Exam 1: Understanding Earth: A Dynamic and Evolving Planet

Using one of the theories presented in the chapter, describe the observations that geologists used to support the theory.

Name the Jovian planets.

The Earth system is composed of

Reductions of greenhouse-causing emissions by member countries according to the Kyoto Protocol is based in part on the amount of emissions being produced in 1990.

How is the age of the universe estimated?

Once rocks form they remain unchanged unless they are metamorphosed into metamorphic rocks.

Briefly describe the meaning of the term "plate"in "plate tectonic theory."

The evidence supporting the "Big Bang"theory includes

The lithosphere is comprised of the______________ and the upper part of the______________.

Use an example to illustrate why the study of geology might involve more than one of Earth's subsystems.

The principle of uniformitarianism does not include unusual or atypical geologic events such as an ice age or asteroid impact.

Briefly describe how the discovery of sea floor spreading transformed the continental drift hypothesis into the theory of plate tectonics.

______________are accreting masses of gases, liquids, and solids which eventually become true planets?

What are the four basic forces responsible for all interactions of matter?

How do the Jovian planets differ from the terrestrial plants?

What are the two fundamental phenomena that are taken as evidence for the Big Bang origin of the universe?

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars are similar in that they have similar

Is plate tectonics a fact or a theory? Explain.

Theories in geology are developed through a process known as

Plate tectonics is a global process which has components of both surficial and internal change. Name each. Which one of the two drives the other, and which one is, in part, the product of the other?