Untitled Deck Flashcards
What is the lithosphere?
The Earth’s outer layer, including the crust and upper mantle, which is rigid and solid.
What is wavelength?
The distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave.
What is a transform boundary?
A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.
What is a convergent boundary?
A plate boundary where two tectonic plates move toward each other, often causing one to sink below the other.
What is viscosity?
A measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow; high viscosity means a fluid is thick and flows slowly.
What are S-waves?
Seismic waves that move the ground up and down or side to side; they are slower than P-waves and can only travel through solids.
What is the asthenosphere?
A semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.
What is a tsunami?
A large sea wave caused by an underwater earthquake, volcanic eruption, or landslide.
What is a shield volcano?
A broad, domed volcano with gentle slopes, built by the flow of low-viscosity lava.
What are body waves?
Seismic waves that travel through the Earth’s interior, including P-waves and S-waves.
What is wave-base?
The depth in the ocean below which the effects of surface waves are negligible.
What are volatiles in magma?
Gaseous components in magma, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide, that affect its explosiveness.
What is the outer core?
The liquid layer of the Earth’s core, composed mainly of iron and nickel, lying beneath the mantle.
What is pillow lava?
Lava that cools and solidifies quickly underwater, forming rounded, pillow-like shapes.
What is a divergent boundary?
A plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, allowing magma to rise and form new crust.
What is a seismic wave?
Energy waves generated by earthquakes or explosions that travel through the Earth.
What is a deep water wave?
A wave traveling in water deeper than half its wavelength, where the seabed doesn’t affect its motion.
What are P-waves?
The fastest type of seismic wave that compresses and expands the ground; it can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.
What is the mantle?
The thick layer of rock between the Earth’s crust and core.
What is the epicenter?
The point on the Earth’s surface directly above where an earthquake originates.
What is a strato volcano?
A tall, conical volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava and volcanic ash; also known as a composite volcano.
What does pyroclastic refer to?
Relating to fragments of rock erupted by a volcano, including ash, pumice, and volcanic bombs.
What are surface waves?
Seismic waves that travel along the Earth’s surface and typically cause the most damage during earthquakes.
What is the focus of an earthquake?
The initial point within the Earth where an earthquake rupture starts.
What is the inner core?
The solid, dense center of the Earth, composed primarily of iron and nickel.
What is a shallow water wave?
A wave traveling in water shallower than half its wavelength, causing it to interact with the seabed and slow down.
