SCIENCE 111 – Earth Science Reviewer
1. Weathering and Erosion
• Weathering is the process where rocks break down into smaller pieces. It can be
mechanical (physical breaking without changing composition) or chemical (changes the
rock’s composition).
• Erosion is the movement of weathered materials by agents like water, wind, ice, or gravity.
• Deposition is when eroded sediments settle in a new place.
Example: Which type of weathering involves the breakdown of rocks by chemical reactions?
Chemical Weathering – this happens when minerals in rocks react with substances like
water, oxygen, or acids.
2. Exogenic Processes
• Exogenic processes occur on or near Earth’s surface.
• These include: Weathering, Erosion, Deposition, and Mass Wasting (gravity-driven
downslope movement of rocks/soil).
Example: After a typhoon, a mountain village experienced a sudden downslope movement
of rocks and soil. Which exogenic process directly caused this event?
Mass Wasting – gravity caused loosened rocks and soil to move downhill.
3. Endogenic Processes
• Endogenic processes occur inside the Earth and include volcanism and tectonic
movements.
• Heat sources: primordial heat from Earth’s formation, radioactive decay, and compression
in the core.
• These processes form magma and cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Example: Which type of magma has the highest silica content?
Rhyolitic magma – high silica (65–75%) makes it very viscous and explosive.
4. Magma and Volcanic Eruptions
• Types of magma:
- Basaltic: low silica, fluid, causes quiet eruptions.
- Andesitic: medium silica, moderate eruptions.
- Rhyolitic: high silica, thick, explosive eruptions.
• Eruption style depends mainly on magma composition (especially silica and gas content).
Example: What is the primary factor that influences the style of volcanic eruption?
Magma composition – higher silica = explosive eruptions.
5. Earth’s Layers and Internal Structure
• Crust: thin, outermost layer.
• Mantle: thick, semi-solid layer where convection occurs.
• Outer Core: liquid iron and nickel, generates Earth’s magnetic field.
• Inner Core: solid iron-nickel due to extreme pressure.
• Scientists study Earth’s interior mainly using seismic waves.
Example: Which layer of the Earth is responsible for generating its magnetic field?
Outer Core – movement of liquid iron creates Earth’s magnetic field.
6. Applied Case Scenarios
• Acid Rain: Carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide mixes with water → carbonic/sulfuric acid
dissolves limestone (carbonation).
• Wind Erosion: Strong winds carry away fertile soil → desertification.
• Thermal Expansion: Rocks crack due to heating and cooling.
• Abrasion: Sediments in rivers polish rocks.
• Mass Wasting: Landslides after earthquakes or typhoons.
Example: A statue made of limestone in a polluted city is slowly dissolving. Which chemical
weathering process explains this?
Carbonation – carbon dioxide + rainwater forms carbonic acid that dissolves limestone.
7. Key Concepts
Be familiar with these important terms:
• Weathering – breakdown of rocks.
• Erosion – transport of sediments.
• Deposition – settling of sediments.
• Mass Wasting – downslope movement due to gravity.
• Magma – molten rock beneath Earth.
• Extrusive – volcanic rocks formed outside the Earth.
• Explosive – eruption type of high-silica magma.
Exogenic Process
Forces on or near Earth’s surface.
Weathering – breaks down rocks either mechanically (physical) or chemically.
Transports – erosion moves weathered materials from one place to another.
Deposition – sediments are laid down in new locations.
Mass Wasting – rocks and soil move downslope due to gravity.
Downslope – movement is directly under the influence of gravity.
These processes reshape Earth’s surface (valleys, beaches, sandbars, deltas) and form soil.
Endogenic Processes
Forces inside Earth that build and reshape land.
Within – these occur inside Earth.
Interior – Earth’s heat comes mainly from its interior.
Magma – molten rock formed when mantle rocks melt.
Explosive – high-silica magma causes violent eruptions.
Volcanic eruptions – along with earthquakes, these are major hazards.
Endogenic processes explain why the Earth is geologically active.