Earth and Space Science

Asvab

The crust

is the rocky outer layer of the Earth. It is very thin compared to the other two layers.

The mantle

is a thick layer of hot, solid rock located under the crust.

The core

is a large sphere of metal that forms the center of the Earth.

Divergent plate boundaries

occur when oceanic plates move apart. Here, magma from the mantle rises to the earth’s surface and forms new rock. This results in seafloor spreading.

Convergent plate boundaries

form in areas where plates move toward each other and collide, creating mountains.

Transform fault boundaries

occur when plates move sideways past each other.

The 3 Basic Types of Rocks

Igneous rock, Sedimentary rock, Metamorphic rock

Igneous rock

forms when magma from inside the earth cools and solidifies. Examples include basalt, obsidian, and granite.

Sedimentary rock

forms over time as sediment is layered, squeezed and solidified. Examples include sandstone, limestone, coal, and shale.

Metamorphic rock

forms when a rock is transformed by heat, pressure or chemical reactions. Examples include slate, marble, and quartzite.

The Water Cycle in order

Evaporation - Condensation - Precipitation

How much water makes up the Earth’s surface?

The Earth’s surface is made up of around 71% water

Evaporation:

Energy from the sun causes water on the Earth’s surface to convert from a liquid to a gas. Warm water vapor rises from the surface of the earth into the atmosphere. Water also evaporates from plants, in

Condensation

Water vapor rises into the sky and cools, turning back into a liquid, forming clouds.

Precipitation:

This occurs when water particles fall from clouds and reach the ground. Includes rain, snow, and hail.

At what temperature does water freeze and at water temperature does it boil?

Water freezes at 32° Fahrenheit and boils at 212° Fahrenheit.

What is the composition of the dry air that makes up the Earth’s atmosphere?

• 78% Nitrogen

• 21% Oxygen

• 1% Argon

• 0.4% Carbon Dioxide

What are the layers of the atmosphere in order?

Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere

Troposphere

The part of the atmosphere we live in. Weather takes place in this layer.

Stratosphere

The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere. The ozone layer is a thin layer of the atmosphere that absorbs all the sun’s harmful UV light.

Mesosphere

The mesosphere is where most meteors burn up.

Thermosphere

Temperature increases with elevation ins this layer. The International Space Station also orbits in this layer.

Exosphere

This is the outermost layer of the Earth’s atmosphere. The exosphere contains most of the satellites orbiting Earth.

What are all 8 planets in order from closest to the sun to the farthest from the sun?

• Mercury

• Venus

• Earth

• Mars

• Jupiter

• Saturn

• Uranus

• Neptune

Which phrase helps memorize the planets order?

“My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos.”