On the Surface
Which part of the Earth's surface is part of the "higher areas"?
The land (continents) are part of the higher areas.
*The lower areas are covered by water (seas and oceans).
Define the "coastline".
The coastline is where the land meets the sea.
____ is the area between two mountains.
A valley is the area between two mountains.
Is the bottom of the ocean flat?
No, the bottom of the ocean is not flat. It is a bit like the land.
Define tectonic plates.
Tectonic plates are smaller pieces of the Earth's crust that move very slowly.
From where do we measure altitude?
_____ is an area of land completely surrounded by water.
An island is an area of land completely surrounded by water.
Where might you find a plain?
*Bonus:
Define a plain.
You may find a plain close to the sea.
*Bonus:
Plains are low, flat areas.
Name TWO types of landforms under the ocean.
Examples:
- Ocean Ridges
- Continental Shelves
- Ocean Trenches
- Abyssal Plain
____ are the places where tectonic plates meet.
Plate boundaries or plate margins are the places where tectonic plates meet.
How do we show altitudes on a map?
Altitudes are shown on maps using colors or lines.
_____ is a narrow neck of land between two larger pieces of land.
An isthmus is a narrow neck of land between two larger pieces of land.
Can a basin (a low area of land) be found below sea level?
*Bonus:
What is another name for a basin?
Yes, a basin can be found below sea level.
*Bonus: A depression
Define ocean ridges.
Name TWO different dramatic changes or events that can take place when tectonic plates move.
Examples:
- Fold Mountains
- Faults
- Earthquakes
- Volcanoes
- Tsunamis
Which is bigger:
The Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean?
*Bonus*
Which is smaller:
Europe or Oceania?
The Pacific Ocean is bigger than the Atlantic Ocean.
*Oceania is smaller than Europe
_____ is almost like an island, BUT it is surrounded by water on all sides except one.
A peninsula is almost like an island, BUT it is surrounded by water on all sides except one.
What do we call a group of mountains?
A mountain range is a group of mountains.
If we call deep channels cut into the land on the surface Canyons, what do we call the same landform under the ocean?
Ocean trenches are deep channels in the bottom of the ocean, like canyons.
What is the difference between an "active volcano" and a "dormant volcano"?
Active volcanoes are ones that erupt quite often. If a volcano does not erupt for a long time, it is called a dormant volcano (dormant means sleeping).
What are the lines of altitude called that connect points with the same altitude?
The lines that connect points with the same altitude are called contour lines.
What are THREE types of landforms or things you may find at the beach.
Examples:
- bay (lard partly surrounding the sea)
- gulf (a large bay)
- sand
- pebbles (small rocks)
- cliff (steep wall of rock)
____ is a deep channel cut out by a river.
*Bonus:
The US has a very famous one of these. It is so big that it can be found in 3 different states. What is its name?
A canyon or gorge is a deep channel cut out by a river.
*Bonus: The Grand Canyon
On the surface of the Earth, Plains are found close to the sea (near sea level). Where do we find abyssal plains under the ocean?
*Bonus:
Can you give a range in meters where we may find an abyssal plain under the ocean?
Abyssal plains are usually very deep.
*Bonus: 3,000 - 6,000 meters below sea level.
What may happen if an earthquake or a volcanic eruption happen in or near the sea and displace sea water?
*Bonus:
Define this term.
A tsunami.
*Bonus: A tsunami is a series of enormous waves. They can be up to 40 meters high, and can cause a lot of damage to coastal areas.