Chapter 1: The Earth's Structure

Question 1

Describe Oceanic Crust

Answer 1

Thin + Heavy
Topped by a thin blanket of clays + shells (sedimentary rocks)
Beneath blanket: igneous rocks such as Basalt
Rocks often referred to as Sima
6-10km thick

Question 2

Describe Continental Crust

Answer 2

Thick + Light
Made of younger rocks such as Granite
Most abundant materials: Silica + Aluminium
Rocks referred to as Sial
30-60km thick

Question 3

What is the Continental Shelf

Answer 3

The submerged area of the Continental Crust

Question 4

What is the Lithosphere

Answer 4

The Crust and upper section of the Mantle
Solid outer part of the earth
About 100km thick
Rocks here can bend but cannot flow

Question 5

What is the Asthenosphere

Answer 5

The section of the mantle just below the Lithosphere

Rocks here are partially melted so the plates on the Crust can slide on it

Question 6

What is the Moho Line

Answer 6

The boundary between the Crust and the Mantle

Question 7

What are Endogenic Forces

Answer 7

Internal forces
They occur inside the earth
EXAMPLE: Moving Magma

Question 8

What are Exogenic Forces

Answer 8

External forces
They occur on the surface of the earth
EXAMPLE: Denudation (weathering + erosion)