Solid as a Rock
Breaking It Down
Go With the Flow
Atmosphere and Climate
100

This is the name given to molten rock once it breaks through the planet's crust and reaches Earth's surface.

Lava

100

While erosion actively transports rock fragments away, this process breaks rock down right in its place.

weathering

100

In a water-cycle model, this phase change is represented by an arrow moving from an open lake up into the atmosphere.

evaporation

100

Because it is much denser, a cold air mass will do this when it collides head-on with a warm air mass.

sink and push the warm air upward

200

Igneous rocks are uniquely formed through this two-step physical process.

Cooling and solidifying

200

Ice wedging is a classic example of this type of weathering, which physically shatters rock without changing its chemical makeup.

mechanical weathering

200

This is the specific biological process by which plants release water vapor directly into the air.

transpiration

200

Increasing cloud cover and a gradual rise in temperature typically signal that you are ahead of this type of weather boundary.

warm front

300

This geological term refers to minerals growing and locking into distinct geometric structures as melted rock cools.

crystalization

300

This specific term describes the vast amount of water that is stored and moves slowly through the cracks and soil beneath Earth's surface.

groundwater

300

This term describes the atmospheric process where water vapor cools down and turns back into liquid droplets to form clouds.

condensation

300

The unequal heating of Earth's surface is primarily caused by variations in how much solar radiation is received at different ones of these geographic lines.

latitudes

400

Because it undergoes slow cooling deep underground, intrusive igneous rock typically develops this physical feature.

large crystals

400

Acidic groundwater slowly dissolving underground limestone to carve out massive cave systems is an example of this process.

chemical weathering

400

To model water changing state from a liquid, to a gas, and back to a liquid, you would list these two cycle steps in order.

evaporation and condensation

400

Global wind patterns, such as the trade winds, are produced by a combination of unequal heating and this planetary spinning effect.

Coriolis effect

500

Fast cooling of lava at Earth's surface usually results in extrusive igneous rocks with tiny crystals or this texture.

glassy texture

500

This is the core concept of the rock cycle, proving that Earth's materials are never truly permanent.

rocks can continuously change into completely different rock types

500

These specific ocean currents influence coastal climates by keeping maritime temperatures significantly milder than inland areas.

warm currents

500

Unlike cold currents, these ocean currents originate near the equator and travel directly toward the planet's poles.

warm currents