esci 402 midterm

What are the basic building blocks of matter?

Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Define an element.

An element is a pure substance consisting of only one type of atom, defined by the number of protons in its nucleus (atomic number).

What is a molecule?

A molecule is a combination of two or more atoms bonded together.

Define a mineral.

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

What is the basic building block of silicate minerals?

The silica tetrahedron, consisting of a silicon atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms in a tetrahedral shape.

What distinguishes silicate minerals from non-silicate minerals?

Silicate minerals contain silicon and oxygen, while non-silicate minerals do not contain silicon-oxygen tetrahedra.

What are the three chemical layers of the Earth?

The three chemical layers are the crust, mantle, and core.

Describe the lithosphere.

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, including the crust and upper mantle.

What are igneous rocks?

Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava).

What does Bowen’s Reaction Series describe?

Bowen’s Reaction Series describes the sequence in which minerals crystallize from cooling magma.

What is foliation in metamorphic rocks?

Foliation refers to the alignment of mineral grains in a rock under pressure.

What are clastic sedimentary rocks?

Clastic sedimentary rocks are made from fragments of pre-existing rocks.

What processes contribute to the formation of sediments?

Weathering, transport, and deposition are processes that break down rocks and move particles to form sediments.

What are fossils used for in geology?

Fossils help in dating rocks and understanding past environments.

What are the three types of plate boundaries?

The three types of plate boundaries are convergent, divergent, and conservative (transform) boundaries.

What is the principle of superposition?

The principle of superposition states that older layers are found beneath younger layers.

Define tensional stress in geology.

Tensional stress is the stretching of the crust, occurring at divergent boundaries.

What are faults in geology?

Faults are fractures where rocks have moved relative to each other, including normal, reverse, and strike-slip faults.