The rock cycle is a model of the natural changes that occur in rocks and rock materials on the earth. The diagram to the right distinguishes between those processes that take primarily at Earth's (external processes) and those that take place within the Earth (internal processes). Internal processes, such as compression and heating require the conditions of extreme temperature and pressure that occur deep within the Earth. The rock cycle illustrates several important principals of geology. First, nearly all rocks are made from the remains of other rocks (coal and other organic sedimentary rocks are important exceptions). Second, rocks are classified on the basis of their origin. Finally, there are a variety of ways that rocks can change in response to changing conditions at the surface or within Earth. Homework due Wednesday, April 6, 2011 Review Book: read pages 55-56; do questions 54-60 on pages 56-57, and questions 1-10 on pages 59-60.
As moon orbits Earth, the Sun always illuminates one-half of the moon surface. Viewed from Earth, the moon's phases are seen as different portions of the illuminated sphere. No other object in the night sky is as spectacular as Earth's moon. For almost all of recorded human history, the moon has inspired myths, songs, poems, and superstitions. Phases of the Moon The moon completes one revolution around the Earth in 27.3 days. During this orbit, the illuminated area of the moon increases and then decreases. This effect makes the moon appear to change shape. These phases (apparent changes in shape) of the moon are caused by the constant changes in relative positions of Earth, the Sun, and the moon. When the moon and the Sun are on the same side as the Earth, the moon's dark side faces Earth. At this time, the moon's illuminated side is not visible from Earth. This is the new moon phase. The above figure illustrates the way light and shadow on the orb...
Well, for those of us who live within the northern hemisphere, summer is long last here. This past weekend, on June 21, 2014, marked the official start of summer. This day is also known as the Summer Solstice. I am from New York but my wife and I had the most fortunate opportunity of spending this Summer Solstice in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach in Southern California . During the day we spent our time under the Sun along the pier in Huntington Beach. O ne of the main landmarks of Huntington Beach, also known as "Surf City, USA", the pier is the center of the city's prominent beach culture. I had breakfast at Ruby's Dinner at the pier's end. All the surfers were out on the water and there was volleyball competitions and live music along the beach. In the evening, we enjoyed our sunset along the waterfront of Newport Beach at the Rusty Pelican. It was truly a delightful Summer Solstice. However, besides spending great moments at the beach, and ...
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