Earth and Life Sciences - Key Concepts Flashcards

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts from Earth and Life Science notes, including Earth's subsystems, geologic time, rocks, minerals, plate tectonics, weathering, hazards, and habitability.

Name the factors that make a planet habitable and why each matters.

Temperature, Atmosphere, Energy, Nutrients

How does liquid water contribute to Earth's habitability?

It serves as a solvent, a medium for chemical reactions, and a transport mechanism for nutrients and waste, essential for life.

Why is Earth's atmosphere crucial for habitability?

It provides breathable gases, protects from harmful radiation (UV), moderates temperature, and contributes to the water cycle.

How does Earth's magnetic field contribute to its habitability?

It shields the planet from harmful solar winds and cosmic radiation, preventing atmospheric erosion and protecting life.

What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by liquid water, and what fraction of Earth's water is freshwater?

70\% liquid water; 3\% freshwater

What are the four Earth subsystems and a key function of each?

Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere, Biosphere

Define the concept of Earth as a closed system.

Heat/energy exchange

Describe an interaction between the Atmosphere and the Hydrosphere.

The Atmosphere drives the water cycle through evaporation and precipitation, transferring water between the atmosphere and bodies of water.

Provide an example of interaction between the Biosphere and the Lithosphere.

Organisms in the Biosphere (e.g., plants, microbes) contribute to the weathering of rocks in the Lithosphere, forming soil.

How do the Earth's subsystems interact in the context of the carbon cycle?

The Biosphere absorbs CO_2 from the Atmosphere, which can then be stored in the Lithosphere (e.g., as fossil fuels or carbonates) and dissolved in the Hydrosphere.

What role does the Biosphere play in the carbon cycle?

CO\_2 sink

What are the three main rock types and how does each form?

Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic

How are igneous rocks classified by silica content?

Felsic, Intermediate, Mafic, Ultramafic

What distinguishes intrusive from extrusive igneous rocks?

Intrusive igneous rocks cool slowly beneath the Earth's surface, forming large crystals, while extrusive igneous rocks cool rapidly on the surface, forming small crystals or glass.

How do Igneous rocks form?

They form from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava).

How do Sedimentary rocks form?

They form from the accumulation and compaction of sediments (fragments of pre-existing rocks, minerals, or organic matter) or by chemical precipitation.

How do Metamorphic rocks form?

They form when pre-existing rocks are transformed by heat, pressure, and/or chemically active fluids without melting completely.

What is the rock cycle?

Rock transformation processes

What processes can transform igneous rocks into sedimentary rocks?

Weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation.

What processes are involved in transforming sedimentary rocks into metamorphic rocks?

Burial, heat, and pressure applied to sedimentary rocks without melting.

How can metamorphic rocks become igneous rocks?

Metamorphic rocks can be melted to form magma, which then cools and solidifies to form new igneous rocks.

What are the common mineral properties used for identification?

Color, Streak, Luster, Crystal form, Cleavage, Hardness, Density