Definitions
Define plate tectonics
the theory that describes how Earth’s outer layer is made up of moving plates
This earth subsystem is comprised of all of Earth's water
Hydrosphere
What drives the transfer of matter between subsystems?
energy from sun and Earth's interior
Please classify the following as small-scale, medium-scale, or large-scale
A plant dies and decays, and its nutrients become part of the soil.
Small Scale
Describe transform plate movement
plates sliding horizontally past each other
Define tectonic plates
large moving pieces that make up Earth’s surface
This earth subsystem is comprised of all the rocky solid parts of earth
Geosphere
Give an example of a quick change to earth’s surface.
landslide, rockslide, erosion from flood
Please classify the following as small-scale, medium-scale, or large-scale
Gravity causes a rock structure on a beach to collapse into the ocean.
Medium Scale
Describe convergent plate movement
plates moving toward each other
Define convection current
the slow cycling of Earth’s interior material due to temperature and density differences
This earth subsystem is comprised of the layers of gas surrounding earth
Atmosphere
Give an example of a slow change to earth’s surface.
Please classify the following as small-scale, medium-scale, or large-scale
Water and ice weather and erode rock
Small Scale
Describe divergent plate movement
plates moving away from each other
Define earth system
all the matter, energy, and processes within the boundary from Earth’s core to the outer edge of the atmosphere
This subsystem is comprised of all of the living things on Earth including where they live
Biosphere
Why is the Yellowstone Caldera important today?
geysers and hot springs have formed
Please classify the following as small-scale, medium-scale, or large-scale
Heavy rainfall causes a landslide.
Medium Scale
When the sea floor is spreading, where can you find the oldest rock?
near the trench area
Define caldera
an emptied magma chamber where the domed earth's crust has collapsed
Barringer Meteorite Crater is an example of which two primary subsystems interacting with each other?
Geosphere and Atmosphere
How do deltas form
Erosion and deposition of sediment at a mouth of river over time in a triangle shape.
Please classify the following as small-scale, medium-scale, or large-scale
Volcanic eruptions at a mid-ocean ridge create new seafloor.
Large Scale
When the sea floor is spreading, where can you find the youngest rock?
near mid ocean ridge/rift valley