plate Tectonics

The theory explaining the movement of the Earth's lithosphere divided into tectonic plates affecting geological activity.

Continental Drift

The hypothesis that continents move across the Earth's surface; proposed by Alfred Wegener.

Convergent Plate Boundaries

Regions where two tectonic plates collide, leading to features such as mountain ranges or subduction zones.

Transform Plate Boundaries

Locations where tectonic plates slide past one another without creating or destroying crust.

Oceanic Crust Formation

New oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and destroyed at subduction zones.

Hot Spot

An area where magma from deep within the mantle rises to the surface, creating volcanic activity; e.g., Hawaii.

Detrital Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from the accumulation of mineral and rock fragments; classified by grain size.

Chemical Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from the precipitation of minerals from water, including evaporites and biogenic deposits.

Active Margin

A coastal region where tectonic activity is significant, characterized by features such as deep ocean trenches.

Passive Margin

A coastal region with little tectonic activity, typically featuring broad continental shelves.

Neritic Sediments

Sediments found in shallow waters near the shore, typically rich in biological material.

Pelagic Sediments

Sediments that accumulate on the ocean floor in deep water, often consisting of fine particles.