GEOB 103 MIDTERM 1

Looks at places (earth's surfaces) and what makes them unique

-looks at the principles and processes that differentiate the earth's surface into unique places
-concerned with the individual physical and cultural elements of the earth

Examines the spacial interaction of natural processes and human activities, and the environments they create.-emphasis on interactions between different physical realms. (atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere.

- the outermost, least dense realm- density decreases as altitude increases- this is the earth's first interaction with solar energy- location of weather processes- composed mainly of gasses ( N2, O2, CO2, Ar)- main source of Carbon, Nitrogen and Oxygen for processes in the Hydrosphere

- covers 71% of planetary surface- major roles in the energy balance of the Earth-atmosphere system and landform change in near-surface environments- main source of water for life processes in the Biosphere

- innermost, densest realm- density increases with depth- represents the Earth's crust and mantle- composed of aluminosilicate minerals - primary rock-forming compounds - largely aluminum, silicon, and oxygen- source of nutrients for life in the biosphere

- situated at the interface between the other realms: interaction of the other three realms- composed of orgaic matter: hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen.- the Life realm

- geology is the tudy of the solid Earth: its composition, history, and the processes that shape it.

- an assemblage of minerals

- naturally occurring inorganic substance- a characteristic internal crystal structure- consistent chemical and physical properties- components not separable by physical means- 3000 minerals - 20 common minerals - 10 make up 90% of the Earth's crust

- Silicate minerals - contain silicon (Si) and oxygen (O)- Carbonate minerals - contains carbonate (CO3)

- Alumino-silicate minerals - rich in Aluminum (Al) with little iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg)- Felsic -light color and weight- Ferro-magnesian minerals - rich in magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) - mafic - dark color, heavy weight.

- Assemblage or aggregate of minerals- Components (minerals) can be separated by physical means- Classification based on the manner of formation and/or the environment of formation.

- 185 of surface of continents- formed by cooling and solidification of molten rock magma: molten rock in interior lava: molten rock on surface

- Based on composition of molten rock -determines minerals - Mafic, felsic or intermediate.
- Based on rate of cooling -determines crystal size– Extrusive igneous rocks» On surface – rapid cooling – small crystals– Intrusive igneous rocks» Below surface – slow cooling – large crystals– In water – extremely fast cooling – no crystals (glass -extrusive igneous rocks