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...
In the past two weeks, we have been studying the properties of the atmosphere and the different weather variables. This week we will begin constructing weather maps. We will also do a weather map project. The details are as follows: Project Due Date : Friday, February 18, 2011 Task: Your assignment is to construct a weather map, for a seven day period, across the United States. Criteria : You may select the weather for a seven day period of your choosing. The project must be illustrated on poster paper and may include a typed report. The project must include the following items: o Title of Assignment o Two weather maps that track the changes in weather for the seven day period (from either newspaper or internet). o Map must include a general description of the weather patterns, for example, a description of air masses likely to create fronts (cP, continental polar, mT, marine tropical, etc.). o Indicate on map where unstable weather is occurring across the nati...
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