Earth History
What are the three geologic layers of the Earth called?
The three geologic layers of the Earth are called the core, mantle, and crust.
Earth's outermost layer, the crust, is broken up into pieces which are constantly moving. What are these pieces of crust called?
The pieces of Earth's crust are called tectonic plates.
Define climate.
Climate is the long-term pattern of weather and atmospheric conditions.
Define atmosphere.
The atmosphere is the layer of gases which surround the Earth.
Define the word "extinct" and provide three examples of extinct animals.
How old is the Earth?
The Earth is 4.5 billion years old.
A change in eccentricity, is a change in Earth's ... what?
A change in eccentricity is a change in Earth's orbit.
Define paleoclimatology.
the study of pre-historic climate.
What is the most common element in the atmosphere, and what percentage of the atmosphere is it?
Nitrogen is the most common element in the atmosphere, and it makes up 78% of the molecules in the atmosphere.
Define mass extinction.
A mass extinction is a loss of 75% or more of Earth's species within a short geological time period.
What is an ice age?
An ice age is any time period where Earth's average temperature drops, and glaciers are found at the Earth's poles and mountaintops.
What is the changing of Earth's tilt called?
The changing of Earth's tilt is called Obliquity.
What is the name of the marine invertebrate whose calcium carbonate exoskeletons provide information about old climate conditions?
Corals are marine invertebrates whose exoskeletons can provide information about old climate conditions.
What is the term for the trapping of heat by some of the gases in the atmosphere?
The trapping of heat by some of the gases in the atmosphere is the Greenhouse Effect.
How many major mass extinctions have there been in Earth's history, and what is the name of one of those mass extinctions?
There have been five mass extinctions in Earth's history.
What is the goldilocks zone.
The goldilocks zone is the distance a planet has to be from the sun to allow liquid water to form and therefore support life. The planet cannot be too close to the sun and too hot, nor can it be to far from the sun and too cold.
What is the movement called which causes the Earth to "wobble" on its axis like a top called?
The Earth's wobble is called Axial Precession.
What type of paleoclimatology evidence can be used to research climate change up to 3.9 billion years ago?
Sedimentary rock evidence can be used to research climate change up to 3.9 billion years ago.
List three ways the atmosphere benefits us.
The atmosphere benefits us by providing protection from UV radiation, protection from meteors, providing us with breathable oxygenated air, a warm enough climate for liquid water, and transportation of water by clouds.
Describe how a volcanic eruption could result in a mass extinction event.
A volcanic eruption could result in a mass extinction because the sulfate and smoke released in the ash from the volcano could block the sun's rays, lower the temperature of the Earth, and create conditions where many organisms can no longer survive.
When did "The Year Without a Summer" occur, what caused it, and what piece of fiction was written as a result?
The Year Without a Summer took place in 1816, as a result of Mt. Tambora's eruption in Indonesia. Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein during that summer.
Changes in obliquity, result in changes in the ______ on Earth.
Changes in obliquity (or tilt) result in changes in the seasons on Earth.
What information can tree rings provide to paleoclimatologists?
Tree rings can provide information on the length of the growing season, water availability, and presence of fires.
What are two of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxides, Methane, Water vapor, CFCs, and ozone.
Describe three common causes of mass extinctions.
Common causes of mass extinctions include changes in sea levels, ocean chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, climate, oceanic oxygen levels, volcanic activity, and asteroid impact.