Earth's Systems
This is the layer of Earth that includes the solid ground and rocks on which we live.
lithosphere
Mountains, plains, and plateaus are examples of these.
landforms
This process breaks rocks down through things such as water, plant roots, and temperature changes.
weathering
These are solid crystals that occur naturally, have a definite chemical composition, and can be extracted from rock.
minerals
A group of islands is called this.
archipelago
Scientists divide Earth into four physical systems. Name 2 of them.
(all 4 for +100 pts)
atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere
This type of landform is generally broad, flat, and especially useful for farming.
plains
This is the natural removal and movement of small pieces of rock or soil.
erosion
This mineral is the main ore from which aluminum is produced.
bauxite
This is a piece of land that juts out into water.
peninsula
This is the molten rock found beneath Earth's surface in the mantle.
magma
Many of Earth's mountains were created through these two processes.
faulting and folding
Of wind, glaciers, ocean waves, and running water, this is considered the most powerful force of erosion.
running water
These rich nutrients help farmers produce large quantities of food.
alluvium
This is a deep valley with steep sides that is usually carved by a river.
canyon
This theory says that Earth's surface is broken into pieces that move, collide, and pull apart.
plate tectonics
The Sierra Nevada range is an example of this type of mountain.
fault-block mountain
This type of erosion is especially strong in dry areas where there is little vegetation to hold soil in place.
wind erosion
The two major branches of agriculture are farming and this
animal husbandry
This is an artificial waterway usually connected to existing bodies of water.
canal
When two pieces of Earth's crust move in different directions along a deep crack, the crack is called this.
a fault
These mountains were formed as Earth's crust was pushed, folded, or broken because of forces within Earth.
tectonic mountains
(fault-block/fold mountains also fine)
A huge mass of moving ice can slowly carve valleys and reshape the land. What is this process called?
glaciation
Growing large cash crops specifically for profit is known as this type of farming.
commercial farming
This narrow strip of land has water on two sides and connects two larger areas of land.
isthmus