Planets
How many planets are in our solar system?
Originally 9, however we do not count Pluto - so 8.
What are the three types of boundaries?
Convergent, Divergent + Transform
How many layers make up Earth?
4 main layers: thin rocky Crust, thick hot Mantle, liquid Outer Core, solid Inner Core
What are the three categories of rock types?
The three types of rocks are: Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic
Abiotic vs. Biotic
Biotic factors are living factors in our environment, while Abiotic are the nonliving factors in our environment.
What does the Nebular Theory describe?
The Nebular Theory describes the formation of our solar system.
What is Subduction?
Subduction is when one tectonic plate slips under another plate, while the other plate rides up and over the slipping plate.
What percent of the Earth is covered in water?
71% of the Earth is covered in water.
Rocks change, due to what two types of weathering?
Physical and Chemical Weathering
Terrestrial vs. Jovian
Terrestrial planets are small, rocky, dense inner planets - while Jovian planets are the large, gaseous, less dense outer planets.
What are the three types of planets within our solar system?
Terrestrial, Jovian and Dwarf
What causes our plate tectonics to move?
Mantle Convention
Which country generates nearly 100% of its energy through geothermal and hydro reserves?
Iceland
What's the difference between magma and lava?
Magma is molten rock below the surface; lava is molten rock on the surface.
Convergent vs. Divergent vs. Transform
Convergent - come together
Divergent - divide away
Transform - slide past
What are the planets in the inner solar system, compared to those in the outer solar system?
Inner - Mercury, Venus, Earth + Mars
Outer - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus + Neptune
Where do most Earthquakes and Volcanoes happen?
Most Earthquakes and Volcanoes happen on fault lines.
Why is biodiversity important?
Answers will vary
What are intrusive vs. extrusive igneous rocks?
Intrusive (like granite) cool slowly underground with large crystals; extrusive (like pumice) cool quickly on the surface with small or no crystals.
Describe Mantle Convection
Mantle Convection is when heat from the Earth's core (from radioactive decay) heats mantle rock, causing it to become less dense and rise. As it nears the surface, it cools, becomes denser and sinks. This creates slow, circular currents under the crust causing plates to move above them.
What is the process of the Nebular Theory?
Step One: Giant cloud of dust swirling around due to gravity
Step Two: Flattens into a disk which forms the center of the solar system (Protostar aka The Sun)
Step Three: As spinning continues, dust stick together creating planetesimals
Step Four: Dust continues to spin and collide, creating protoplanets.
Step Five: Closer to the protostar, heat drives away lighter elements, leaving rocky inner planets; farther out, ices and gases form gas giants
Step Six: The central protostar ignites as nuclear fusion begins (becoming a star like our Sun), and its stellar wind blows away remaining light gases, leaving the finished planetary system
Name two examples of plate boundaries (real life)
Himalayans, The East African Rift, The Mid-Atlantic Ridge and The San Andreas Fault
Earth is the _____ biggest planet
Name how two of the three types of rocks are formed.
Chemical vs. Physical Weathering
Chemical examples include: oxidation, carbonation, hydrolysis and hydration
Physical examples include: frost wedging (freeze-thaw), exfoliation (pressure release), abrasion, thermal expansion, root wedging, and salt crystal growth.