Layers of the Earth and Atmospheric Science

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Earth's layers, atmospheric science, weather phenomena, and geological processes.

Crust

The outermost layer of the Earth, composed primarily of rocks and minerals.

Mantle

The layer beneath the crust composed of semi-solid rock that convects slowly.

Core

The innermost layer of the Earth, consisting of a solid inner core and a liquid outer core, made primarily of iron and nickel.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of the Earth that includes the crust and the upper mantle.

Asthenosphere

The semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Convection Currents

The movement within the mantle that results from the heating and cooling of magma, driving plate tectonics.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs and contains most of the atmospheric mass.

Stratosphere

The layer above the troposphere that contains the ozone layer, which absorbs UV radiation.

Ozone Layer

A protective layer in the stratosphere that absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation.

Weather Front

The boundary where two different air masses meet, leading to different weather conditions.

Evaporation

The process by which liquid water turns into water vapor.

Condensation

The conversion of water vapor back into liquid, forming clouds.

Precipitation

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

Air Mass

A large body of air that has uniform temperature and humidity characteristics.

Monsoon

A seasonal prevailing wind that brings heavy rains, especially in South Asia.

Hurricane

A type of tropical cyclone characterized by low atmospheric pressure and strong winds.

Tornado

A rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground.

Plate Boundaries

The edges where two tectonic plates meet, leading to geological activities such as earthquakes and volcanoes.

Subduction Zone

A region where one tectonic plate moves under another, causing melting and volcanic activity.

Volcano

An opening in the Earth's crust where molten rock, ash, and gases escape to the surface.

Hot Spot

A location in the mantle where heat causes the melting of the crust, leading to volcanic activity.

Jet Stream

A high-altitude, fast-flowing air current that influences weather patterns.