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Questions for Thought
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1

What is the principle of uniformity? What are the underlying assumptions of this principle?
2

Describe the responses of rock layers to increasing compressional stress when it (a) increases slowly on deeply buried, warm layers, (b) increases slowly on cold rock layers, and (c) is applied quickly to rock layers of any temperature.
3

Describe the difference between a syncline and an anticline, using sketches as necessary.
4

What does the presence of folded sedimentary rock layers mean about the geologic history of an area?
5

Describe the conditions that would lead to faulting as opposed to folding of rock layers.
6

How would plate tectonics explain the occurrence of normal faulting? Reverse faulting?
7

What is an earthquake? What produces an earthquake?
8

Where would the theory of plate tectonics predict that earthquakes would occur?
9

Describe how the location of an earthquake is identified by a seismic recording station.
10

Briefly explain how and where folded mountains form and how fault block mountains form.
11

The magnitude of an earthquake is measured on the Richter scale. What does each higher number mean about an earthquake?
12

Identify three areas of probable volcanic activity today in the United States. Explain your reasoning for selecting these three areas.
13

Discuss the basic source of energy that produces the earthquakes in southern California.
14

Describe any possible relationships between volcanic activity and changes in the weather.
15

What is the source of magma that forms volcanoes? Explain how the magma is generated.
16

Describe how the nature of the lava produced results in the three major classification types of volcanoes.
17

What are mountains? Why do they tend to form in long, thin belts?







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