The Accurate Prediction of the Time and Position of a Total

question 63

Multiple Choice

The accurate prediction of the time and position of a total solar eclipse is

• A) difficult because of the varying distances of Earth from the Sun and the Moon from Earth in their elliptical orbits.
• B) not easy because of inaccurate knowledge of the rotation of Earth on its axis and of the revolution of Earth in its orbit.
• C) difficult because the Moon's motion is unpredictable, since it is affected in a major way by the tidal ebb and flow of water on Earth.
• D) relatively easy since the motions of Earth and Moon in space are predictable and accurately known.

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Definitions:

Organic-rich Black Shale

Sedimentary rocks that contain high amounts of organic matter, typically appearing dark in color, and are potentially sources of fossil fuels.

Silica-rich Creatures

Marine organisms that have skeletons made primarily of silica, such as diatoms and certain types of sponges.

Gradational Boundaries

Transition zones where different geological formations or ecosystems meet and blend without a clear-cut separation.

Sedimentary Rock

Rock formed by the deposition of material at the Earth's surface and within bodies of water, characterized by distinct layers.