Geology 1001

Kelsey Jenkins

Chapter 1
I. Geology is the understanding of earth. A. B. II. Physical processes that operate planet Historical origin and development of earth

Important relations between people and the natural environment A. Problems and issues 1. 2. 3. 4. Natural hazards Resources Population Environmental issues

III.

Geologic time A. B. Millions and billions of years Magnitude- it is a gradual and slow process

IV.

Historical notes A. B. Catastrophism sudden bursts of activity Uniformitarianism physical, chemical, biological laws that slowly operate today

V.

Scientific inquiry A. B. C. D. Assumes the world is consistent and predictable Goal is to discover patterns and make predictions Collect data via observation and measurements Explained using 1. Hypothesis untested thought

2. Theory well-tested and widely accepted thought that best explains observable facts E. Method includes

Geology 1001

Kelsey Jenkins

1. 2. VI.

Gathering information Testing said information

Earth is small and contained A. Spheres 1. 2. 3. 4. B. C. D. Hydrosphere Atmosphere Biosphere Geosphere

System - a group of interacting parts that form a complex whole Open vs. closed systems Cycles 1. 2. Hydrological Rock

E. F.

Interface common boundary where different parts interact Sun drives processes in: 1. 2. 3. Atmosphere Hydrosphere At Earths surface

VII.

G. Earths system also powered by the Earths interior Temperatures within the earth A. Temperatures increase with depth in the earth. Variation of T with depth defines the geothermal gradient or geotherm.

Geology 1001

Kelsey Jenkins

Early Evolution of Earth Origin of planet Earth earth and other planets formed at essentially the same time. Nebular Hypothesis solar system evolved from an enormous rotating cloud called the solar nebula. Composed of hydrogen and helium. Nebula began to contract about five billion years ago. Assumes a flat, disk shape with protosun at the center. Inner planets begin to form from metallic and rocky substances. Larger outer planets began forming from fragments of ices (H2O, CO2, and others). Basically, rotating dust with a gravitational pull collected and formed planets and the solar system. Formation of Earths layered structure: -metals sank to the center -molten rock rose to produce and primitive crust -chemical segregation established the three basic divisions of Earths interior. -A primitive atmosphere evolved from gases in Earths interior. Layers solid iron inner core, liquid iron outer core, mantle (rock, a little different from the crust, more dense), crust (lowest density, hence, its on top) Earths Internal Structure Layers defined by composition crust, mantle, core Layers defined by physical properties: -lithosphere uppermost part of the mantle -asthenosphere - solid but not mobile -mesosphere -inner and outer core Mantel has a density of 3.4 g/cm^3 Crust: Oceanic thinner, more uniform in thickness than continental crust, density of 3.0 g/cm^3 Continental thicker (mountains, grass, etc.), density of 2.8 g/cm^3 The Face of Earth Earths surface continents and oceans Continents: -mountain belts most prominent feature of the continents -the stable interior also called a craton composed of shields and stable platforms Ocean basins: Oceanic ridge system -most prominent topographic feature on Earth -composed of igneous rock that has been fractured and uplifted Rocks and the Rock Cycle Igneous rocks cooling and solidification of magma (molten rock)/ Examples include granite and basalt.

Geology 1001

Kelsey Jenkins

Sedimentary rocks accumulate in layers at the Earths surface. Sediments are derived from weathering of preexisting rocks. (examples sandstone and limestone) Metamorphic rocks formed by changing preexisting igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks. Driving forces are heat and pressure. Examples gneiss and marble. Rock Cycle - one of Earths subsystems. The loop that involves processes and paths as Earth materials change both on the surface and inside the Earth. Basically, any rock with the right conditions can change into another type of rock.