Rock Cycle
Geologic Processes
Timeline Tidbits
Plate Tectonics
Earth
100

These rocks are formed by erosion, deposition, and cementation.

Sedimentary Rocks

100

Widely distributed and lived for only a short period of time

What is an index fossil?

100

Name the units of geologic time from largest to smallest.

What is an eon, era, period, epoch?

100

Subduction zones are this type of plate boundary

What is convergent boundary

100

The division of Earth’s history into units of time based on the geologic changes in Earth’s crust and sudden changes in forms of life is called _____. A) relative dating B) the fossil record C) the geologic time scale D) the solar calendar year

What is C) the geologic time scale

200

The way things occurred in the past are likely the same way things occur today. (example: river flow downhill today so they probably flowed down hill in the past also)

Law of Uniformitarianism

200

_____ are the preserved remains or traces of plants or animals from Earth’s past. A) Traits B) Fossils C) Epochs D) Geologic columns

What is B) Fossils

200

Because of relative and radiometric dating methods, scientist determine the Earth to be how old?

4.6 billion years old

200

- The largest unit of geologic time is a(n) _______. A) era B) period C) epoch D) century

A. What is an era

200

The largest unit of geologic time is a(n) _______. A) era B) period C) epoch D) century

What is A) era

300

Igneous rocks or faults that “cut” into other rocks are the youngest.

Law of Cross-cutting relationships

300

Which of the following matches an event in the history of life with the correct geologic era? a. first mammals: Precambrian b. Appearance of humans: Mesozoic c. movement of plants and animals onto land: Paleozoic d. dominance of dinosaurs: Cenozoic

What is c. movement of plants and animals onto land: Paleozoic

300

Which of the following best describe the visible expressions of the relationships between the geologic forces acting to elevate the land surface and those wearing it away?

a. Plate tectonics

b. Folds

c. Topography

D. Fault

B. Folds

300

This type of plate boundary involves two plates moving apart from one another.

What is a divergent boundary?

300

This object measures the size and strength (magnitude) of an earthquake.

richter scale

400

What are the 3 types of plate boundaries?

Converging, diverging, transform-

400

The correct order of the major geologic periods of time from oldest to most recent is which of the following? A) Mesozoic, Paleozoic, Precambrian, Cenozoic B) Precambrian, Mesozoic, Paleozoic, Cenozoic C) Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic D) Paleozoic, Precambrian, Cenozoic, Mesozoic

What is C) Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, Cenozoic

400

The first wave to be felt in an earthquake

What is a P Wave

400

-What is not a major era in Earth's History?

a. Mesozoic

b. Holocene

c. Cenozoic

d. Paleozoic

b. Holocene  

400

What are the types of Earthquake/Seismic Waves?

Explain each type

1. Primary Waves- originates from focus-Fastest-travels through solid, liquid, gas

2. Secondary Wave- originates from focus-Arrives second-Travels through solid.

3. Surface Waves-originates from epicenter-slowest-most destructive

500

The person who proposed the theory of continental drift

Who is Alfered Wegener?

500

The division of Earth’s history into units of time based on the geologic changes in Earth’s crust and sudden changes in forms of life is called _____. A) relative dating B) the fossil record C) the geologic time scale D) the solar calendar year

What is C) the geologic time scale  

500

How are fossils formed? explain each step.

Step #1- Sediment-animal is buried by sediment -bones are protected from rotting by sediment

Step#2. Layers- More sediment covers animal-minerals, such as silica and oxygen slowly replace the calcium phosphate in the bones.

Step#3. Movement- tectonic plates or giant rocks lift up sediment-pushes fossil close to surface.

Step#4.  Erosion- from rain rivers, wind wears away remaining rock layer-eventually erosion or people dig up fossil.

500

These are the two types of crust found on earth and their densities and thicknesses?

What is continental crust (less dense, but thicker) and oceanic crust (more dense, but thinner)?

500

What are the 3 types of earthquake/seismic waves?  explain each.

P waves- Originates from focus- fastest 3 miles per sec- travels through solid, liquid, gas

S-waves- originates from focus- arrives second 1.5 miles per hr- travels through solids- side to side motion

Surface waves- originates from epicenter- slowest-most destructive- ground rolls up/down-side/side