GEOL 1030 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Conchoidal Fracture, Rings Of Saturn, Hydrosphere
Document Summary
Scientific inquiry: science assumes that the natural world is consistent and. Goal of science: discover patterns in nature, use knowledge to predict. Scientific knowledge is gained through these steps. Paradigm- a theory that explains a large number of interrelated aspects of the natural world. Nebular hypothesis: solar system evolved from an enormous rotating cloud called the solar nebula. This nebula was composed mostly of hydrogen and helium. Origin of the solar system: nebular hypothesis continued . About 5 billion years ago the nebula began to contract. Assumes a flat, disk shape with the protosun (pre-sun) at the center. Larger outer planets began forming from fragments with a high percentage of ices. Mercury- looks like moon, has no atmosphere, the way it rotates, the same side is always pointed at sun. Venus- very thick atmosphere has very toxic environment, has active volcanoes.
