Lesson 1; Earth and It's Internal Crust

Question 1

What is the Big Bang Theory?

Answer 1

The universe began as a small, hot and dense point that suddenly expanded

Question 2

When did the universe form according to the Big Bang theory?

Answer 2

13.8 billion years ago

Question 3

According to the Big Bang Theory, the universe is ____.

Answer 3

Expanding

Question 4

When did the Earth form according to the Solar Nebula Theory?

Answer 4

After the sun’s birth that left clumps behind which clumped together to make bigger pieces.

Question 5

What caused the layering of the Earth?

Answer 5

Differences in density; heavier metals sank to the core, less heavy metals laid on top to create the mantle, and the crust was formed from less dense rocks and minerals that rose to the top.

Question 6

What do the 4 spheres of the Earth include?

Answer 6

1. The Atmosphere - all of Earth’s air
2. Hydrosphere - all of Earth’s water
3. Biosphere - the collection of all of Earth’s life forms
4. Geosphere - rocks at the surface and interior

Question 7

What is the Solar Nebula Theory?

Answer 7

Our solar system formed when a cloud of interstellar gas and dust began to collapse in on itself

Question 8

When did our solar system form, according to the Solar Nebula Theory?

Answer 8

4.6 billion years ago

Question 9

What makes up the compositional layers of the Earth?

Answer 9

The core
The mantle
The crust

Question 10

What are the 5 mechanical/physical layers of the Earth?

Answer 10

1. Lithosphere: The crust and upper mantle (solid and rigid)
2. Asthenosphere: Upper mantle (part molten, weak, and flexible)
3. Mesosphere: Lower mantle (solid that can flow)
4. The outer core (Liquid)
5. The inner core (Solid)

Question 11

What are the differences between the oceanic crust and the continental crust?

Answer 11

Oceanic: thin, young, heavy, comprised of basaltic rocks
Continental: thick, old, light, comprised of granitic rocks, and highly deformed by folding

Question 12

What is the thinnest physical (mechanical) layer of the Earth?

Answer 12

Lithosphere

Question 13

The only layer of the Earth’s internal crust that is liquid is the ___.

Answer 13

Outer core

Question 14

What property of the crust allowed it to form as the exterior of Earth?

Answer 14

Materials that make up the crust are less dense and rose to the top

Question 15

Which of the Earth’s spheres contains all of the solid, liquid, and gaseous water on Earth?

Answer 15

Hydrosphere

Question 16

What is the definition of the asthenosphere?

Answer 16

Partially molten, weak, and flexible region of the upper mantle