Water is crucial to many geologic processes. Using the rock cycle as a guide, describe which geologic process would not happen if Earth were a waterless planet

What will be an ideal response?


• Some magmas would not form because water lowers their melting point so that melting can begin.
• Some forms of physical weathering, especially freeze/thaw processes, would not occur. Many forms of chemical weathering would not occur.
• Erosion involving water would not exist.
• There would be no clastic sedimentary rocks that were transported and deposited in water. Those that did exist would not have a cement that formed from an aqueous solution.
• There would be no chemical and biogenic sedimentary rocks.
• Hydrous minerals would not exist.
• Hydration and dehydration reactions would not occur during metamorphism. Many metamorphic reactions would slow down.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Indicate whether the statement is true or false

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About ________ % of the natural gas used by humans is derived from the seabed

a. 28 b. 50 c. 38 d. 75

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A(n) ____________________ is the location where land meets the sea; a(n) ____________________ is the same, in addition to the land both seaward and landward of it

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Societies from the ancient Greeks, ancient Romans, and ancient Chinese through to the present day have found nature to be morally attractive. Why?

a. The natural conscience is a realm distinct from the polluting influences of social interests and social power. b. The beauty of wild nature is inherently preferable to the polluting effects of city c. The goodness in nature serves as a correcting force on corrupt desires political power. d. Nature is without currency and thus foils the greed of monetary gain.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences