Earth's Structure
How is the Earth like an onion?
It has multiple layers
What is Continental Drift?
The idea that continents move over time
Explain what the Plate Tectonic Model is
The theory that Earth's lithosphere is divided into plates that move
What are the three types of rock?
Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic
What is a cycle?
Events repeated in the same order
What are the 3 compositional layers of the Earth?
Crust, Mantle, Core
Who proposed the idea of Continental Drift?
Alfred Wegener
What does a Divergent Boundary look like?
Plates move apart, forming mid-ocean ridges or rift valleys
What are the agents of change in the rock cycle?
heat, pressure, cooling, weathering, erosion, compaction, cementation
What is the Ring of Fire?
A major area in the Pacific Ocean with many earthquakes and volcanoes
What are the 5 mechanical layers of the Earth?
Lithosphere, Asthenosphere, Mesosphere, Outer Core, Inner Core
What are pieces of evidence that back up Continental Drift?
Convection currents in the mantle drive plate movement
What does a Convergent Boundary look like?
Plates collide, forming mountains or subduction zones
How are igneous rocks formed?
Cooling and solidification of magma/lava
How is silly putty like the Earth's mantle?
Both can behave as a solid, but flow slowly when under pressure
What do a lava lamp and the Mantle of the Earth have in common?
Both show convection currents
What does convection have to do with Continental Drift?
Convection currents in the mantle drive plate movement
What does a Transform Boundary look like?
Plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes
How are sedimentary rocks formed?
Compaction and cementation of sediments
What are hotspots and how do they create islands?
Stationary magma sources create volcanic island chains
How do scientists learn about the Earth's interior?
Seismic waves, drilling, and studying meteorites
How did the theory of Continental Drift lead to the development of Plate Tectonics?
It laid the foundation by suggesting continents move
What causes tectonic plates to move?
Convection currents in the mantle
How are metamorphic rocks formed?
Heat and pressure changing existing rocks
How do scientists use fossils to understand Earth's history?
Fossils show past environments, climate, and life forms