Earth’s Changing Surface
What are the three main types of rocks?
Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic
Name Earth’s three main layers.
Crust, Mantle, Core
What are the three main parts of the water cycle?
Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation
What is pollution?
The introduction of harmful substances into the environment
What layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?
Stratosphere
What process breaks down rocks into smaller pieces?
Weathering
What happens at a transform boundary?
Plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes
What instrument measures air pressure?
Barometer
What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources?
Renewable resources replenish naturally (e.g., solar energy); nonrenewable resources are limited (e.g., fossil fuels)
How does the water cycle help regulate Earth’s temperature?
Evaporation cools the surface, and condensation releases heat
What type of rock is formed from cooling magma?
Igneous rock
What is the driving force behind plate movement?
Convection currents in the mantle
How do ocean currents affect climate?
They distribute heat, affecting weather patterns and temperatures
How does urbanization affect the environment?
It increases pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction
What is the purpose of Earth’s magnetic field?
It protects Earth from solar radiation
What is the process of rock layers forming over time?
Sedimentation
What type of plate boundary causes mountain formation?
Convergent boundary
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is long-term trends
How does deforestation impact the carbon cycle?
It reduces the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide, increasing CO₂ levels in the atmosphere
What causes wind to form in the atmosphere?
Differences in air pressure due to uneven heating of Earth’s surface
How can fossils help scientists understand Earth’s history?
They show how life and environments have changed over time.
How do scientists use seismic waves to study Earth’s interior?
Seismic waves travel at different speeds through different materials, helping scientists understand Earth's layers.
How does the Coriolis Effect influence wind and ocean currents?
It causes winds and currents to curve due to Earth’s rotation.
What are three ways humans can reduce their impact on Earth?
Recycling, using renewable energy, and reducing water consumption.
How do solar storms affect Earth’s magnetic field and technology?
They can cause auroras, disrupt GPS, and damage power grids.