Earth's Structure & Rocks
What does each rock layer in a fossil diagram tell us about Earth’s past?
Each rock layer contains fossils that existed during a different period of Earth’s history.
What is the shape of Earth’s orbit around the Sun?
Elliptical, meaning it is oval-shaped rather than a perfect circle.
What do we call the process in which water gradually wears away and transports rock and soil?
Erosion, the gradual wearing away and carrying off of rock and soil by water.
What process occurs when water vapor cools to form clouds and releases energy?
Condensation, when water vapor cools into liquid droplets and releases energy.
Which oil-spill cleanup method is best for a windy day in the open ocean, far from any coastline?
Bacteria, because they work on windy days and are best suited for open water far from shore.
What process was most responsible for carving the Grand Canyon?
Continuous weathering and erosion by the Colorado River over a very long period of time
On which date does Earth experience the weakest gravitational pull from the Sun?
July 4, when Earth is farthest from the Sun in its elliptical orbit.
What process carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years?
Long-term weathering and erosion by the Colorado River.
What do we call the process of liquid water changing to water vapor at the surface?
Evaporation, when water absorbs energy and changes from liquid to gas.
After noticing that CO₂ levels and global temperatures have both risen since 1975, what should a scientist do next?
Investigate whether a mathematical relationship exists between CO₂ levels and temperature.
What type of rock forms when magma cools slowly underground and develops large crystals?
Intrusive igneous rock with large crystals, because slow cooling underground allows crystals more time to grow.
On which date does Earth experience the strongest gravitational pull from the Sun?
January 3, when Earth is closest to the Sun, so gravitational force is strongest.
Which human activity greatly increases the risk of landslides by removing the roots that stabilize soil?
Deforestation, because tree roots that hold soil in place are removed.
Which two phase changes of water release energy to the surroundings?
Freezing and condensation both release energy to the surrounding environment.
How does the distance between two objects affect the strength of the gravitational force between them?
The closer two objects are, the stronger the gravitational force between them.
What type of rock forms the striped visible layers in many canyon walls?
Sedimentary rock, formed when layers of sediment are compressed over long periods of time
What is the actual cause of the seasons on Earth?
Earth’s 23.5 degree tilt causes regions to lean toward or away from the Sun, changing daylight hours and temperatures.
What was the most likely cause of the landslide in Oregon described by scientists?
Deforestation combined with heavy rainfall that saturated the vulnerable
What process leads directly to the formation of clouds in Earth’s atmosphere?
Condensation of water vapor into liquid droplets in the atmosphere.
What kind of rock forms from lava that cools quickly on Earth’s surface, and what do its crystals look like?
Extrusive igneous rock with small crystals, because lava cools quickly on Earth’s surface
What process explains why copper deposits are concentrated along the western edge of South America?
Tectonic plate subduction creates heat and pressure that pushes minerals like copper toward the surface.
Why does Fresno, California have more daylight hours in July than in January?
Earth’s tilted axis causes different regions to receive more or fewer hours of daylight depending on the time of year.
What was the primary cause of the landslide on the hillside in Washington State?
Removal of trees combined with heavy rainfall that saturated the now unprotected soil
During which phase change does water absorb energy as ice turns into liquid?
Melting absorbs energy from the environment as solid water becomes liquid.
Why is it incorrect to say that seasons are caused by Earth being closer to or farther from the Sun?
Seasons are not caused by Earth’s distance from the Sun but by Earth’s axial tilt changing the angle and duration of sunlight.