Assignment

1a. List the sciences that make up Earth science.
1b. Name the two broad subdivisions of geology and distinguish between them.
1c. List at least four phenomena that can be regarded as natural hazards.

2a. How is a scientific hypothesis different from a scientific theory?
2b. List the basic steps followed in many scientific investigations.

3a. How old is Earth?
3b. Name and briefly outline the theory that describes the formation of our solar system.

4a. How much of the Earth's surface do oceans cover?
4b. How much of the planet's total water supply do oceans represent?

5. List and briefly define the four "spheres" that constitute our environment.

6a. List and briefly describe Earth's compositional layers.
6b. What are lithospheric plates? List the three types of boundaries that separate plates.

7. Describe the general distribution of Earth's youngest mountains.

8. What is the difference between shields and stable platforms? Detail please.

9. What are the three major regions of the ocean floor? List features associated with each region.

10a. How is an open system different from a closed system?
10b. Contrast positive and negative feedback mechanisms.
10c. What are the two sources of energy for the Earth system?