C2 1-8 Flashcards
The structure of the earth
- The crust
- The mantle
- The core
How do scientists study the structure of the earth?
Through seismic waves produced by earthquakes or explosions
What is the lithosphere?
The crust and the outer part of the mantle
What are tectonic plates?
The lithosphere is broken up into huge parts called tectonic plates. These float on top of the mantle because they are less dense.
How do earthquakes occur?
Earthquakes happen because of the movements of tectonic plates. Volcanic activity happens where the plates meet. Molten rock or magma gets to the surface through weak spots in the crust. The magma can rise through the crust because it is less dense than the crust.
What is the theory about plate tectonics?
The mantle is quite cold and rigid near the crust. Deeper down, the mantle becomes hotter and less rigid, and it flows slowly. Huge convection currents are set up. Hot material flows upwards, cools near the crust, then sinks again. These currents push the tectonic plates around the Earth.
What is subduction?
The oceanic plates are denser than the continental plates. If they collide with a continental plate, the cooler oceanic plate is pulled under the continental plate. The subducted oceanic plate partially melts and volcanoes can occur. It can create mountains too.
What was Alfred wegeners theory about continental drift?
He noticed that the shapes of the continents fitted together. He suggested that the continents were all once joined together, then gradually moved apart. Unfortunately, Wegener was unable to explain how continents could move.
Why did scientists believe Alfred wegeners theory later?
Scientists discovered convection currents in the mantle. They discovered evidence that tectonic plates were moving apart under the Atlantic Ocean, leading to sea-floor spreading, and they discovered subduction.
How is igneous rock formed?
When molten rock cools down, either underground or above ground, it solidifies to form igneous rock.
Why does igneous rock have different sized crystals?
The size of the crystals in an igneous rock depends upon the rate of cooling. The more slowly the molten rock cools, the larger the crystals become.
How are basalt and rhyolite different?
Basalt is iron-rich and forms from runny lava. This flows steadily and is regarded as relatively safe. Rhyolite is different. It is silica-rich and forms from thick lava. This explodes out of the volcano, producing lava bombs and volcanic ash.
How are metals, glass and bricks created?
aluminium and iron are metals extracted from metal ores. Bricks are made by baking clay, and glass is made by heating sand to very high temperatures.
What is a quarry?
a large but shallow hole in the ground, where large amounts of the desired rock can be found. Explosives are usually used to break up the rock so that it can be removed.
Why is limestone useful?
a lot of it is tough enough to be used as a construction material. Limestone can be cut into blocks, rather like large bricks, to make buildings. It can also be crushed to make aggregate. Aggregate is used as a firm base underneath railway lines, and as the foundation for roads before the tarmac is laid over the top.
