Physical Geography: Climate and Plate Tectonics flashcards

These flashcards cover key concepts related to physical geography, particularly focusing on climate and plate tectonics.

Earth’s Tilt

The angle of the earth towards the sun, causing the four seasons.

Climate

The typical weather conditions at a particular location as observed over time.

Coriolis Effect

The bending of wind currents caused by the shape and movement of the earth.

Elevation

The distance above sea level, affecting climate and temperature.

Tectonic Plates

Huge rigid plates that are moved with convection cells, floating on magma or molten rock.

Convergent Plate Boundaries

Areas where tectonic plates collide, often forming mountains and earthquakes.

Divergent Plate Boundaries

Regions where tectonic plates move apart from each other.

Transform Plate Boundaries

Regions where tectonic plates slide past one another.

Weathering

An external process that breaks down rocks into smaller particles.

Erosion

The process that moves materials from one place to another, distinct from weathering.

Ring of Fire

An area along the rim of the Pacific Ocean with a high concentration of volcanoes.

Richter Scale

A scale used to measure the intensity of earthquakes.

Physical Weathering

The breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces through natural forces like wind and rain.

Chemical Weathering

The degradation of rock due to chemical reactions.

Biological Weathering

The process of breaking down rock through living organisms.