Earth Materials, Geologic Time, and Geologic Processes - Investigations in Environmental Geology - page 18

QUESTIONS 1, PART D
1. Figure 1.3 identifies many components of the geosystem,
but does not show linkages between all of them. Sketch on
this figure links that you think might exist between various
geosystem components. If you are uncertain, it may help to
refer to your text. Add to your links a few key words that
explain why you think a particular link exists. Add soils to
the diagram, and indicate important links in their formation
and erosion.

7. What benefits for humans might accompany global
warming?

The following questions refer to Figure 1.4.
8. If you can run a four-minute mile (only slightly slower
than the world record pace), which geologic processes will
be able to catch you? (Hint: Use the conversion factors given
in Appendix 1 and refer, if needed, to exercise 3 for a discus-
sion of unit conversion.)

2. Is the Earth a closed system? Explain.

9. If you are driving a car at 65 miles per hour, which geo-
logic processes will be able to catch you?

3. According to this figure, what is the net annual gain in the
mass of the Earth?

10. If fingernails typically grow at a rate of about 15 mm per
year, what geologic processes are occurring at the same rate?

4. List the processes acting on or flowing through the surface
of the Earth.

11. Soil profiles are about one meter thick in many parts of the
world. How long, at an average rate of erosion, will it be before
all the soil is removed (assuming that it is not replenished)?

5. What two energy sources drive the hydrologic cycle?

6. What are the "greenhouse gases" and what do they do?

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