unit four apes

4.6 billion years

Age of earth

Lithosphere

outermost layer of earth, including the solid upper mantle and crust

Asthenosphere

The layer of the earth located in the outer part of the mantle, composed of semi molten rock

Mantle

The layer of earth above the core containing magma, the atmosphere, and the solid upper mantle

Core

The innermost zone of earths interior, composed of mostly iron and nickel. Includes liquid outer layer and a solid inner layer

Earthquake

A sudden movement of earths crust caused by the release of potential energy from the movement of tectonic plates

Volcano

A vent in earths surface that emits ash, gases, and molten lava

Tsunami

A series of waves in the ocean caused by seismic activity in the ocean or an under sea volcano that causes a massive displacement of water

Divergent

Plates move apart

Convergent

Plates come together

Transform

Plates slide past each other

Continental crust to ocean crust

Oceanic plate is pulled under the continental plates, volcanic activity increases

Ocean crust to ocean crust

One oceanic plate is pulled under another, resulting in volcanic islands

Continental crust to continental crust

Formation of mid continental mountain range

Igneous rock

Rocks formed from magma

Sedimentary rock

Rocks formed when sediments are pressed by sediments on top

Metamorphic rocks

Rocks formed when subjected to high temps and pressure

Physical weathering

Mechanical breakdown of rocks and minerals

Chemical weathering

Breakdown of rocks and minerals by chemical reactions and dissolving of elements from rocks

Erosion

Physical removal of rock fragments from a landscape or ecosystem

Parent material

Underlying rock material from which inorganic soil components are derived

Topography

The surface slope and arrangement of a landscape

Soil horizons

Horizontal layer defined by physical features

O layer

Surface: organic detritus in various stages of decomposition

A layer

Topsoil: zone of overlying, organic material mixed with underlying material

E layer

Bleaching of metals and nutrients

B layer

Subsoil: accumulation of metals and nutrients

C layer

Subsoil: least weathered

R layer

Bedrock: unweathered parent rock

Layers of soil in order

O A E B C R

Porosity

Size of air spaces

Cation exchange capacity

Ability of a particular soil to absorb and release cations