Unit 2: Interactioms In The Physical Environment Flashcards
What is the theory of plate tectonics?
Earth’s outer shell is divided into large slabs of rocks called ‘plates’ that glide over the Earth’s mantle.
What does the Continental Drift Theory state?
Continents move over time.
What is convergent plate movement?
Plates move away from each other, causing both to get larger, commonly along mid-ocean ridges.
What occurs at divergent plate boundaries when continental meets oceanic plates?
Oceanic rocks are denser, causing it to subduct under continental rocks.
What happens during subduction?
Subducted plate goes into the Earth’s interior and is recycled.
What is created when continental plates meet?
Rocks are forced upwards by immense pressure, creating most of the Earth’s mountain ranges.
What characterizes transform boundaries?
Plates move roughly in parallel; they neither get larger nor smaller.
True or False: Subduction can cause earthquakes.
True
List the geologic eras from earliest to recent.
- Precambrian
- Paleozoic
- Mesozoic
- Cenozoic
What percentage of Earth’s history does the Precambrian era represent?
88%
What major geologic event occurred during the Paleozoic era?
Large areas of North America were covered by shallow seas and the Appalachians formed.
What significant biological event happened during the Cenozoic era?
Humans develop and modern forms of life evolve.
Fill in the blank: The process of ice advancing and covering large areas of land is called _______.
[glaciation]
What are the erosional effects of glaciation?
- Removal of materials
- Changes to drainage patterns
What do sedimentary rocks form from?
Eroded rocks after millions of years of compaction and cementation.
What characterizes metamorphic rocks?
High temperature/pressure can change rocks into ‘changed’ versions of sedimentary and igneous rocks.
How do igneous rocks form?
When magma cools.
What is the Canadian Shield?
Foundation of Canada; covers half of it and contains some of the world’s oldest rocks.
True or False: The Hudson’s Bay - Arctic Lowlands is a flat, low-lying area with a harsh climate.
True
What factors contribute to climate as per the acronym LOWERN?
- Latitude
- Ocean Currents
- Wind and air masses
- Elevation
- Relief
- Near water
Fill in the blank: Temperature gets cooler as you move further away from the _______.
[equator]
What is the difference between climate and weather?
Climate refers to long-term weather patterns, while weather describes conditions at a given time.
What is the effect of elevation on temperature?
Temperature increases as elevation does.
How is total annual precipitation calculated?
Add all monthly precipitations.
What human activities contribute to carbon dioxide emissions?
- Burning fossil fuels
- Industrial emissions
- Deforestation
What is Direct Air Capture (DAC)?
A process that enables carbon removal and permanently stores them.
What is mitigation in the context of climate change?
The act of reducing how harmful or bad something is by addressing the root of the problem.
What is an example of adaptation in climate change?
Changing processes to suit different conditions, such as pouring water out of a boat.
What is the role of ocean currents in climate?
Ocean currents affect temperature and weather patterns, particularly for locations near water bodies.
What is the significance of the Western Cordillera?
It’s the youngest mountain range in Canada, formed by the collision of the North American and Pacific plates.
What are the three major mountain divisions of the Western Cordillera?
- Eastern Mountains
- Interior Plateaus
- Coast Mountains
What is the primary function of a large fan in carbon capture technology?
It draws in air from the environment
What does the filter in carbon capture technology remove from the air?
CO2
What happens to the filter material after CO2 is captured?
It is heated to release captured CO2
What are the two outcomes for CO2 after it is captured?
- Stored into other goods
- Filtered air is released back into the atmosphere
What does CCS stand for?
Carbon capture and storage
What percentage of CO2 emissions can CCS capture?
At least 90%
What are the three main steps involved in CCS?
- Capture
- Transport
- Store it underground
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere
Name a human source of carbon dioxide.
Fossil fuel combustion
Name a natural source of carbon dioxide.
Volcanic eruptions
What is a human source of methane?
Agricultural practices
What is a natural source of methane?
Wetlands
What is a human source of nitrous oxide?
Fertilizer application
What is a natural source of nitrous oxide?
Soil processes
What is a human source of hydrofluorocarbons?
Refrigerants
What is a natural source of hydrofluorocarbons?
What is a human source of perfluorocarbons?
Industrial processes
What is a natural source of perfluorocarbons?
What does mitigation refer to in the context of climate change?
Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases
Provide an example of mitigation.
Renewable energy adoption
What does adaptation refer to in the context of climate change?
Adjusting practices, processes, and structures to minimize damage from climate change
Provide an example of adaptation.
Building flood defenses
What characterizes tundra soils?
- Rocky and thin
- Only the upper active layer defrosts during summer
What are wet climate soils ideal for?
Agriculture
What characterizes dry-climate soils?
Low precipitation prevents soil nutrients from washing away
What influences the complex soils of mountain areas?
Elevation, relief, and climate patterns
What are the soil horizons?
- O a layer of organic debris and loose leaves at the surface. Also known as humus
- A topsoil ( the uppermost layer of spoil)
- E ( eluviated) layerfound below the a or o horizon and above b horizon
- B subsoil. Often a zone of accumulation for clay, iron, etc
- C substratum. Above bedrock and made up of unconsolidated material.
- R lowest layer of soil (bedrock)
What is found in the O Horizon?
Humus
What is the A Horizon also known as?
Topsoil
What does the E Horizon contain?
Extras from topsoil, made of sands and silts
What is the B Horizon characterized by?
Accumulation of leached minerals and nutrients
What is the C Horizon?
Regolith, partially broken down parent material
What is the R Horizon?
Bedrock unbroken parent material
What characterizes the Boreal and Taiga Forest?
Largest vegetation region filled with coniferous forests
Where are Grasslands typically found?
Southern prairies where it’s too dry for trees
What is unique about the Deciduous Forest?
Smallest vegetation region, located in Southwestern Ontario
What is the Mixed Forest?
Transition zone between Boreal and Deciduous forests
What defines Cordillera vegetation?
Varies due to differing climate and soil factors
What characterizes the Tundra?
Cold and dry climate with low-growing plant species
What defines the West-coast forest?
Large amounts of precipitation and warm temperatures
How has vegetation changed in Canada?
Many areas are no longer covered by natural vegetation due to human activities
What are coniferous trees?
Needle-leaved trees that adapt to colder/drier weathers
Provide an example of a coniferous tree.
Pine tree
What are deciduous trees?
Trees that drop leaves every year
Provide an example of a deciduous tree.
Oak
Where does Indigenous Knowledge come from?
Oral histories, hunting and fishing patterns, and long-term observations
How will researchers gather data from Indigenous peoples?
Interviews with members that have direct experience with land use
How does Indigenous Knowledge assist researchers?
Increases confidence in research findings and connects place names to climate change
Glaciation depositional effects of ice
Creates till plains and moraines
