Who Created the World’s Oldest Writing System?

What is the name for a feature formed by the deposition of minerals from groundwater in caves?
What is the name for the branch of geology that deals with the study of groundwater?
What is the name of the force that moves the Earth's tectonic plates?
What is the name of the scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes?
Which ancient civilization developed the first known system of writing?
Which explorer is credited with circumnavigating Africa?
Which mountain range is located in North America?