Chapter 20 - Earth Vocabulary

Question 1

The study of planets by comparing the characteristics of different examples

Answer 1

Comparative planetology

Question 2

The layer of dense rock and metal oxides that lies between the molten core and Earth’s surface; also, similar layers in other planets.

Answer 2

mantle

Question 3

A mechanical vibration that travels through Earth; usually caused by an earthquake.

Answer 3

Seismic wave

Question 4

An instrument that records seismic waves

Answer 4

Seismograph

Question 5

In geophysics, a mechanical wave of compression and rarefaction that travels through Earth’s interior.

Answer 5

Pressure wave

Question 6

A mechanical wave that travels through Earth’s interior by the vibration of particles perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

Answer 6

Shear wave

Question 7

The separation of planetary material according to density.

Answer 7

Differentiation

Question 8

A material with the properties of a solid but capable of flowing under pressure.

Answer 8

Plastic

Question 9

The boundary between the undisturbed solar wind and the region being deflected around a planet or comet.

Answer 9

Bow shock

Question 10

The volume of space around a planet within which the motion of charged particles is dominated by the planetary magnetic field rather than the solar wind.

Answer 10

magnetosphere

Question 11

One of the radiation belts of high-energy particles trapped in Earth’s magnetosphere.

Answer 11

Van Allen Belts

Question 12

The constant destruction and renewal of Earth’s surface by the motion of sections of crust.

Answer 12

Plate tectonics

Question 13

In Earth’s atmosphere, a layer of oxygen ions lying 15 to 30 km high that protects the surface by absorbing ultraviolet radiation.

Answer 13

Ozone layers

Question 14

A region of a planetary crust where a tectonic plate slides downward.

Answer 14

Subduction zone