VIII. Geology

• geology is the study of the earth
• atmosphere is the gas envelope
• atmosphere is composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases
• LAYERS OF ATMOSPHERE (bottom to top)

  1. troposphere
  2. stratosphere
  3. mesosphere
  4. thermosphere
• hydrology is the study of water on and within earth
• dew point is the temperature at which condensation of water occurs
• precipitation is the water released to the surface of the earth
• hydrosphere is the liquid part of earth's surface
• earth's surface is covered with 75% water
• el nino is the appearance of unusually warm air water in the pacific ocean
• la nina is the unusual cold temperatures in the ocean waters of equatorial pacific
• Plate tectonic theory states that the lithosphere is divided into 6 major plates that are constantly moving
• plate tectonic theory is the foundation of continental drift theory
• extinct is a type of volcano that has shown inactivity for a long period of time
• pacific ring of fire is the narrow chain of volcanoes at the boundaries of the pacific ocean
• lava is a magma that reaches the earth
• seismology is the study of earthquake
• focus is the place where earthquakes begin
• epicenter is the point on the earth's surface directly above the focus
• CAUSES OF EARTHQUAKE:

  Tectonic is movement of tectonic plates

  Volcanic is movement of molten magma within the earth
• tidal wave is a large mass of water displaced by earthquakes
• seismograph is used to detect and record earthquakes
• magnitude is a scaled measure of the energy released by earthquakes
• richter magnitude scale is used to measure magnitude