Earth’s Structure
Starting from the inner layer, what is the correct order of Earth’s layers?
Inner core, outer core, mantle, crust
What are the three types of rocks?
Igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic
What is the theory of plate tectonics?
Earth's lithosphere is divided into plates that move on the asthenosphere
What process adds most of the oxygen to Earth’s atmosphere?
Photosynthesis
What scientist studies ocean currents and the seafloor?
Oceanographer
What element is most abundant in Earth’s crust?
Oxygen
What process forms igneous rocks?
Cooling and solidification of magma or lava
What is created at divergent boundaries?
New crust, mid-ocean ridges
What are the layers of the atmosphere in order?
Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
What is thermohaline circulation?
Deep ocean currents driven by differences in temperature and salinity
What are the two parts of Earth's core and how are they different?
Inner core (solid), outer core (liquid)
What type of rock is most likely to contain fossils?
Sedimentary
What is subduction?
When one tectonic plate is forced under another
What is the main cause of wind?
Uneven heating of Earth's surface by the sun
What are the three main states of water and how does it cycle between them?
Solid, liquid, gas; changes via melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation
What is an ore and why is it valuable?
A naturally occurring mineral from which metals can be profitably extracted
What does radiometric dating measure?
The age of rocks using decay of radioactive isotopes
Why is plate tectonics more accepted than continental drift?
It explains movement mechanisms and includes seafloor spreading evidence
How can two nearby areas have different climates?
Differences in elevation, ocean currents, or geographic features
What causes tides on Earth?
Gravitational pull of the moon (and sun)
Name three mineral resources found in Earth’s crust and one use for each.
Answers will vary: e.g., iron (construction), copper (wiring), bauxite (aluminum)
What are two key differences between absolute and relative dating?
Absolute gives a numerical age; relative compares ages based on rock layers
How do fault-block mountains form?
From the movement of large crust blocks along faults (tilted or lifted)
What is the greenhouse effect and why is it necessary?
Traps heat to maintain Earth's temperature; without it, Earth would be too cold
How do human actions impact the ocean?
Pollution, overfishing, climate change, habitat destruction