Chapter 1 Introduction to Earth Science – Flashcards
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The fourth-largest earthquake ever recorded buckled the seafloor Where and when?
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east of Japan at 2.46 p.m., March 11, 2011.
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How many people was estimated to have died from the fourth- largest Earthquake in Japan?
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20,000
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What happen west of Indonesia at 7:58 Am on December 26, 2004?
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A giant earthquake buckled the seafloor.
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What Happened to Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia do to the events on December 26, 2004?
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It was quickly devastated by tsunami waves up to 30 meters high.
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How many people were estimated to have died in Indonesia due to the Tsunami?
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More than 230,000
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What is Earth Science?
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The investigation of interactions among the four components of the Earth system and their interaction with the exosphere (sun, space).
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What are the four components of the Earth?
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atmosphere (air, weather) hydrosphere (water, ice) biosphere (plants, animals) geosphere (land, rocks)
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How did the components of the earth system interact with each other in the tsunami example?
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GEOSPHERE - (Earthquake Generated tsunami - HYDROSPHERE) - Waves eroded beaches, deposited sand inland. - (beaches used by tourist)- BIOSPHERE -(tourists were swimming, sailing in the ocean.) - HYDROSPHERE - (waves destroyed coastal environments) - BIOSPHERE
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Atmosphere
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air, weather
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Hydrosphere
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water, ice
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Biosphere
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plants, animals
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Geosphere
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land, rocks
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Science is . . .
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. . . a process of discovery that increases our body of knowledge. . . . information that can be learned; much of it is waiting to be discovered. . . . the curiosity and creativity of scientists in the search for answers to critical questions.
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Science is not . . .
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. . . a list of facts to be memorized.
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How do Earth Scientists Collect Their Data?
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-Direct Measurements -Indirect information -Modeling
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What is Direct measurements?
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Samples or data are collected at field locations (i.e. rock samples are collected from an outcrop)
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What is Indirect information?
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Data is collected and then used for interpretation of something else (i.e. measurements of magnetic susceptibility are used to determine rock type present on the ocean floor)
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What is Modeling?
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Physical of computer models that simulate earth processes (i.e. wave tanks)
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Hutchinson Gas Explosions what did scientist hypothesized?
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That gas traveled to Hutchinson in fractures in underground rock layer
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What do we need to do science?
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We need observations, a testable hypothesis, and one or more predictions based on the hypothesis.
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Hypothesis
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a testable explanation that can be verified or falsified
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Observations
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facts, measurements, information, data collected using the senses
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Prediction
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a statement of what will happen in a given situation or set of circumstances
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Which of the following statements is more accurate? A. Observations are only as good as the hypotheses on which they are based. B. Hypotheses are only as good as the observations on which they are based.
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B. Hypotheses are only as good as the observations on which they are based.
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Hypotheses can be tested using either inductive or deductive reasoning. What is Inductive reasoning?
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Drawing general conclusions from specific observations. -Involves recognizing patterns in data
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Hypotheses can be tested using either inductive or deductive reasoning. What is deductive reasoning?
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drawing specific conclusions based upon general principles. -Involves applying laws, principles
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Inductive reasoning example?
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1. Three massive hurricanes caused significant damage to the United States during 2005. 2. Hurricane Katrina had a pressure of 902 mbar; Hurricane Rita, 898 mbar and Hurricane Wilma, 882 mbar. 3. Therefore, massive hurricanes with low air pressures of around 900 mbar or less will cause large amounts of damage if they make landfall. A GENERAL CONCLUSION based on specific observations.
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Deductive Reasoning Example
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1. All hurricanes form as low pressure systems over oceans. 2. Hurricane Sandy is forming in the Atlantic. 3. Hurricane Sandy must be a low pressure system. A SPECIFIC CONCLUSION based on a general principle.
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Kathie studied the geology of several Hawaiian volcanoes and used her data to predict the potential dangers from the eruption of similar volcanoes on the Galapagos Islands. What type of reasoning did she apply? A. Inductive reasoning B. Deductive reasoning
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B. Deductive reasoning
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During orientation Amy learned that all classrooms on campus were air conditioned. She decided to bring a sweatshirt to class even on the hottest days. What type of reasoning did Amy use? A. Inductive reasoning B. Deductive reasoning C. Neither - the decision did not involve science
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A. Inductive
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Science follows some basic rules - that loosely define the scientific method. What are they?
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1. A scientific hypothesis is tentative and can change 2. A scientific hypothesis should be predictable and testable - test results should either support or falsify the hypothesis 3. A scientific hypothesis is based on data from empirical (based on experience) observations or experiments 4. A scientific hypothesis offers a well-defined natural cause to explain a natural event
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Example of an emerging hypothesis Global warming: Average temperature of Earth is increasing due to build up of greenhouse gases in atmosphere
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1. Tentative - estimates of how much temperature is increasing will change 2. Empirical - measurements of increasing global temperatures 3. Predictable - if carbon dioxide increases by X, temperature will increase by Y 4. Natural cause - climate records of last 500,000 years show parallel changes in temperature and greenhouse gases
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Not all science is "good" science: This can be of particular concern when reading about science reported in the popular media. What are the common pitfalls?
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Common pitfalls: Attacking scientists rather than the science Not uncommon when religious views conflict with science Misuse of authority Can happen when politics conflicts science Confusing cause and effect If this happened, then that must have been the reason Poor statistics Using empirical data incorrectly
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Which is the best description of a scientific study? A. A scientific study allows you to be able to explain something so that you are able to touch it and see it. In science you have to see it for it to be true. B. A scientific study involves making clear, unbiased observations. The opinions and personal feelings or beliefs of the scientist have no effect on the outcome. C. A scientific study involves making hypotheses, collecting data, and performing experiments or testing claims, to reach a conclusion supported by evidence. D. A scientific study uses mathematics to do calculations and generate graphs that can be used to closely examine facts.
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C. A scientific study involves making hypotheses, collecting data, and performing experiments or testing claims, to reach a conclusion supported by evidence.
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Luis and Walter Alvarez suggested the dinosaurs became extinct when an asteroid collided with the earth. They noted that the rare element iridium was present in 65 million year old rock layers. The statement the rare element iridium was present in 65 million year old rock layers is an example of: A hypothesis C. A prediction An observation D. A theory
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A. Hypothesis
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Earth Scientist's role in Society:
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Alert people to earth processes (hazards) that may cause damage or loss of life Provide for material needs of society by managing natural resources Protect us from activities that may endanger the natural environment Ensure the future of humanity from global threats such as climate change or an asteroid impact
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Prevention - Which hazards are we most likely (or least likely) to be able to prevent?
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Example: Prevention of flooding as a result of construction of floodwalls and levees
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Adjustment - strategies for minimizing the impact of hazards
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Example: Building code regulations in areas of frequent earthquakes
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Is evacuation of a city in advance of a hurricane an example of prevention or adjustment? A. Prevention B. Adjustment
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A. Prevention
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Science and Society, Provide for material needs of society by managing natural resources
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Renewable resources - water, soil Non-renewable resources - oil, coal, metals
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Sustainable society
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a society that satisfies its need for resources without jeopardizing the needs of future generations
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Why is Earth a "system?" A. The earth has several separate components like any system. B. The earth has multiple interactions like any system. C. The earth has interacting components like any system.
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C. The earth has interacting components like any system
