The Earths Surface Flashcards
What are three layers of the earth?
- Crust
- Mantle
- Core
What are convection currents?
When magma is moved in a circular motion
What is continental drift?
The movement of plates
What is the study of plates called?
Plate tectonics
What is the name given to the super continent?
Pangea
What is formed when plates collide (destructive boundaries)?
- Fold mountains
- Earthquakes
- Volcanic mountains
What is formed when plates separate (constructive boundaries)?
- Volcanic mountains and islands
- Mid ocean ridges
What occurs when plates slide past each other (passive boundaries)?
- Earthquakes
- Fault lines
What are the three types of volcanoes?
- Active
- Dormant
- Extinct
Positives of volcanoes?
- Fertilizes the soil
- Tourist sites can be from erupting volcanoes
- Hot springs called geysers are formed
What is an earthquake?
Sudden tremors or vibrations in the earths crust
Where is the build up of pressure that triggers an earthquake?
Fault lines
Where in the earths crust does the earthquake start?
The focus
Where is the earthquake most powerful on the earths surface?
Epicentre
What are the small tremors that occur after a earthquake called?
Aftershocks
What scale is used to measure how strong an earthquake is?
The Richter scale
What is the name of a person who studies earthquakes?
Seismologist
What instrument do seismologists use to measure the tremors?
Seismograph
How can you reduce the damage done by earthquakes?
- Build earthquake resistant buildings
- Study the pattern of earthquakes to be able to predict the next one
When were the alpine period and what mountains were made during this period?
30-35 million years ago
Include the Alps in Europe, the Andes in South America and the Rockies in North America and the Himalayas in Asia
When were the amorican period and what mountains were made during this period?
250 million years ago
Macgillicuddys reeks, the galtees, The comeraghs and the knockmealdowns.
