Minerals, Rocks, and the Earth's Structure
Minerals can be formed through the cooling of __________
Magma!
What is ore?
Ore is a mineral that contains a useful substance, like iron.
What is the plastic-like layer of the mantle called? And the crust and uppermost solid mantle?
The Asthenosphere.
What are ocean waves caused by earthquakes?
Tsunamis
Minerals have ________ structures.
Crystal
Metamorphic rock is formed by _________ and __________
Pressure, heat
And the crust and uppermost solid mantle?
The Lithosphere.
What is the name of a theory that explains underwater ridges and the age of seafloor rocks?
Seafloor spreading
Cooling magma forms __________ rocks.
Igneous
Strata are layers of sedimentary rock. Scientists can approximate the age of strata based on their position in relation to each other. (older layers on the bottom)
Rocks farther from ocean ridges are __________ than closer rocks
What kind of evidence do we have for Wegener's Pangaea theory?
Fossil evidence!
Through heat and pressure, which melts sedimentary rock until it becomes metamorphic rock!
The iron and nickel that comprise the inner and outer core are _______ in the inner core, but __________ in the outer core.
Super dense solids in the inner, liquid in the outer! yum yum
What do you call the spot on the surface nearest where an earthquake begins?
And what do you call the source of a seismic wave?
The epicenter!
The hypocenter! (also known as the "focus")
Is bituminous coal a mineral? Is ice a mineral? Why or why not?
Coal isn't -- it's comprised of organic matter! Yes, you can consider ice a mineral if it's naturally occurring. Weird, huh?
List the different properties used to characterize minerals.
1. Color
2. streak
3. luster
4. cleavage/fracture
5. hardness
6. specific gravity
Name the layers of the earth from the innermost layer to the outermost!
Inner core ------> Outer core -----> Mantle -----> Crust!
When oceanic and continental plates collide, what is the result?
Oceanic plates will slide under continental plates because oceanic plates are more dense. This is called subduction. Magma is created in the subduction zone around the sinking plate. When this magma rises to the surface, it creates a volcano. BOOM
Could you just summarize the theory of Plate Tectonics? Thanks.
The theory of plate tectonics states that the Earth's solid outer crust, the lithosphere, is separated into plates that move over the asthenosphere, the molten upper portion of the mantle. Oceanic and continental plates come together, spread apart, and interact at boundaries all over the planet.