ESS 101 EXAM 1 LATEST PRACTICE SCRIPT
UPDATED 2026 TESTED SOLUTIONS
⫸ What is needed to understand geology and the processes that shape
the earth Answer: adjust their perspective of time- human history and
generation al changes occur over decadal to millennial time scales, while
many geologic process dn the formation of the earth extend over
millions to billions of years.
⫸ How do you fully understand geology and earth processes- Answer:
take a systems approach and understand that the component of Earths
natural systems are often intrinsically linked or integrated
⫸ Geologic factors like lithology play an important role Answer: in soil
nutrient availability and will consequently influence the vegetation
distribution on a given landscape as well as the climatic system
⫸ Geology is Answer: an integrated science
⫸ Nebular hypothesis Answer: 1. supernova and formation of
primordial dust cloud
2. condensation of primordial dust forms disk shaped tubular cloud
rotating counterclockwise.
3. proto sun and planets begin to form.
4. accretion of planetismals and differentiation of planets and moons 4.6
million years ago
, 5. existing solar system takes shape
⫸ Evidence to support the nebular hypothesis Answer: 1. planets and
moons revolve in a counterclockwise direction (not random)
2. almost all planets and moons rotate on their axis in a counter
clockwise direction.
3. planetary orbits are aligned along the suns equatorial plan. (not
randomly organized)
4. observation from Hubble telescope and radio astronomy indicate that
other planetary systems are forming from condensed nebular dust.
⫸ Terrestrial planets Answer: close to the sun, dense,
small rocky (silicate minerals, metallic cores)
twelve earths would fit across the diameter of Jupiter
⫸ Jovian planets Answer: far from the sun
low density
large gaseous
⫸ possible exam question: can you explain why the earth and terrestrial
planets have so little molecular hydrogen comprising their respective
and atmospheres: yet the primordial dust cloud was mostly compromised
of hydrogen gas? Answer:
UPDATED 2026 TESTED SOLUTIONS
⫸ What is needed to understand geology and the processes that shape
the earth Answer: adjust their perspective of time- human history and
generation al changes occur over decadal to millennial time scales, while
many geologic process dn the formation of the earth extend over
millions to billions of years.
⫸ How do you fully understand geology and earth processes- Answer:
take a systems approach and understand that the component of Earths
natural systems are often intrinsically linked or integrated
⫸ Geologic factors like lithology play an important role Answer: in soil
nutrient availability and will consequently influence the vegetation
distribution on a given landscape as well as the climatic system
⫸ Geology is Answer: an integrated science
⫸ Nebular hypothesis Answer: 1. supernova and formation of
primordial dust cloud
2. condensation of primordial dust forms disk shaped tubular cloud
rotating counterclockwise.
3. proto sun and planets begin to form.
4. accretion of planetismals and differentiation of planets and moons 4.6
million years ago
, 5. existing solar system takes shape
⫸ Evidence to support the nebular hypothesis Answer: 1. planets and
moons revolve in a counterclockwise direction (not random)
2. almost all planets and moons rotate on their axis in a counter
clockwise direction.
3. planetary orbits are aligned along the suns equatorial plan. (not
randomly organized)
4. observation from Hubble telescope and radio astronomy indicate that
other planetary systems are forming from condensed nebular dust.
⫸ Terrestrial planets Answer: close to the sun, dense,
small rocky (silicate minerals, metallic cores)
twelve earths would fit across the diameter of Jupiter
⫸ Jovian planets Answer: far from the sun
low density
large gaseous
⫸ possible exam question: can you explain why the earth and terrestrial
planets have so little molecular hydrogen comprising their respective
and atmospheres: yet the primordial dust cloud was mostly compromised
of hydrogen gas? Answer:
