GEOL 100: Introduction to Geology

What is geology the scientific study of?

the Earth

What does physical geology examine?

The Earth’s composition and structure (aka what makes up the Earth), and its forces as well processes that caused the chances within and on Earth

What properties and composition is Earth’s layers based on?

Physical properties and Chemical Composition

Which of Earth’s layers is defined by their chemical composition?

The crust, mantle, and core

Which of Earth’s layers is defined by their physical properties?

Earth’s lithosphere, asthenosphere, lower mantle, and inner core

What is the Earth’s crust composed of?

Igenous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks

What pace do geological processes occur?

Slowly; over millions of years (uniformitarianism!)

Based on radiometric dating methods, what is the currently accepted scientific age of the Earth?

~4.6 billion or 4.567 billion years old