Earth Layers
What do scientists call the crust and the uppermost mantle?
the Lithosphere
What happens during a transform boundary?
Theory or Law:
Evolution is what? Gravity is what?
Evolution = Theory
Gravity = Law
What is an igneous rock?
Rocks that are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock, either magma or lava.
What type of boundary caused the Andes Mountain Range?
Continental and Oceanic Converging Boundaries
What is the significance of the Earth's layers in understanding its geological history?
They provide clues about the formation and changes of the Earth over time.
What geological features can form at divergent boundaries?
rift valleys and mid-ocean ridges
What evidence is known to help support the theory of plate tectonics?
Similar fossils are found on different continents
What is this: younger layers of rock are found above older layers which are at the bottom.
the Law of Superposition
What is a direct result of human impact due to deforestation?
Increased Erosion
What is the primary cause of tectonic plate movement?
Heat flow due to convection currents
What process transports heat and materials, driving plate movement within the Earth?
Convection Currents
What is the main difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?
The main difference is that a scientific theory explains why phenomena occur, while a scientific law describes what happens under certain conditions.
What is the difference between weathering and erosion?
Weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals, while erosion is the movement of those broken down rocks and minerals.
How does deforestation affect soil erosion?
Removing trees that anchor the soil, making it more susceptible to being washed or blown away.
Which layer of the Earth is primarily composed of solid iron and nickle?
Inner Core
What happens when an oceanic plate meets a continental plate?
The denser oceanic plate subducts under the continental plate. This can lead to volcanic activity and the formation of mountain ranges.
Why can scientific theories change but not scientific laws?
Scientific theories are based on interpretation of evidence and can be revised with new data. While scientific laws are established facts.
What process uses radioactive isotopes to determine the age of the Earth?
Radioactive Dating
How does heat flow within the Earth affect geological processes?
It drives the movement of tectonic plates
The lithosphere is solid and cooler than the mantle, which is semi-fluid and allows for convection currents.
Describe how plate tectonics can lead to the formation of mountains?
Plates colliding and pushing the crust upwards.
Why does the theory of plate tectonics fit the definition of a scientific theory?
Sedimentary Rock
What does subduction mean?