Super Quiz An Introduction to Geology

Introduction The study of geology makes it possible to reconstruct much of the planet’s physical history as well as the evolution of life and the changing of climates. Geologists study aspects of the earth and has recently extended to structure of other planets. The word geology is derived from the Greek word “geos” meaning earth, and “logos”, which means “discourse”.

Two Main Components Physical – The study of the physical and chemical processes that operate on or below the Earth’s surface and the study of materials of which the earth is composed. Historical – Which seeks to understand the origins of the earth and the subsequent sequence of events that have occurred through time. Earth is dynamic and constantly changing.

History of Geology Study of the earth has been taking place for centuries because of humankind’s need to find minerals of economic value. In the 17 th and 18 th centuries, the word catastrophism was developed. This doctrine held that the surface of the earth had been formed mainly by the great catastrophes that operated rapidly. It fit the current idea that the earth was only a few thousand years old.

Modern Study of Geology Theory of the Earth by James Hutton, a Scottish physician and farmer. Uniformitarianism – States that the processes operating in the past were the same as those operating today. It meant that some processes that seemed to be slow acting could have major effects over long periods of time. The earth having a long history was developed.

19 th Century Geology Charles Lyell wrote Principles of Geology. Many believed that geological time was exceedingly long, their ability to date the earth was lacking. William Smith discovered how to date rocks using the succession of fossils. This advancement led to the geological time scale by which rocks of similar ages can be identified in widely separated places.

Advances in Geology Radiometric dating allows geologists to place accurate and specific dates on rocks, which in turn allows for the dating of events in the history of the earth. Alfred Wegener proposed that the continents were drifting over the surface of the earth and that they had occupied very different positions in relation to each other in the past. The theory he developed was called plate tectonics. Everything in geology was re-evaluated.

Modern Day Geology Renewable and non-renewable resources. The latter would include copper, iron, coal, and oil. Resources are being depleted and the world population is steadily growing. Environmental problems would include global warming and ozone depletion. Emphasis on Dust Bowl – the unsustainable farming conditions were exacerbated by drought conditions and high winds depleted topsoil.

Geology Introduction Quiz 1.The word geology is derived from what two Greek words. 2.Define the meaning of the two Greek words. 3.Name the two main components of geology. 4.List one reason why people studied the earth. 5.Define catastrophism. 6.What man started the modern study of geology? 7.Define uniformitarianism. 8.What did Charles Lyell write? 9.How do modern geologists date events of the past? 10.Alfred Wegener developed the theory of? 11.Name two environmental problems that exist today.