Question 1

Geologists primarily would study which phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Geologists study rocks and minerals, which are integral components of the Earth's crust. They also study the processes that lead to the formation of rocks and the changes that occur within the Earth's crust over time.

Question 2

If someone says that an idea is "only a theory" and implies that this means it can be dismissed, is this a valid viewpoint?

Accepted Answer

The viewpoint is incorrect because for an idea to become a theory it has withstood robust testing and is currently accepted. In science, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of natural phenomena based on empirical observations and experimentation. It is not just a guess or hypothesis, but rather a framework that has been tested and withstood attempts at falsification. Therefore, dismissing an idea simply because it is "only a theory" is not a valid viewpoint.

Question 3

Haley's Comet visits Earth's atmosphere once every 76 years. What branch of the Earth sciences is the main group that studies these phenomena?

Accepted Answer

Astronomy is the branch of Earth sciences that studies celestial objects and phenomena, including comets like Haley's Comet. Meteorology studies weather and atmospheric phenomena, geology studies the earth's physical structure and substance, and oceanography studies the physical and biological properties of the ocean.

Question 4

The_____________ explains how our solar system probably formed from a giant cloud of gases and dispersed solid particles.

Accepted Answer

The explanation describes the nebular theory, which proposes that our solar system formed from a giant cloud of gases and dispersed solid particles. This theory suggests that the gravitational collapse of this cloud eventually formed the sun and the planets, as we know them today.

Question 5

Oceanography is the study of the oceans and geology is the study of Earth, so what is meteorology?

Accepted Answer

Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere, including weather patterns, climate, and atmospheric phenomena such as storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

Question 6

Hurricanes and tornados are natural disasters. What branch of the Earth sciences studies the origin of these phenomena?

Accepted Answer

Meteorology is the branch of Earth sciences that studies the weather and atmospheric phenomena, including hurricanes and tornadoes. Geology is the study of the Earth's physical structure and substance, oceanography is the study of the Earth's oceans and their phenomena, and astronomy is the study of outer space. While these fields may have some overlap with meteorology in certain areas, they do not specifically focus on the origin of hurricanes and tornadoes.

Question 7

The study of Earth's atmosphere is known as___________ .

Accepted Answer

The study of Earth's atmosphere is specifically focused on the short-term changes and weather patterns that occur within it. This field of study is called meteorology. Cosmology is the study of the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe as a whole, and is not specifically focused on Earth's atmosphere. Oceanography is the study of the Earth's oceans and their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Astronomy is the study of celestial objects, such as stars, planets, galaxies, and black holes.

Question 8

Climate change is a well- known human created problem but there remains resistance to addressing the issue despite widespread scientific agreement on the issue. Although most scientists are familiar with the issues, if you were a congressman and wanted an informed analysis of the problem, which of the following would be most likely to give you the most complete analysis?

Accepted Answer

A meteorologist with knowledge of oceanography would have the most relevant expertise in understanding climate change, as it relates to both weather patterns and the ocean's role in carbon absorption and warming. An astronomer, geologist, or physicist may have knowledge related to other aspects of climate change, but would not have the same depth of understanding in this specific area.

Question 9

Oceanography includes a study of_____________ .

Accepted Answer

Oceanography encompasses the study of all aspects of the oceans, including their impact on climate, the animals that live within them, the ocean floor, and the chemistry of sea water. Therefore, all of the above choices are included in oceanography.

Question 10

A______ is a well- tested and widely accepted view that best explains certain scientific observations.

Accepted Answer

A theory is a well-tested and widely accepted explanation for a phenomenon in science. Laws describe observable patterns or relationships, generalizations are broad statements that may not have been thoroughly tested, and hypotheses are tentative explanations that require further testing.

Question 11

All of the following are possible steps of scientific investigation except for___________ .

Accepted Answer

Assuming conclusions without prior experimentation or observation goes against the basic principles of scientific investigation, which is based on empirical evidence.

Question 12

The primary goal of Earth Science is__________ .

Accepted Answer

The primary goal of Earth Science is to identify the patterns in nature and use that information to predict the future. Earth scientists study the Earth's systems, including the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, to understand how they work and interact. Through this understanding, they can make predictions about future events such as natural disasters, climate change, and the availability of resources. While protecting the environment and developing things that benefit mankind are important aspects of Earth Science, they are not the primary goal.

Question 13

If you want to buy a house in an area and you are worried there may be an earthquake hazard, who would be the best person to ask for advice on this hazard?

Accepted Answer

A geologist specializes in the study of the earth, including the processes that cause earthquakes, making them the best expert to consult about earthquake hazards.

Question 14

Earth is estimated to be approximately 4.6 billion years old. Life appeared early in the history of Earth, but metazoans multicelled organisms did not appear until about 600 million years ago. If the history of Earth were compressed into a single year, about when would metazoans appear?

Accepted Answer

If the history of Earth was compressed into a single year, then 600 million years would be equivalent to late November.

Question 15

Which discipline is not used within the Earth sciences?

Accepted Answer

Earth Science is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology to understand the Earth's processes, structure, and history.

Question 16

Which of the following would not typically be considered an Earth Science study?

Accepted Answer

Chemical refining of petroleum would typically fall under the realm of Chemical Engineering or Petroleum Engineering, not Earth Science. The other choices all involve the study of natural geological processes or phenomena.

Question 17

Sedimentary rocks with marine fossils are exposed at the top of Mt. Everest. Which scientists would make most use of this observation in their study?

Accepted Answer

Geologists would make most use of this observation in their study because the presence of sedimentary rocks with marine fossils can tell us about the geological history of the area, such as how the rocks were formed and how the region has changed over time. This information can then be used to better understand the geology of the entire planet.

Question 18

What are the basic differences between the disciplines of physical and historical geology?

Accepted Answer

Physical geology focuses on the study of how rocks form and the processes that shape the land surface, whereas historical geology focuses on the study of geologic events in Earth's history, including the use of the geologic time scale as a reference. Physical geology is concerned with the present and the processes that shape the Earth, while historical geology is concerned with the past and the events that shaped the Earth over time.

Question 19

Which of the following is not necessary for a hypothesis to be accepted by the scientific community?

Accepted Answer

While alternative hypotheses are important in scientific inquiry, they are not a requirement for a hypothesis to be accepted by the scientific community. The other options (A, B, C) are all necessary components of a valid scientific hypothesis.

Question 20

Earthquakes are natural disasters. Which branch of the Earth sciences studies the impact of this phenomenon on coastal environments?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Earthquakes are natural disasters. Which branch of...

Quiz 1: Introduction to Earth Science