GeologyThe Study of the Structure of the Earth

Niels Stenson is the founder of Geology.

The Moon• Has no atmosphere- no

wind, no sound, no clouds or weather

• Temperatures are either really hot or really cold

• Surface has smooth plains, jagged mountains, and craters

• Does not produce own light, but reflects the light of the sun

Phases of the Moon• As the moon orbits

the earth, we see different amounts of light reflected

• These changes are called phases

• The basic phases are New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Last Quarter

Eclipses

When the moon passes between the earth and the sun, we may have a solar eclipse.

When the earth passes between the sun and the moon, we may have a lunar eclipse.

Telescopes• A refracting telescope uses

lenses• A reflecting telescope uses

mirrors• The air above the earth

makes the stars seem to twinkle

• To get a clearer picture of the stars & planets NASA placed the Hubble Space Telescope in orbit around the earth

Exploration of Space• Scientists use rockets to put

objects in space• Satellites carried by rockets

either orbit the earth or travel to other planets

• John Glenn was the 1st American to orbit the earth in a Mercury Spacecraft

• Neil Armstrong & Edwin Aldrin were the 1st men to land on the moon

• The space shuttle Columbia was the 1st reusable spacecraft

Inside the Earth

PetrologyThe Study of Rocks

Igneous Rock Formed by fire, possibly volcanoes

Sedimentary Rock

Formed by material that has been deposited by water (small pieces “glued” together)

Metamorphic Rock

Formed when rocks are changed by heat & pressure

Origin of the Earth

• Constructive Forces: tend to build up land areas (Earthquakes & Volcanoes)

• Destructive Forces: tend to wear down land areas (Eroding action of running water & waves)

Earthquakes

• Pressure can cause Earth’s crust to crack or break causing a fault line

• Sometimes the rock on either side moves to ease pressure

• Sudden moving can cause a shaking of the earth called an earthquake

Volcanoes

Active Still erupts or has recently erupted

Dormant (Sleeping) Not erupted in some time, but shows some signs of activity

Extinct Not erupted in a long time & shows no signs of erupting