The reason for the rocks that are present on the earth could not yield isotopic dates older than 4 billion years.
Answer to Problem 1RQ
The rocks on the earth could not yield isotopic dates older than 4 billion years because, they might have undergone melting or metamorphic
Explanation of Solution
The rocks present on the surface of the earth are classified into three types based on their mode of formation: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Isotopic dating is the process of finding the age of the rocks by using the isotopic minerals that are present in the rocks.
By the isotopic dating of meteorites, the age of the earth is calculated as 4.54 Ga. But, the oldest rock on the surface of the earth are dated only 4.0 Ga. This calculated time between 4.0 Ga-4.54 Ga is termed as Haden Eon. The rocks between this period left no mark in the history. The rocks are formed either by the cooling of magma and lava or by the erosion, deposition and compaction of sediments or by the chemical reactions that caused due to high temperature and pressure.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 11 Solutions
Essentials of Geology
- Provide examples to illustrate the effects of glacier and ice sheet melting on climate globally and regionally. Use words to illustrate any feedback mechanisms between melting ice sheets and the climate.arrow_forwardUse diagrams and word explanations to show how excess heat from the tropics is transferred to higher latitudes (discuss cells and ciruclations) . Additionally, show how the broadening of the Hadley Cell, caused by rising greenhouse gases, could affect surface climate in subtropical and mid-latitude regions.arrow_forwardExplain why the Earth is in not in radiative equilibriumarrow_forward
- Showing the energy flows into and out of Earth’s atmosphere with energy sketches. Clearly label each flow for what it represents, distinguishing between solar and terrestrial energy flows. Explain the diagrams in more detailsarrow_forward44) In periglacial environments, the layer of ground that thaws every summer and freezes every winter is called A) frost layer B) permafrost C) active layer D) discontinuous permafrostarrow_forwardUse the attached piezometer map to make your own, clean version of the map, and indicate the elevation of the water table at all piezometer locations. Draw equipotential lines (lines of equal water table elevation) using regular intervals – creating a contoured map of the water table. Determine the direction of groundwater flow based on the horizontal gradient. Label the areas of recharge and discharge directly on your map. Flow lines: Draw flow lines on your water table map. The lines should be at right angles to the equipotential lines and extend from the recharge area to the discharge area. Hydraulic Gradient, Specific Discharge (Darcy Flux), Average Linear Velocity: Using your water table map, estimate an average hydraulic gradient between two locations, call them locations A and B, one at the eastern-most and a second at the western-most extent of your dataset (note the north arrow on the map). Calculate the specific discharge, q, between the two locations. For this calculation…arrow_forward
- <task> Solve the task by identifying the type of grain found in the black-highlighted areas on the map and provide two factors influencing its distribution.</task> <instructions> <instruction>Analyze the map: First, carefully examine the highlighted areas on the map. Pay attention to the continents and regions where these areas are located. Try to identify the general climate zones in which these areas fall.</instruction> <instruction>Consider the types of grain: Think about different kinds of grains and their climatic and geographical preferences worldwide. What grains are cultivated in the highlighted regions?</instruction> <instruction>Use additional clues (if available): If you have supplementary images with various grains, compare their distribution with the map in the task. This could help narrow down the possibilities.</instruction> <instruction>Select the most likely grain: Based on the map analysis and…arrow_forward41) Alpine glaciers A) are the largest types of glaciers. B) conform to the shape of the landscape. C) cover large sections of continents. D) show no relationship with the underlying topography.arrow_forward39) Translatory waves A) are the types of waves located furthest away from the shore. B) are slowed down by friction with the bottom of the ocean. C) move water particles in perfectly circular orbits. D) do not interact with the bottom of the ocean.arrow_forward
- Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...Earth ScienceISBN:9780134746241Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. TasaPublisher:PEARSONExercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)Earth ScienceISBN:9780134041360Author:Greg CarbonePublisher:PEARSONEnvironmental ScienceEarth ScienceISBN:9781260153125Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham ProfessorPublisher:McGraw-Hill Education
- Earth Science (15th Edition)Earth ScienceISBN:9780134543536Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. TasaPublisher:PEARSONEnvironmental Science (MindTap Course List)Earth ScienceISBN:9781337569613Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott SpoolmanPublisher:Cengage LearningPhysical GeologyEarth ScienceISBN:9781259916823Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, LisaPublisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,