Nature of Science
The Geosphere
Plate Tectonics
Earth's Past
Human Impact
100
What is the variable that is changed on purpose in a scientific experiment called?
independent variable or test variable
100
What are the 4 main layers of the Earth from outermost to innermost?
1.Crust
2. Mantle
3.Outer Core
4. Inner Core
100
What are the 3 types of plate boundaries?
Convergent, divergent, transform
100
What method can be used to find the absolute age of a rock?
Radioactive dating
100
What is deforestation?
The removal of large areas of forests for human purposes.
200
What is the difference between repetition and replication?
repetition- conducting multiple trials of an experiment
replication- someone else conducting the same experiment
200
How are the mantle and crust different?
The mantle is thicker than the crust and made of hot, flowing rock, while the crust is thin and solid.
200
What is subduction?
Subduction is when one plate is forced beneath another plate at a convergent boundary.
200
How does the law of superposition help scientists determine the age of rocks?
The law of superposition states that the youngest layers of rocks are on the top and the oldest layers are on the bottom.
200
How can deforestation change the flow of water?
Removing trees from an area can increase runoff and flooding.
300
What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?
A scientific theory is a well-supported explanation of natural phenomena, while a scientific law describes observed patterns or relationships.
300
How does pressure, temperature, and density change with depth from the crust to the core?
Pressure, temperature, and density all increase with depth.
300
What is one example of a fast change on Earth's surface?
Possible answers:
Earthquakes
Landslides
Volcanic Eruptions
Erosion
300
What is the difference between relative age and absolute age of a rock?
Relative age tells us whether a rock is older or younger than other rocks, while absolute age tells us exactly how old it is.
300
What is the development of desert-like conditions due to human activity?
Desertification
400
What is the role of debate and confirmation in science?
Scientific knowledge improves when evidence is challenged and confirmed through repeated studies.
400
Compare the formation of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock.
Sedimentary rock forms on Earth's surface through weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation
Igneous rock form from cooling magma
Metamorphic rock form below Earth's surface due to heat and pressure
400
How is plate tectonics related to mountain building?
Mountains can form at convergent boundaries where two plates are pushed together.
400
What scientific theory proposed by Alfred Wegener states that Earth's continents were once joined as a single supercontinent named Pangaea before drifting apart over millions of years
Continental Drift
400
What is a consequence of urbanization?
Possible answers:
Habitat destruction
Increased CO2/greenhouse gases
Increased flooding
Air/water pollution
500
Explain both a benefit and a limitation of using scientific models.
Models allow scientists to test ideas too small, large, or dangerous to study directly, but they cannot represent all real-world details.
500
What force breaks down rocks at Earth's surface?
Weathering
Weathering breaks down rocks at Earth’s surface, which can form sediments that build new landforms like deltas.
500
How are convection currents related to plate tectonics?
Plate tectonics is powered by convection currents.
Heat deep within Earth causes hot, less dense material in the mantle to rise, while cooler, denser material sinks. This movement creates the force that moves Earth's plates!
500
What is one way that scientist's know Earth's continents have moved over time?
Examples:
The continents fit together like puzzle pieces.
Fossils of the same species can be found on continents that are no longer together
Evidence of seafloor spreading
500
How does erosion caused by humans impact the environment?
Increased erosion can lead to a decrease in soil quality, flooding, and increased sediment in runoff.