the theory that explains that the Earth's surface is made up of separate, rigid plates that move slowly across the mantle
plate tectonics
100
What would cool down faster at night: a desert or a swamp?
Extra points: WHY?
desert; it has very little water and water cools more slowly than land.
100
How were the mountains of California's Cascade Range formed?
by volcanic activity
200
a long period without rain, or with very little rain
drought
200
when one tectonic plate sinks under another underwater, the process creates this.
ocean trench
200
Why is it cooler near the coastline (ocean) than living more inland?
Water heats up slower than land, so that the temperature would not increase as rapidly as land. Land will absorb heat quicker and the temperature will increase just as fast.
200
What is the Ring of Fire?
a zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that encircles the Pacific Basin
300
What is convection?
It is when air flows in a loop caused by differences in temperature and pressure.
300
What is a fault?
plate movements that break in the rocks of the lithosphere
300
How does evaporation and condensation relate to heat?
Condensation releases heat so that condensation in the air warms the air. Evaporation is the opposite; it absorbs the heat.
300
What are the 3 different collisions for plate tectonics? What do they form?
1. two oceanic plates collide to form volcanic islands
2. one oceanic and one continental plate collide to form ocean trenches
3. two continental plates collide to form mountain ranges
400
What is a cyclone?
a storm with a low pressure closure that causes a circular pattern of winds
400
What causes seismic waves?
they can be caused by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
400
What variables can change air pressure?
altitude, volume, temperature, amount of water vapor
400
How do researchers find an earthquake's epicenter? Describe what they do.
Triangulation - There are 3 centers that take a range of where the earthquake was felt. Wherever the three ranges meet is the epicenter.
500
What is a monsoon?
intense seasonal winds that bring lots of rain and floods
500
What were the first rocks to form and begin the rock cycle?
igneous rocks
500
What natural events affect climate?
Changes in ocean temperature (El Nino) and volcanic eruptions
500
What are the 3 main types of volcanoes? Describe each of them.
1. cinder cone - small and steep formed from small rock particles
2. shield - has broad, gently sloping sides formed from layers of lava rocks
3. composite - formed from layers of volcanic debris and lava