GEOL 1021: Assignment #1

GEOL 1021: Assignment #1                                              Fall 2013

Answer all the following Questions

1. The length of recorded history for humankind is about 5000 years.  Clearly, most people view this span as being very long. How does it compare to the length of geologic time? Calculate the percentage or fraction of geologic time that is represented by recorded history. To make calculations easier, round the age of Earth to the nearest billion.              5 marks

2. After entering a dark room, you turn on a wall switch, but the light does not come on. Suggest at least three hypotheses that might explain this observation. Once you have formulated your hypotheses what is the next logical step?                10

3. How is the Earth’s inner core different from its outer core?                      5

4. The Earth is considered a dynamic planet, compared to the Moon or Mercury. Why?     10

5. The moon has virtually no magnetosphere. Why? 10

6.  Explain how the principle of uniformitarianism allows for catastrophic events.  8

7. The concentric layer that makes up most of Earth’s volume— is it?                      2

A. the inner core         B. outer core   C. mantle         D. Asthenosphere       E. crust

Note:

·         Read all questions carefully

·         Answers must be type-written

·         You require a cover page. The cover page should have the following: course code and assignment number, name of student (s), and date of submission.

·         Use the class notes, textbook, and any other referenced source to answer the questions. (Some of your answers may come from critical analyses more than direct answers from a source.)

·         You may work in groups. The maximum number of students in a group is three. You may elect to work alone.

·         This assignment is due by the close of Friday, October 18, 2013.

·         Use the assignment drop box.

·         Assignments submitted after midnight, Friday, October 18, will not be accepted (without prior permission from the instructor).

·        This is not an essay assignment.

Total Marks: 50