Glossary of Terms: Q

Quantitative Revolution

Time in the history (after 1950) of physical geography when measurement became the central focus of research. This measurement was used primarily for hypothesis testing. With measurement came mapping, models, statistics, and mathematics. Researchers began investigating process rather than mere description of the environment.

 

Quarrying

See plucking.

 

Quartz

Mineral with the chemical formula SiO₂. Quartz is common in continental crust but rare in oceanic crust.

 

Quartzite

Metamorphic rock rich in quartz created by the recrystallization of sandstone.

 

Quaternary

Geologic period that occurred roughly 1.6 million years ago to today. During much of this period continental glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere covered large regions of land surface in the high and mid-latitudes. Homo sapiens appear about 200,000 years BP (before present) and become the first species to alter the Earth's environment on a large-scale.

 

 

Citation: Pidwirny, M. (2006). "Glossary of Terms: Q". Fundamentals of Physical Geography, 2nd Edition. Date Viewed. http://www.physicalgeography.net/physgeoglos/q.html