Terms Flashcards
definition of continental drift and how it happened and whos theory it was
theory by scientist alfred wegener stating that 300 million years ago all of earths land masses which were in constant motion collided to from one big supercontinent called pangea. about 200 million years ago pangea broke apart and the continents drifted apart to their current locations.
definition of pangea
super continent that included all earths land masses. it existed about 300-200 million years ago
definition of geologic time
history of earth from its formation to the present, earths history may be divided into several major time periods called eras
definition of eras
major divisions of geologic time
definition of sediments
eroded material (sand+gravel), thats deposited by water, wind or glacial ice
define uniformatarianism
“the present is the key to the past”
it means the geologic processes that are happening today have been happening for the past millions of years and will continue to happen
definition of topgraphy
the earths surface features including vegetation, soils, those features shaped by peopleo
definition of region
an area with certain characteristics that set it apart from another area
definition of landform region
apart of the earth with a unique set of physical features that people often use to meet their needs
definiton of tsunami
a long, high sea wave caused by underwater
earthquakes
definition of convection currents
circular movement in a gas or liquid created by uneven heating
definition of glaciation
the state of being covered by glaciers or massive ice sheets
definition of geoscience
a general term used to describe a wide range of specialized scientific fields within the broad areas of geology and resource managment
definition of erosion
wearing away of earths surface followed by the movement to other locations of materials that have worn away
definition of glaciers
slow moving masses of ice
