XD3103 Planet Earth

Please answer all questions. Note that all questions carry equal weightage.

Part I

1   Explain how gravity causes a planet to orbit the sun.

2   Explain why the sun, earth and planets orbit and rotate in mostly the same plane and same direction.

3   What is the evidence that indicates the mantle is a mostly solid rock?

Why then is magma and lava molten?

4   Most planets should have a metallic core. True or False? What is a possible reason for a planet to not have a metallic core?

5   The recent (and controversial) discovery of phosphine on Venus was described as a possible sign of life. How can we tell that a planet might have life just by looking at its atmospheric composition?

Part II

6   What are the processes that lead to the formation of igneous rocks? Describe your answer with examples.

7   What are the main differences between continental and oceanic plates and why?

8   Describe the main type of sedimentary environment and their characteristic sediments, give examples.

9   What are the key processes involved in the formation of metamorphic rocks.? Explain your answer with examples

10 Describe the development of Bentong?Raub Suture Zone in the perspective of the tectonic evolution of the Malaysian Peninsula.