Environmental Science

Activity #1
Name: Mike Joshua C. Tidalgo Course: BSREM

1. What is a geological time scale? What is its significance ?

According to Wikipedia, Geologic Time Scale (GTS) is a system of chronological dating that
classifies geological strata (stratigraphy) in time. It is used by geologists, paleontologists, and
other Earth scientists to describe the timing and relationships of events in geologic history. The time
scale was developed through the study of physical rock layers and relationships as well as the times
when different organisms appeared, evolved and became extinct through the study of fossilized
remains and imprints.

The tool is really significant because it is used to portray the History of the Earth. It describes the
age of rocks, fossils, and etc. It is also possible that we can predict the probable or possible changes
that is occurring in our planet and as well as a better understanding on the cause and effects of
current changes due to global warming and the shifting of our Teutonic Plates.

Why is it important to learn about the chronological events that took place on
Earth?
Knowing the Chronological events that took place on Earth is important because the exact order
in which events occur helps us understand the reason of why that event happen and what effect it
brought, and allowing us to see the bigger picture of History. We should always take note that a
better understanding of the past gives us the best hope of surviving in the future.

2. What is Plate Tectonics?

Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over
the mantle, the rocky inner layer above the core. The plates act like a hard and rigid shell compared
to Earth's mantle.

What are the types of Tectonic Movements?

 Divergent boundaries -- where new crust is generated as the plates pull away from each
other.
 Convergent boundaries -- where crust is destroyed as one plate dives under another.
 Transform boundaries -- where crust is neither produced nor destroyed as the plates slide
horizontally past each other.
 Plate boundary zones -- broad belts in which boundaries are not well defined and the effects
of plate interaction are unclear.

What are the Causes And Effects of movement of plate tectonics plate?

Plates at our planet’s surface move because of the intense heat in the Earth’s core that causes
molten rock in the mantle layer to move. It moves in a pattern called a convection cell that forms
when warm material rises, cools, and eventually sink down. As the cooled material sinks down, it is
warmed and rises again. Effects of the movements of the plates are the Faults that we see, the
valleys, and sometimes earthquakes.
 How do you relate earthquakes , volcanoes, mountain building, ocean ridges,
subduction to plate tectonics?

We can relate all of these things to plate tectonics because all of these items listed above are
results when plates move. When plate moves it could either collide, slide, or horizontally past each
other, thus resulting to land formations and sometimes earthquake.

3. What is an earthquake? What are the causes of earthquake?

Earthquake is a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great destruction,
as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action. Earthquakes are usually caused
when rock underground suddenly breaks along a fault. This sudden release of energy causes the
seismic waves that make the ground shake.

How do we measure Earthquake?

We measure earthquake by using the Richter Scale, named after Dr. Charles F. Richter of the
California Institute of Technology, is the best known scale for measuring the magnitude of
earthquakes.
Can we prevent earthquakes why/why not?
We cannot prevent natural earthquakes from happening because it a fortuitous event and we
cannot dictate the flow of nature.

Can we prevent damages caused by earthquake?

We can lessen their effects by identifying hazards, building safer structures, and providing
education on earthquake safety. By preparing for natural earthquakes we can also reduce the risk
from human induced earthquakes.

4. What are the Different Seasons of the Earth?

 Spring -seeds take root and vegetation begins to grow. The weather is warmer, and often wetter.
Melting snow from the previous season, along with increased rainfall.

 Summer- temperatures may increase to their hottest of the year.

Autumn- temperatures cool again. Plants may begin to grow dormant.  

Winter- brings a chill. Some areas may experience snow or ice, while others see only cold rain.

Why do we have different Seasons?

We have these different seasons largely due to factors surrounding the Earth's tilted axis as it
revolves around the sun.
5. Why do we need to know about geological time scale, plate tectonics,
earthquakes, and seasons in studying the environment?

We need to know all of these things for us to really understand the things that are happening
around us. If you do not have the knowledge of these things, then you would be ignorant of the things
that happened, that are happening, and to what will happen. Earth is the only place where we live
and it is so amazing to know that it has it own activities. Knowing these things gives us the ability to
see a bigger picture on how we see things that are occurring around us.