Exam 1: Understanding Earth: A Dynamic and Evolving Planet

Which of the following best describes sedimentary rocks?

How has geology been important to the arts and literature?

How does knowledge of geology benefit other professions? Provide one example.

Give one example of how you might use geology as you prepare to purchase property on which to build your home.

Briefly narrate the solar nebula theory of the solar systems' origin.

The discovery of______________ , near the turn of the century, led to the development of techniques for determining absolute ages of rocks in years.

Briefly explain, using plate tectonics as an example and clearly stating each step, how the scientific method may be used to formulate a hypothesis and then transform it into theory.

The Kyoto Protocol requires all countries to reduce their greenhouse-causing emissions proportionately.

After Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was rejected, what laterhypothesis was proposed to explain new data obtained from studies of the ocean floors?

The earth is dynamic, constantly changing in response to interactions between its interior and surface processes.

The three main rock types are distinguished on the basis of which of the following characteristics?

With which type(s) of plate boundaries is subduction associated?

What are the two broad areas into which the field of geology is divided?

Igneous rocks can form under many different conditions, but they are always the result of cooling and crystallization from magma.

Earth is a dynamic planet and as a result is always changing.

The principle of uniformitarianism includes phenomena of widely varying rates, scopes, frequencies, intensities and durations.

Why are igneous rocks classified as either intrusive or extrusive if both originate from melted material many kilometers beneath the surface?

Why can the rock cycle, including its surface processes, be considered part of plate tectonics? Use examples from each group of rocks in your explanation.

Which of these environmental problems would a geologist be most likely to address?

Name the terrestrial planets.