PHYSICAL GEOLOGY CHAPTER 1 – STUDY GUIDE
TERMS- Define
Physical geology- studies the earths materials, processes and structures within plate tectonics framework, and understand the processes that operates beneath and upon its surface. Historical geology- examines the origin of the Earth and how Earth changed through time. Catastrophism- meaning the Earth's landscape was shaped mainly of great catastrophes.
Uniformitarianism- "the present is the key", the 'physical, chemical and biological laws that operate today also operated in the geological past. Relative dating- events are placed in their proper sequence/ order without knowing their age in years. Hydrosphere- 1 of 4 spheres, a dynamic mass of liquid that is continually on the move, from the oceans to the atmosphere, precipitating back to land, and running back to the ocean again.
Atmosphere- 1 of 4 spheres, life- giving gaseous envelope that surrounds the Earth that provides the sir we breathe and protects us from the sun's heat and radiation. Biosphere- 1 of 4 spheres- all life on earth and consists of the parts of the solid earth, hydrosphere and atmosphere in which living organism can be found. System- a group of interactive or interdependent parts that form a complex whole.
Magma- molten material that forms inside the Earth
Igneous rocks- the result of crystallization or freezing of magma (molten material)
Sediment- Material (such as gravel, sand, mud, and lime) that is transported and deposited by wind, water, ice, or gravity; material that is precipitated from solution; deposits of organic origin (such as coal and coral reefs).
Sedimentary rocks- rocks made up of pieces of other rocks. We call the pieces of rock "clasts" (Clast means "broken piece"). A clast is a piece of rock broken off of another rock.
Metamorphic rock- rocks that form when sedimentary, igneous, or other metamorphic rocks are subjected to heat and pressure