Earth's Layers
Name the three main layers of the Earth
Crust, Mantle, and Core
The theory of plate tectonics - pieces of earth’s lithosphere and upper mantle constantly move and are driven by convection currents in the mantle
Define a volcano, include the difference between active and dormant.
A volcano is any place where gas, ash, or melted rock come out of the ground
It can be a mountain or a small crack underground
Volcanoes can be active or dormant
Active: erupting, erupted recently, or showing signs of an eruption
Dormant: an eruption has not occurred in a long period of time
How are igneous rocks formed?
From the cooling of melted rock.
What are the two sections of the upper mantle? Are they a liquid or solid material?
Lithosphere - solid, also includes the crust
Asthenosphere - liquid
What are hot spots?
Hot spots - weak spots around the crust where magma flows to the surface
How are volcanoes formed?
When rock below the surface melts and makes its way to the surface through a vent.
How are sedimentary rocks formed?
Through the weathering and erosion of other rocks and other deceased animals/plants.
What happens to the heat and pressure as you move from the crust to the core?
As you move from the crust to the core, both pressure and temperature increases
What are the differences between a convergent, divergent, and transform boundary?
- convergent: when plates collide or smash together
- divergent: when plates move apart
- Transform: when plate side-slip past each other
What are the four types of volcanoes? Define them.
- Shield - a volcano with a broad base and sloping sides that experiences mild eruptions and is formed when layers of lava flow from the vent, harden, and slowly build up to form the cone
- Cinder cone: When ash and pieces of lava harden in the air and fall to the ground around a small vent. They can form a side vent on other volcanic mountains
- Composite: When alternating layers of hardened lava flows along with pyroclastic materials. These mountains are large and steep.
- Fissure: When eruptions cause giant cracks to form. They do not have a central opening and tend to form lava plateaus
How are metamorphic rocks formed?
Through intense heat and pressure of the other two types of rock.