earth Flashcards
Structure of earths core
Crust
Mantle
outer crust
inner crust
How are igneous rocks formed
Through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava
How are sedimentary rocks formed
Deposits of pre existing rocks or pieces of once living organisms
how do metamorphic rocks formed?
When rocks are subjected to high heat, high pressure
What is the rock cycle?
The rock cycle is a web of processes that outlines how each of the three major rock types form and break down based on different heat and pressure
what is superposition?
One of the principles of geology use to determine relative dating.
What is cross cutting?
Geologic feature which cuts another is younger then the feature being disrupted
What are inclusions?
When one rock formation contains pieces of another rock the included rock is older than the other rock.
What is relative dating
Relative dating estimates the time during which an organism lived
It compares the placement of fossils in layer of rock
What is radioactive dating
A method of dating rocks and minerals using radioactive isotopes
What is radio metric dating ?
Radiometric. dating uses decay of unstable isotopes
what do index fossils do?
Index fossils can provide the relative age of a rock layer
what are index fossils
Index fossils any animal or plant preserved in the rock record.
How do seismic waves provide evidence of earth interior crust?
The P wave can move through solids, liquids whereas S waves can only move through solids. This shows that if the S wave can move through it the core is solid.
when a rock cools faster what size are the crystals?
The crystals are smaller
What are intrusive rocks?
Igneous rocks that form from cooling magma under the earth. Usually have large crystals
What are extrusive rocks?
Igneous rocks that for from volcanic activity near the surface. Usually small crystals
Which type of rock is formed as a result of heat and pressure ?
Metamorphic
Can a metamorphic rock change into an igneous rock? how?
Yes a metamorphic rock melts fuel to extreme heat under the earths surface then cools
What are the main processes that form sedimentary rocks
Weathering and erosion
Deposition
Factors that affect soil formation
Parent material
Climate
Life
Topography
Time
What is physical weathering?
Erosion or wearing down of a rock
Water
Wind
What is chemical weathering of a rock
Dissolution - Water dissolves minerals into solution
What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?
A mineral is made up of one substance that would form crystals
Rocks are made up of minerals.
What are the mineral properties
Colour, Lustre , Streak, Hardness
what is a hydro sphere
All the water on the planet
what is a bio sphere
All the living things on the planet
What is atmosphere ?
The air on the planet
What is a geo sphere
The land
How do currents regulate climate and weather?
The ocean currents influence weather and climate by strong solar radiation, distributing heat and moisture around yhe globe
What is condensation?
When gas turns into liquids. Gas turns into clouds.
what is evaporation
process of turning liquid into gas
what is transpiration
The water from
leaves that go into the sky
what is precipitation
The water that falls from clouds back down to earth
what is infriltation
water that soaks into the ground from the surface
