Energy Flashcards
Lithosphere
the outermost layer of the Earth, includes the crust and uppermost part of the mantle
Magma
a very hot mixture of molten rock and gases, just below the Earth’s surface, that has come from the mantle
native elements
elements found uncombined in the Earth’s crust
Lava
Magma above ground
Crystal
geometrically-shaped substance made up of atoms and molecules arranged in one of seven different shapes. The elements that make up a crystal and the conditions present during the crystal’s growth determine the arrangement of atoms and molecules and the shape of the crystals.
Mohs scale
Scale of harness of different rocks
Igneous rock
rocks that form from the cooling of lava or magma as it is thrown through the air from a volcanic eruption
intrusive rock
igneous rock that forms when magma cools below the Earth’s surface
extrusive rock
igneous rock that forms when lava cools above the Earth’s surface
Batholith
intrusive rock mass that measures more than 100 kilometres across
Erosion
the process of eroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents.
Sediment
material broken down by weathering and erosion that is moved by wind or water and collects in layers
floodplain
flat, open land beside a river where sediments are deposited during floods
Sedimentary rock
rocks formed from sediments deposited by water, wind or ice. The sediments are cemented together in layers, under pressure.
coal
a sedimentary rock formed from dead plants and animals that were buried before rotting completely
Limestone
a sedimentary rock formed from the remains of sea organisms. It consists mainly of calcium carbonate.
Conglomerate rock
sedimentary rock containing large particles of various sizes cemented together
Metamorphic rocks
rock formed from another rock that has been under great heat or pressure (or both)
Rock cycle
Cycle between sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks, lava and metamorphic rocks
Mineral ore
rocks mined to obtain a metal or other chemical within them
Open-cut mining
mining that scours out soil and rocks on the surface of the land
Underground mining
mining that uses shafts and tunnels to remove rock from deep below the surface
Palaeontologist
a scientist who studies fossils
Fossil
any remains, impression, or trace of an animal or plant of a former geological age; evidence of life in the past