Ap Human Geography Chapter 14 Summary

II: Plate tectonics shows the features and movement of the Earth. The theory of plate tectonics says that the outer shell of the earth is broken down into pieces often called plates (Korenaga). These plates hover over the mantle creating movement (Marshak). With plate tectonics you can determine the earth’s features without actually seeing it.

There are over one thousand five hundred volcanoes all around the world, and when they erupt, they spew searing hot lava that changes the surface of the earth. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes are just three examples of the many geo-processes that are constantly shaping and changing the Earth.

Geology is the study of the Earth’s crust through the crust’s chemical composition and physical properties. The way that geologists are able to figure out the

Igneous petrology is basically one of the fields that deals with geology. Igneous petrology is the study of igneous rocks. Igneous petrology deals with their origin, composition, and texture.

I am interested in Geology as a major, and on October seventh, I met with geology professor Michael Stewart. Geology is the study of the earth’s physical structure and substance. I became interested in this field because I have always been interested in the physical sciences; math, physics, and chemistry. I have a good comprehension of the subjects, and I wish to apply them within my career. Also, the earth and nature have also been an interesting mystery to me, and I want to learn more. I’m also fascinated by how so many big things came from such small beginnings, and I want to learn more about where everything came from, and why everything is the way it is today.

Question 2 (a) - All research activities begin with a question. Research, in its most basic form is the process of answering that question, or questions. Academic research, though, is a systematic process of collecting and analyzing information so that it increases the understanding of the phenomenon under study. For research to be viable across disciplines it must utilize established principles of data collection and analysis the scientific method. The term scientific method refers to a way of investigation or the acquisition of knowledge through the testing of a theory or hypothesis, then working through measurements (observation and empirical notes) to come up with a result, which should prove or disprove the original theory. Thus, the basic method consists of a) formulating a question or hypothesis, b) designing an experiment or means of collecting data, c) observation or experimentation, d) analyzing the results and considering the proof or disproof of the hypotheses, and e) suggestions for future research. By the very nature of geology, much of the research method revolves around field observations. This is required because of the nature of the large amount of material that is unable to be transported to the laboratory with the exception of samples.

In a year two tsunamis roll in, several million earthquakes occur and fifty to sixty volcanoes erupt. These are the actions that shape the earth’s surface over time. Three geoprocesses that change the earth’s surface are tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanoes.

Students describe and explain how physical processes such as erosion, ocean circulation, and earthquakes have resulted in physical patterns on Earth's surface.

As taught in our class thus far, a landscape is part of the Earth's surface that can be seen at one time from one place. It consists of the geographic features that mark a particular area. The landscape presented above seem as a people landscape, it has been impacted by humans.

Geologic activity is basically the internal and external processes and events that affect a planetary body. Geologic activity forms different things on planets specifically Earth. Water, ice, wind, weathering, erosion all are factors in geologic activity. One recent study that has found geologic activity on the moon was the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The LRO showed the Moon’s crust being stretched, forming valleys in some small areas on the lunar surface. Scientists believe that the moon is in a general state of contraction because of cooling of a still hot interior. The weak contraction suggests that the Moon, unlike the terrestrial planets, did not completely melt in the early stages of its evolution.

like formation of the area. They discover fish fossil and they didn’t know it but those

There are three types of rocks called Igneous Metamorphic and Sedimentary. Igneous rocks are usually formed by convergent boundaries and divergent boundaries. Igneous rocks forms when Magma or Lava cools and hardens. However Convergent Boundaries make more of a felsic rock. Felsic Rocks are more lighter and less dense rocks. These felsic rocks usually form at subduction zones. The Mafic or UltraMafic rocks usually form at Divergent boundaries. Mafic or Ultramafic rocks are usually more dense and more dark. These rocks usually form along the Mid-Ocean Ridges, forming from the newest crust. At the Mid-Ocean ridge magma comes out from it, which is why these mafic rocks form. Igneous rocks also form in HotSpots. HotSpots are areas where the Mantle is anomalously hotter than the rest of the

They will be able to identify the different rock layers, geographical features on a map, and effects of weather on erosion. Students will make measurements and observe the effects of various weather systems on the geological landscape. They will also develop solutions to prevent against the dangers of natural disasters.

It tells them about the creation of structures and basins. It also helps them identify places where there are potential reservoirs or source rocks.

A recent study by professor of geology, Xiaodong Song, explains another way to affirm the composition and structure of the interior of the Earth is through the use of seismic waves. Seismic waves are waves created by movement in the Earth. These waves can have different properties that can react with changing densities within the earth. Knowing the different reactions can be used to determine the density of the earth at the different depths. It is also a powerful tool in determining the elements present in the earth. Taking into consideration the different ways the waves react to the elements can provide a clue as to the element that the wave has contacted. Certain seismic waves pass through the Earth at different speeds, and furthermore, specific elements and compounds in the Earth cause those waves to disperce differently. The different rates that these waves move at different depths gives geologist information on the varying densities and compostition of the Earth at the locations.