Geology Final Quiz – Key Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering earthquakes, volcanoes, weathering, erosion, and soil topics for the geology final review.

Fault

A fracture in Earth’s crust where blocks of rock move past each other; sudden energy release along a fault causes most earthquakes.

Epicenter

The point on Earth’s surface directly above the focus where an earthquake originates.

P-waves (Primary waves)

The fastest seismic waves generated by an earthquake; first waves recorded by a seismograph.

Mercalli Intensity Scale

Scale that rates earthquake shaking and damage based on human observations and structural effects.

Plate Boundaries

Zones where tectonic plates meet; the location of most earthquakes and volcanoes.

Magma

Molten rock located beneath Earth’s surface.

Shield Volcano

Broad, gently sloping volcano formed by successive flows of low-viscosity lava.

Ring of Fire

Major belt of volcanoes and earthquakes encircling the Pacific Ocean.

Composite Volcano (Stratovolcano)

Steep-sided volcano built from alternating layers of lava and ash produced by explosive eruptions.

Pyroclastic Flow

Fast-moving, deadly avalanche of hot gas, ash, and volcanic fragments down a volcano’s slope.

Weathering

The breakdown of rocks and minerals at or near Earth’s surface.

Frost Wedging

Mechanical weathering process in which water freezes in rock cracks, expands, and splits the rock apart.

Oxidation

Chemical weathering reaction where oxygen combines with iron-rich minerals, producing rust-like effects.

Chemical Weathering (Climate)

Process that occurs most rapidly in warm, wet climates due to abundant moisture and heat that speed chemical reactions.

Abrasion

Scraping, grinding, or wearing away of rock surfaces by particles carried by wind, water, or ice.

Erosion

The transportation of weathered rock fragments by natural agents such as water, wind, ice, or gravity.

Glacier

Large mass of moving ice that erodes the landscape, carving U-shaped valleys.

Deposition

The laying down of sediments carried by wind, water, ice, or gravity after transport ends.

Gravity (Mass Movement)

Primary force that drives downslope movement of soil and rock in landslides, mudflows, and other mass wasting events.

Sand Dune

Mound or ridge of sand deposited by wind, commonly found in deserts and coastal regions.

Soil

Mixture of weathered rock, organic matter, water, and air that supports plant life.

Topsoil (A Horizon)

Uppermost, most fertile soil layer rich in organic material.

Bedrock

Solid layer of rock lying beneath soil layers.

Decomposition

Breakdown of dead plants and animals that adds nutrients to soil during its formation.

Nutrient Depletion

Loss of essential soil nutrients, often caused by planting the same crop repeatedly in the same field.