Earth's Layers & Seismic Waves
Plate Tectonics
Weathering, Erosion, & Deposition
Dating
Random
100
This topmost compositional layer of Earth is made mostly of least dense materials, like silicates.
crust
100
This type of plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other.
divergent boundary
100
This process breaks down rocks into smaller pieces.
weathering
100
In a section of undisturbed rock deposited in layers, where would one expect to find the oldest rock layer?
at the bottom
100
Name all of Earth's compositional layers.
crust, mantle, core
200
Why do S waves stop at depths of around 2900 km?
Because they are reaching the Earth's outer core, which is liquid, and S waves cannot move through liquids.
200
This landform is created at a divergent boundary on the ocean floor where new crust is formed.
mid-ocean ridge
200
This process involves the movement of sediment from one place to another by wind, water, ice, or gravity.
erosion
200
In order for a fossil to be considered an index fossil what two qualities must be true about it?
(1) It must have only existed for a relatively short amount of time.
(2) It must have been widespread.
200
This is the process by which, during the planet's formation, denser materials sank to the center of the Earth, and less dense materials rose to the surface.
planetary differentiation
300
This rigid middle mechanical layer of Earth shares its name with a layer of the Earth's atmosphere.
mesosphere
300
This type of plate boundary is responsible for the most powerful earthquakes, where plates slide past each other horizontally.
transform boundary
300
This process occurs when transported sediments are dropped and settle in a new location.
deposition
300
This type of dating involves assigning an exact age to rock samples.
absolute dating
300
Name two sources of heat from within the Earth.
(1) Radioactive decay
(2) Collisions during Earth's formation
(3) GPE turning into heat because of friction
400
Name all of Earth's mechanical layers in order from least dense to most dense.
lithosphere, asthenosphere, mesosphere, outer core, inner core
400
At this type of boundary, deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs are created.
convergent boundary
400
This type of stream feature forms when fast-moving water erodes the outer edge of a bend, while slower water deposits sediment on the inner edge.
a meander
400
Recite the lettered layers and features in order from oldest to youngest.
C B A D E
400
This is the name given to the mound of rocks and sediment carried down and deposited by a glacier; usually occurring at the end of, along the sides of, or between two glaciers.
moraine (terminal, lateral, medial)
500
Why do P waves slow down suddenly when they reach Earth's liquid outer core?
Because P wave speed depends on how stiff the material is, and liquids are not as stiff as solids.
500
As an oceanic tectonic plate moves over one of these stationary plumes of magma a chain of volcanic islands would be made in the ocean. If a continental plate were to move over one, a chain of volcanoes would be created.
hot spot
500
This glacial landform is a long, narrow ridge of sediment deposited beneath a glacier, often indicating the direction the glacier once moved.
esker
500
How does the age of a sample of igneous rock compare to the age of inclusions found within the sample?
The igneous rock is younger than the inclusions found within it.
500
What 3 processes are responsible for the movement of Earth's tectonic plates?
slap pull, ridge push, and convection currents in the mantle