Introduction to Earth Science Exam Questions with Verified Answers

Introduction to Earth Science Exam Questions with Verified Answers Geology - Answer-The study of Earth, its materials, and processes past and present; study of the origin, history, and structure of the Earth Silicon - Answer-The second most abundant element in the earth's crust. Upper Mantle - Answer-is part of lithosphere / tectonic plates Inner Core - Answer-A dense solidified iron rich alloy. Describe how the Earth's magnetic field is generated. - Answer-Originates in the Outer Core due to the convection of molten iron transferring from inner core to the mantle; changes in density of iron due to heating is responsible for the process. The moving mass of metal creates a magnetic field. Where does the top layer of the Mantle begin? - Answer-Marked by the Mohorovicic discontinuity Crust - Answer-Included in the upper part of the lithosphere Layers of the Earth - Answer-... Mohorovicic Discontinuity - Answer-the boundary between the crust and the mantle 2/3 of Earth's mass - Answer-mantle Gutenburg Discontinuity - Answer-boundary between the lower mantle and the core 1/3 of Earth's mass - Answer-core How do scientists know that the outer core is a liquid? - Answer-Seismic waves moving through the earth What is the core mainly made of? - Answer-Ni & Fe weight - Answer-how strong the pull of gravity is on an object What determines an objects weight on Earth? - Answer-The mass of the object and the distance to the center of the Earth system - Answer-a set or interacting components considered to be a distinct physical entity for the purpose of study What are the basic componets of the Universe? - Answer-matter and energy matter - Answer-has mass and takes up space energy - Answer-ability to do work atmosphere - Answer-a mixture of gases that surround a planet or moon Percent composition of Atmosphere - Answer-N = 72% O = 20% water = 1% Inert gases = .97% CO2 = .03% Geosphere - Answer-solid rocky part of the Earth Explain the internal sources of heat on the Earth - Answer-1. Heat released by nuclear decay 2. Heat produced by the high pressure due to gravitation contraction. 3. Heat left over from the formation of the Earth Properties of Felsic Rock (continental crust) - Answer-1. lower density 2. rich in Al, Na, K 3. contains quartz, muscovite, and feldspar 4. ex. granite 5. lighter colored Properties of Mafic Rock (oceanic crust) - Answer-1. higher density 2. rich in Fe and Mg 3. contains biotite and olivine 4. ex. gabbro and basalt 5. darker colored