What are the layers of the earth? - ANSWERS15; Crust, mantle, outer core and inner core
What are the 3 major processes in Earths geologic cycle? - ANSWERSTectonic plates, rock cycle & soil formation
Define the theory of plate tectonics - ANSWERSThe theory that the lithosphere of the earth is ...
APES Unit 4 Study Guide Questions &
Answers
What are the layers of the earth? - ANSWERS15; Crust, mantle, outer core and inner
core
What are the 3 major processes in Earths geologic cycle? - ANSWERSTectonic plates,
rock cycle & soil formation
Define the theory of plate tectonics - ANSWERSThe theory that the lithosphere of the
earth is divided into plates, most of which are in constant motion
Explain the movement of divergent plate boundaries and give an example -
ANSWERSAn area beneath the ocean where tectonic plates move away from each
other. Ex: Seafloor spreading
Explain the movement of convergent plate boundaries and give an example -
ANSWERSAn area where plates move toward one another and collide. Ex: Subduction
or continental collision
Explain the movement of transform fault boundaries and give an example -
ANSWERSAre where two tectonic plates meet and slip and grind alongside one
another. Ex: Earthquake
Define volcano - ANSWERSA vent in the surface of earth that emits ash, gases, or
molten lava. (Occurs as a plate moves over a hot spot and heat from the mantle melts
the crust)
Define earthquake - ANSWERSThe sudden movement of earths crust caused by a
release of potential energy along a geologic fault and usually causing a vibration or
trembling at earths surface.
Define richter scale - ANSWERSA scale that measures the largest ground movement
that occurs during an earthquake
How many times greater is an earthquake with a magnitude of 8 than an earthquake
with a magnitude of 5? - ANSWERS8-5=3. Add 3 zeros. Put a 1 in front.
>1,000<
Explain the rock cycle - ANSWERSThe continuous formation and destruction of rock on
and below the surface of earth
, What are the 3 types of rocks and how are they formed? - ANSWERS1) Igneous rock-
formed from cooling magma
2) Sedimentary rock-Formed when dissolved minerals seep through sediment layers
and act as a kind of glue, crystallizing and binding sediment particles together. (MAJOR
SINK FOR PHOSPHORUS)
3) Metamorphic rock- Formed by great heat and/or pressure that reshapes crystals
within the rock and changes its appearance and physical properties
What is a mineral - ANSWERSA solid chemical substance with a uniform, often
crystalline, structure that forms under specific temperatures and pressures.
What is the difference between physical and chemical weathering? Give examples of
each - ANSWERS1)Physical weathering is the mechanical breakdown of rocks and
minerals. Ex: Wind or rain
2)Chemical weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals by chemical reactions,
the dissolving of chemical elements from rock, or both. Ex: Acid rain
Explain the formation of acid rain - ANSWERSSulfur is emitted into the atmosphere and
reacts with oxygen to create sulfur dioxide. It then turns into sulfuric acid which lowers
the pH of the rain.
Explain erosion - ANSWERSThe removal of material from one place and its transport to
another by the action of wind or water
In what ways do humans accelerate the rate of erosion? - ANSWERS1) Overcultivating
fields through poor planning or excessive tilling
2) Overgrazing rangeland with more livestock than the land can support
3) Clearing forests on steep slopes or with large clear cuts
Define soil - ANSWERSA complex plant supporting system consisting of disintegrated
rock, organic matter, air, water, nutrients, and microorganisms.
What are the 5 factors that determine the properties of soil? - ANSWERS1)Organisms:
plants and decomposers add organic matter to soil over time
2)Climate: soil forms faster in warm, wet climates (heat and moisture speed most
physical, chemical and biological processes)
3)Topography: hills and valleys affect exposure to sun, wind, and water, and they
influence how soil moves.
4)Parent Material: its attributes influence properties of the resulting soil
5)Time: soil formation can take decades, centuries or millennia
What are the soil horizons? - ANSWERSO horizon-organic (litter layer)
A horizon-topsoil
E horizon-eluviated (leaching layer)
B horizon-subsoil
C horizon-weathered parent material
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