Earth's Layers
What is the outermost layer of Earth called?
Lithosphere (crust)
What type of boundary moves plates toward each other?
Convergent
What landform is created at divergent boundaries in oceans?
Mid-ocean ridge
What are the three main types of volcanoes?
Shield, composite (strato), cinder cone
What natural disaster occurs when plates suddenly slip?
Earthquake
Which layer behaves like “plastic rock” and has convection currents?
Mantle
How can volcanoes affect short-term weather?
Ash and gases can block sunlight and cool temperatures temporarily
What landform forms when plates pull apart on land?
Rift valley
Which volcano type has gentle slopes and flowing lava?
Shield
What is the point underground where an earthquake starts?
Focus
What are the two layers made mostly of iron?
Inner core and Outer core
What gas released by volcanoes can impact climate over time?
CO2
What forms at convergent boundaries where one plate subducts?
Trenches
Which volcano type is steep and explosive?
Composite volcano
What is the point on Earth’s surface directly above the focus?
Epicenter
What is the boundary between the crust and mantle called?
Moho
How do mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics affect climate?
They create rain shadows (wet on one side, dry on the other)
What landform is created by subduction zones in the ocean?
Volcanic island arc
Which volcano type is small and built from ash and rock fragments?
Cinder cone
Name two effects earthquakes can cause.
Landslides, tsunamis, surface damage
Why can’t scientists directly study the core?
It is too hot and deep
What drives plate movement?
Convection currents in the mantle
What type of mountains form when plates push together and bend?
Folded mountains
Where are most volcanoes found on Earth?
The ring of fire
What major geologic features are caused by plate movement?
Volcanoes, mountains, earthquakes