Relative Age of Earth
The term for a fossil that is used to help determine the age of rock layers.
Index fossil
The type of rock that is most commonly associated with fossils.
Sedimentary rock.
The percentage of Earth's surface that is covered by water.
Approximately 71% or about three-quarters of the Earth's surface.
These things drive ocean currents.
Wind and differences in water density (temperature and salinity) or the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect)
Explain the main difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.
Renewable sources can be replenished naturally, while nonrenewable sources cannot, or renewable sources are sustainable over time.
Describe one method scientists use to determine the relative age of rock layers.
Scientists can use the Law of Superposition or radiometric dating.
Name one type of sedimentary rock and describe how it forms.
Limestone (from marine organisms) or sandstone (from wind-blown sediments).
Name the three main types of water bodies found in local river basins.
Rivers, lakes, and wetlands or ponds.
Name a major ocean current and its effect on climate.
The Gulf Stream; it warms the climate of nearby coastal areas or influences weather patterns.
Name two examples of renewable energy sources.
Solar and wind energy or geothermal and biomass energy.
This is the principle that states older rock layers are found below younger layers?
The Law of Superposition.
Describe a fault and how can it affect the age of rock layers.
A break in the Earth's crust; it can cause rock layers to be displaced or can create new formations.
Explain how estuaries benefit local ecosystems.
Estuaries provide nurseries for fish and other wildlife or help filter pollutants from the water.
Explain how salinity affects the movement of ocean water
Higher salinity increases water density, affecting the movement of ocean water or creating stratification in the ocean.
Name some environmental consequences of using fossil fuels.
Environmental consequences include pollution, habitat destruction, contribution to climate change, or resource depletion.
Describe how index fossils help in dating rock layers.
Index fossils are used to correlate the age of rock layers across different locations.
Give an example of how igneous rock formations can provide evidence about Earth's history.
Igneous rock formations can indicate past volcanic activity or show evidence of magma movement.
Name factors that can affect water availability in a region.
Factors include rainfall, evaporation rates, human usage, or seasonal changes.
Describe the relationship between ocean currents and nutrient distribution.
Ocean currents help distribute nutrients and heat or impact marine life and ecosystems.
Explain how geothermal energy can impact the environment differently than coal.
Geothermal energy typically has a smaller environmental footprint compared to coal or has less air pollution.
Explain how scientists use the position of fossils in rock layers to determine the history of life on Earth.
Scientists analyze the sequence and position of fossils in rock layers to infer the history of life.
Discuss how the composition of sedimentary rocks can indicate past environmental conditions.
The composition of sedimentary rocks can reveal information about the environment (e.g., marine vs. terrestrial) or the conditions of deposition.
Explain how water distribution can impact human populations.
Water distribution can affect agriculture, drinking water supply, population density, or ecosystem health.
Explain how ocean currents can impact ecosystems along coastlines.
Ocean currents can influence weather patterns or affect the health of coastal ecosystems.
Explain the long-term implications of relying on nonrenewable energy sources compared to renewable sources.
Relying on nonrenewable sources can lead to resource depletion and environmental degradation, while renewable sources promote sustainability, conservation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.