Plate Tectonics and Soil Formation

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to plate tectonics, soil formation, and atmospheric dynamics.

Lithosphere

The thin layer of rock that floats on an ocean of magma, which tectonic plates are part of.

Tectonic Plates

Chunks that the lithosphere is broken up into, responsible for geological features like mountains and earthquakes.

Convergent Boundary

A type of tectonic plate boundary where plates move toward each other, causing one plate to subduct beneath the other.

Divergent Boundary

A tectonic plate boundary where plates move apart, leading to the formation of new oceanic lithosphere.

Transform Fault Boundary

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

Subduction

The process where one tectonic plate sinks beneath another, resulting in recycling of crust and formation of geological features.

Asthenosphere

The semi-solid layer of the mantle located beneath the lithosphere, allowing tectonic plates to glide.

Convection Currents

Big circular movements in the mantle created by the heat from the core, driving tectonic plate motion.

Humus

Decomposed organic matter that enriches soil with nutrients.

Weathering

The process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces through physical, biological, or chemical means.

Erosion

The movement of weathered rock by wind or water, which can lead to deposition.

Soil Horizons

Layers of soil, including O Horizon, A Horizon, B Horizon, and C Horizon, each with distinct properties.

Albedo

The measure of how much sunlight a surface reflects; high albedo reflects more light and absorbs less heat.

Insulation

The amount of solar radiation reaching an area, influenced by the angle of the sun’s rays and atmosphere thickness.

El Niño

A climate pattern that occurs when trade winds weaken, leading to warmer and rainier conditions in South America.

La Niña

A climate pattern that occurs when trade winds strengthen, causing cooler and drier conditions in South America.

Thermohaline Circulation

A deep-ocean current system driven by differences in temperature and salinity, impacting global ocean nutrient distribution.

Watershed

All the land that drains into a specific body of water, influencing the water movement and landscape.

Soil Fertility

The ability of soil to sustain plant growth, influenced by factors such as nutrient content and moisture retention.