ESCI Weeks 1-2

System

Naturally occurring group of interacting, interrelated, or independent elements that form a complex whole

Earth Systems

Interconnected global processes that can be separated into smaller systems (exosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithospere, biospehere, geosphere, anthrosphere) to be studied more closely.

Diurnal

Dailey events (tides)

Annual

Yearly events, such as weather

Tipping Point

A critical threshold in a system where a change will radically and irreversibly shift the system’s equilibrium

Feedbacks

Results of forcings. Can either amplify (positive) or diminish (sustaining) changes in a system.

Forcings

Events that force change to the dynamic equilibrium, usually through an initial push in just one system.

Sinks

Stores of energy/materials within a system, occurring on a variety of timescales.

Types of global changes to earth systems

-Gradual

-Catastrophic

-Unidirectional

-Cyclical

Geology

The historical science of studying the earth and its history

Relative Dating

Deals with the order in which geological events occurred as opposed to assigning specific dates to events.

Deep Time

Dealing with time scales so vast that we simply cannot being to comprehend them

Uniformitarianism

Assumption that chemical and physical laws have remained consistent through time — enables us to learn about the earth’s past by looking at rocks today.

6 Principles of Relative Dating

1.) Superposition

2.) Original Horizontality

3.) Lateral Continuity

4.) Cross-cutting Relationships

5.) Law of Inclusions

6.) Fossil Succession

Unconformity

A missing piece of geologic time

Angular unconformity

two layers of rock in contact at different angles

Nonconformity

Crystalline rock in contact with non-crystalline rock

Disconformity

Erosion between two parallel sedimentary layers