hazardous earth Flashcards
Asthenosphere
The semi-molten layer at the top of the
mantle which flows due to convection
currents, moving the solid lithosphere
above.
Atmospheric circulation
The general movements of air around
the Earth due to pressure and
temperature.
Climate change
A distinct change in global or regional
patterns of climate, such as changes in
temperature or precipitation patterns.
Conservative plate boundary
A plate boundary where two plates are
moving alongside each other.
Continental crust
The thicker, less dense crust that makes
up the continents.
Convection current
The movement of a fluid caused by a
difference in temperature or density.
Convergent plate boundary
A plate boundary where two plates are
moving towards each other.
Coriolis Effect
The effect of the Earth’s rotation on wind
movements.
Cyclone
A tropical cyclone that hits Oceania or
Madagascar.
Divergent plate boundary
A plate boundary where two plates are
moving away from each other.
Eccentricity
The changing of the orbit of the Earth
around the Sun from a circular shape to
an ellipse.
Eye
An area of a tropical cyclone with
extremely low pressure and calm
conditions.
Eyewall
An area of a tropical cyclone with the
most intense, powerful winds and
torrential rain.
Ferrel Cell
At around 60° either side of the equator,
moist air rises, and travels to lower
latitudes at around 30° where it sinks,
along with air travelling from the equator.
Fossil fuels
Fuels made up of the remains of organic
material, such as oil, coal and gas.
Geological hazard
A hazard caused by processes on the
land.
Greenhouse Gases
Gases in the Earth’s atmosphere that
trap energy in the Earth’s system and
contribute to the greenhouse effect
(carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour
and nitrous oxides).
Hadley Cell
At the equator, hot moist air rises, moves
to higher latitudes (30°) and sinks.
Hazard risk
The probability that a natural hazard will
negatively affect a population.
Hotspot
An area where unusually hot magma
breaks through the middle of a plate and
travels up to the surface, creating a
volcano.
Hurricane
A tropical cyclone that hits the USA,
Latin America or the Caribbean.