Unit 2 Definitions Flashcards
Define Tsunami
A long, high sea wave caused by underwater earthquakes
Define Continental Drift
Theory by German Scientist Alfred Wegner stating that 300 millon years ago, all of Earth’s land masses, which were in constant motion, collided to form one super continet called Pangaea. About 200 million years ago, Pangaea broke apart and the continents have drifted apart to their present locations. According to his theory, only contients drifted
Define Pangaea
Supercontinent that included all Earth’s land masses. It existed from about 300 Million to 200 Million Years Ago
Define Plate Tectonics
Theory that states that Earth’s oter shell consists of plates that move causing Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Mountains and the Formation of New Crust
Define Convection Currents
Circular Movement in a gas or liquid created by uneven heating
Define Erosion
Wearing away of Earth’s Surface followed by the movement to other locations of materials that have worn away
Define Geological Time
History of Earth from its formation to the present. Earth’s history may be divided into several major time periods, called Eras.
Cenozoic Era (Most Recent, 66 Million Years)
Mesozic Era (245 Millon to 66 Million Years Ago)
Paleozoic Era (570 Millon to 245 Million Years Ago)
Precambrian Era (4,600 Million to 570 Million Years Ago)
Define Glaciation
The state of being covered by glaciers or massive ice sheets
Define Canadian Shield
Large area of Precambrian Rock that forms the core of Canada
Define Geoscience
A general term used to describe a wide range of specialized scientific feilds within the broad areas of geology and resource management
Define Glaciers
Slow-moving masses of ice
Define Eras
Major divisions of Geological Time (for example, The Palezoic Era). See Geological Time
Define Sediments
Eroded material, such as sand and gravel, that is depositied by water, wind, or glacier ice
