Geology Flashcard

Front

What process contributed to the formation of Earth's early atmosphere?

Back

Outgassing is the process where gases trapped in the Earth's interior are released into the atmosphere, contributing to its formation.

Front

What is the LARGEST division of geologic time?

Back

Eon is the largest division of geologic time, encompassing billions of years.

Front

Describe a cast fossil.

Back

A cast fossil is a solid copy of the shape of an organism, formed when minerals fill in a mold left by the organism.

Front

What is the significance of location D in geological formations?

Back

Location D represents the most recently formed rock unit in a given geological context.

Front

What era is marked by the largest extinction event in Earth's history?

Back

The Paleozoic era is marked by the largest extinction event, known as the Permian-Triassic extinction.

Front

Define photosynthesis in the context of geology.

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll, contributing to the oxygenation of the atmosphere.

Front

What is the law of superposition?

Back

The law of superposition states that in undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

What is a mold fossil?

Back

A mold fossil is a hollow area in sediment that shows the shape of an organism or part of an organism.

Front

Explain the difference between an era and a period in geologic time.

Back

An era is a larger division of geologic time than a period; periods are subdivisions of eras.

Front

What is the significance of the Cenozoic era?

Back

The Cenozoic era is known as the 'Age of Mammals' and is characterized by the dominance of mammals and birds.