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for
Changing Earth
Exploring Geology and Evolution 5th Edition
Chapter 1
Introduction
Geology
Geology is a complex, integrated system of related parts, components, or sub-systems that interact in an organized fashion, affecting one another in various ways.
Introduction
The principal subsystems of the earth are the:
Atmosphere Biosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Mantle Core
Introduction
The interaction of these subsystems has resulted in a dynamically changing planet in which matter and energy are continuously recycled into different forms.
What is geology?
Geology is the study of the Earth.
Physical geology is concerned with the materials and processes which compose and operate on the surface of, and within, Earth. Historical geology is concerned with the origin and evolution of Earth's continents, oceans, atmosphere, and life.
What is geology?
Geologists are employed in diverse occupations.
Principle occupations
include:
Mineral and energy resource exploration Solving environmental problems Predicting natural disasters
What is a theory?
It is arrived at through the scientific method, which involves gathering and analyzing facts formulating hypotheses to explain the phenomenon testing the hypotheses and finally proposing a theory. The hypotheses is a tentative explanation. A scientific theory is a testable explanation for some natural phenomenon, that is supported by a large body of evidence.
Earth
Its Place in Our Solar System
Earth formed from a swirling eddy of nebular material 4.6 billion years ago, accreting as a solid body and soon thereafter differentiated into a layered planet during a period of internal heating.
Gneiss
Quartzite
Geologic Time
An appreciation of the immensity of geologic time is central to understanding the evolution of the Earth and its life.
Geologic time differs from the human perspective of time Earth goes through cycles of much longer duration than the human perspective of time The immense span of time encompassed by the Earth's existence and geological processes sets geology apart The geologic time scale is the calendar that geologists use to date past events in Earths history.
End of Chapter 1