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01- Introduction
Geology 101
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Geology | Science that pursues an understanding of the planet Earth |
| Physical Geology | Understanding the many processes above and below Earth's surface |
| Catastrophism | Belief that Eath's landscapes were shaped primarily by great catastrophes |
| Uniformitarianism | Belief that scientific laws operate today as they operated in the past |
| Scientific Method | Techniques used to test and validate scientific ideas including observation, hypothesizing, experimentation, and analysis of data to form conclusions |
| Hypothesis | Untested explanation based on observations |
| Theory | Well-tested and widely accepted view that scientists agree best explains the observations |
| Density | Physical property of matter defined as mass per unit of volume |
| Density Stratification | Geologic layering based on mass and volume with 'heavier' layers below 'lighter' layers |
| Hydrosphere | Dynamic mass of water constantly evaporating, precipitating, and eroding |
| Atmosphere | Life-giving gaseous envelope containing Earth, which produces climate and weather |
| Biosphere | All life on Earth, confined to a narrow band very near the Earth's surface |
| Geosphere | Solid Earth, extending nearly 4000 miles, of which we usually only see the surface |
| Nebular Hypothesis | Idea that the bodies of our solar system evolved from an enormous rotating cloud |
| Rock Cycle | Geologic concept describing the changes among earthen materials |
| Igneous | Rock type formed when magma or lava solidifies |
| Sedimentary | Rock type formed when sediments are lithified |
| Metamorphic | Rock type formed after exposure to high temperature or pressure |