文档介绍：Chapter 1: Meet Earth
Geology
Geology is the science of studying Earth.
Geologists study the Earth’s processes, such as:
Volcanism.
Glaciation.
Stream-flow.
Rock formation.
Geologists Also Study :
Chemistry, to understand:
Minerals.
Dissolved minerals.
Minerals resources.
Rocks formation.
Ground water.
Geologists Also Study :(2)
Physics, to understand:
Plate tectonics.
Volcanism.
Earthquakes.
Landslides.
Biology, to understand:
How life processes integrate with other Earth systems.
How life has evolved.
Fossils in the rocks.
Geologists Also Study : (3)
Meteorology, to understand:
Stream flow.
Groundwater levels.
Oceanography, to understand:
Seafloor’s role in plate tectonics.
Shorelines.
Geologists Also Study : (4)
Astronomy.
Mathematics.
Computer sciences.
Economics, to understand how humans employ:
Minerals.
Energy resources.
What Do Geologists Do ?
They seek to understand all processes that operate on and inside the Earth.
They study:
Our ’s long history.
Water bodies (rivers and lakes).
Hazardous processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flood, and landslides.
Rocks.
Spot surface patterns.
They use ground-rating radar.
Physical Versus Historical Geology
Historical geology
Chronology of events, both physical and biological, that have occurred in the past.
The past is the biggest clue to the present.
Physical geology
Concerned with understanding the processes and the materials.
Physical Geology Also Studies
Plate tectonics.
Volcanism.
Earthquakes.
Landslides.
Floods.
Formation of mineral deposits.
Mountain-building.
Shore erosion.
Landscape formation.
Rocks.
Minerals.
Air.
Seawater.
Soil.
Sand
How Rapid Are Geologic Processes?
During 17~18 centuries, people believed that Earth’s features (mountains, valleys, oceans, rivers) were permanent and had been produced by a few great upheavals剧变.
This theory is called Catastrophism.