19 & 20 vocab

0.0(0)
learnLearn
examPractice Test
spaced repetitionSpaced Repetition
heart puzzleMatch
flashcardsFlashcards
Card Sorting

1/38

Study Analytics
Name
Mastery
Learn
Test
Matching
Spaced

No study sessions yet.

39 Terms

1
New cards

Core

The innermost zone of Earth's interior, composed mostly of iron and nickel; includes a liquid outer layer and a solid inner layer.

2
New cards

Mantle

The layer of Earth above the core, containing magma, the asthenosphere, and the solid upper mantle.

3
New cards

Magma

Molten rock.

4
New cards

Asthenosphere

The layer of Earth located in the outer part of the mantle, composed of semi-molten rock.

5
New cards

Lithosphere

The outermost layer of Earth, including the solid upper mantle and crust.

6
New cards

Plate tectonics

The theory that the lithosphere of Earth is divided into plates, most of which are in constant motion.

7
New cards

Earthquake

A sudden movement of Earth's crust caused by a release of potential energy from the movement of tectonic plates.

8
New cards

Hot spot

A place where molten material from Earth's mantle reaches the lithosphere.

9
New cards

Volcano

A vent in the surface of Earth that emits ash, gases, or molten lava.

10
New cards

Tsunami

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

11
New cards

Divergent boundary

An area below the ocean where tectonic plates move away from each other.

12
New cards

Seafloor spreading

Caused by a divergent boundary, where rising magma forms new oceanic crust on the seafloor at the boundaries between plates.

13
New cards

Convergent boundary

An area where one tectonic plate moves toward another and collides.

14
New cards

Subduction

The process in which the edge of an oceanic plate moves downward beneath the continental plate.

15
New cards

Island arc

A chain of islands formed by volcanoes as a result of two tectonic plates coming together and experiencing subduction.

16
New cards

Collision zone

An area where two continental plates are pushed together and form a mountain range.

17
New cards

Transform boundary

An area where tectonic plates move sideways past each other.

18
New cards

Fault

A fracture in rock caused by a movement of Earth's crust.

19
New cards

Igneous rock

Rock formed directly from magma.

20
New cards

Sedimentary rock

Rock that forms when sediments such as muds, sands, or gravels are compressed by overlying sediments.

21
New cards

Metamorphic rock

Rock that forms when sedimentary rock, igneous rock, or other metamorphic rock is subjected to high temperature and pressure.

22
New cards

Rock cycle

The geologic cycle governing the constant formation, alteration, and destruction of rock material.

23
New cards

Physical weathering

The mechanical breakdown of rocks and minerals.

24
New cards

Chemical weathering

The breakdown of rocks and minerals by chemical reactions.

25
New cards

Acid precipitation

Precipitation high in sulfuric acid and nitric acid; also known as acid rain.

26
New cards

Erosion

The physical removal of rock fragments from a landscape or ecosystem.

27
New cards

Parent material

The underlying rock material from which the inorganic components of a soil are derived.

28
New cards

Horizon

A horizontal layer in soil defined by distinctive physical features such as color and texture.

29
New cards

O horizon

The organic horizon at the surface of many soils, composed of organic detritus in various stages of decomposition.

30
New cards

Humus

The most fully decomposed organic matter in the lowest section of the O horizon.

31
New cards

A horizon

Frequently the top layer of soil, a mixture of organic material and minerals, also known as topsoil.

32
New cards

E horizon

A zone of leaching found in some acidic soils under the O horizon.

33
New cards

B horizon

Commonly known as subsoil, composed primarily of mineral material with very little organic matter.

34
New cards

C horizon

The least-weathered soil horizon beneath the B horizon that is similar to the parent material.

35
New cards

Porosity

The size of the air spaces between soil particles.

36
New cards

Water holding capacity

The amount of water soil can retain against the force of gravity.

37
New cards

Permeability

The ability of water to move through the soil.

38
New cards

Cation exchange capacity (CEC)

The ability of soil to adsorb and release cations.

39
New cards

Base saturation

The proportion of soil bases to soil acids, expressed as a percentage.