Physical Geography and Earth's Structures

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and vocabulary from the lecture on physical geography, Earth's layers, plate tectonics, and landform regions in Canada.

Lithosphere

The layer of Earth that includes the rock, crust, and landforms.

Hydrosphere

The layer of Earth that encompasses all water, including oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Biosphere

All living things on Earth.

Pangaea

The supercontinent that existed when all continents were connected.

Plate Tectonics

The modern unifying theory explaining the movement of Earth's plates.

Divergent Boundary

A plate boundary where plates move apart, creating mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Convergent Boundary

A plate boundary where plates collide, leading to subduction, trenches, volcanoes, and mountains.

Transform Boundary

A plate boundary where plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes.

Glacial Scratches

Marks left by glaciers that provide evidence for historical climatic changes.

Rock Cycle

The continuous process of rock transformation from igneous to sedimentary to metamorphic and back.

Igneous Rock

Rock formed from the cooling and solidification of magma.

Sedimentary Rock

Rock formed via the compaction and cementation of sediments.

Metamorphic Rock

Rock that has been transformed by heat and pressure.

Interior Plains

Region characterized by flat rolling hills and fertile soils left by glaciers.

Canadian Shield

The oldest landform region in Canada featuring exposed rock and glacially-shaped lakes.

Western Cordillera

Region known for its young, rugged mountains shaped by glaciers.

Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Lowlands

A flat and fertile region created by glacial activity.

Arctic Lands

Region of mountains and plains characterized by permafrost.

Appalachians

Old, eroded mountain range consisting of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.