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School
Harvard University *
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Course
6683
Subject
Geology
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by MateFangScorpion33
Question 1:
a) Define geology and its significance in understanding Earth's processes.
Answer:
Geology is the study of the Earth, its materials, structure, processes, and history. It encompasses
various aspects such as rocks, minerals, landforms, plate tectonics, and natural hazards.
Understanding geology is crucial in interpreting Earth's history, formation of landscapes, and
predicting geological events.
b) Differentiate between rocks and minerals, providing examples of each.
Answer:
Minerals: Naturally occurring inorganic substances with a specific chemical composition and
crystalline structure, such as quartz (SiO2) or calcite (CaCO3).
Rocks: Aggregates composed of one or more minerals. Examples include granite (composed of
quartz, feldspar, and mica) and limestone (primarily made of calcite).
Question 2:
a) Explain the theory of plate tectonics and its role in shaping Earth's surface.
Answer:
The theory of plate tectonics describes the Earth's lithosphere divided into large, rigid plates that
move and interact at their boundaries. It explains the formation of mountains, earthquakes,
volcanoes, and the movement of continents due to the shifting plates.
b) Discuss the different types of geological hazards and their impact on human societies.
Answer:
Geological hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, tsunamis, and floods.
These natural events can cause immense destruction to infrastructure, loss of life, displacement,
and significant socio-economic impacts.
Question 3:
a) Describe the rock cycle and its significance in geology.
Answer:
The rock cycle illustrates the continuous processes by which rocks are formed, broken down,
changed, and reformed over time due to geological forces such as weathering, erosion, heat, and
pressure. It plays a crucial role in Earth's dynamic processes and the recycling of materials.
b) Explain the differences between weathering and erosion.
Answer:
Weathering: The breakdown of rocks into smaller particles by physical (e.g., freezing-thawing
cycles) or chemical (e.g., acid rain) processes.
Erosion: The transportation and removal of weathered materials by natural agents like water,
wind, ice, or gravity.
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