GEOL 1250 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Uncertainty Principle, Earth Structure, Global Warming
Document Summary
Scientific understanding of the earth and other rocky planets with physics and chemistry (only valid system for physics of molecules) of earth. Statements of empirical observations that cannot be reduced to simpler observation. A theory that is rational, rigorous, testable, predictive,and quantitative framework that allows us to understand, measure, and produce how natural processes work. Must be testable: predict additional outcomes and observations. Theory is an organized and quantified statement of scientific fact. The constant acceleration of free falling bodies (galileo) Hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere fueled by the sun (external processes) The rate at which external; processes occur is governed by the intake of energy from the sun. Internal processes - fueled by internal heat. Volcanoes and mining (temperature increases with depth) Volcanoes are in specific locations of the earth where the molten layer is shallow - everything else is solid earth. Nonrenewable: regenerate slower than our xternal rates.