Earth's Geological Cycles Flashcards

A geologist discovers a rock layer containing distinct fossils of ancient sea creatures. This rock was most likely formed through which process?

Answer: The compaction and cementation of sand and shell fragments.

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sediments. These sediments can include organic materials like shells and bones, which allows for the preservation of fossils. The intense heat and pressure involved in forming metamorphic and igneous rocks would typically destroy any fossil remains.

What is the primary source of energy that drives the Earth's water cycle?

Answer: Solar radiation from the Sun

Solar energy from the Sun provides the necessary heat for evaporation, the process of converting liquid water into water vapor. This process is the main driver of the entire water cycle, powering the movement of water into the atmosphere.

Which of the following processes is a key component of the carbon cycle that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

Answer: Photosynthesis by plants

Photosynthesis is the process where plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create energy, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. This process effectively removes and sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The other options—combustion, respiration, and decomposition—are processes that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

When an existing rock, such as sandstone, is subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust, it transforms into a much harder and more compact rock, like quartzite. What is this geological process called?

Answer: Metamorphism

Metamorphism is the process by which existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) are changed in form by intense heat, pressure, or chemical reactions, without melting. This transformation results in a new rock with different minerals and textures.

At a subduction zone, an oceanic plate is forced beneath a continental plate, where it melts into magma. This magma rises and erupts from a volcano on the continental plate. The resulting volcanic rock is classified as which type?

Answer: Extrusive Igneous

Igneous rock is formed from the cooling of magma or lava. When this cooling happens on the Earth's surface, as in a volcanic eruption, the resulting rock is called extrusive igneous rock. Intrusive igneous rock cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface.

On a humid day, a student observes that the outside of a glass of ice water becomes wet. This formation of liquid water droplets from water vapor in the air is an example of which process in the water cycle?

Answer: Condensation

Condensation is the process where water vapor (a gas) in the air cools and changes back into liquid water. The cold surface of the glass cools the surrounding air, causing the water vapor in that air to lose energy and condense into liquid droplets on the glass.