Geology 1 (The Science of Geology)

Geology

The science that pursues an understanding of planet Earth, including its materials, processes, and history.

Physical Geology

A branch of geology that examines the materials comprising Earth and seeks to understand the processes that operate beneath and on its surface.

Historical Geology

A branch of geology that seeks an understanding of the origin of Earth and its development through time.

Catastrophism

A geological paradigm that states catastrophes are responsible for Earth's creation and features.

Uniformitarianism

A geological paradigm that assumes the laws of physics and processes observed today have remained constant over geological time.

Geologic Time

The vast periods during which geological processes occur, often extending into millions or billions of years.

Nebular Theory

The theory that the solar system formed from an enormous rotating cloud of gas and dust, known as the solar nebula.

Crust

The outermost layer of Earth, characterized by low density and solid rocks.

Mantle

The layer of Earth beneath the crust, composed of semi-solid rock that flows slowly.

Core

The innermost layer of Earth, primarily made up of iron and nickel, and is responsible for Earth's magnetic field.