CWC TEST 8

Plate Tectonics

Earth's crust divided into 12 plates that move.

Convergent Boundaries

Plates move towards each other, creating mountains and volcanoes.

Divergent Boundaries

Plates move away from each other, creating new crust.

Transform Boundaries

Plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes.

Pangaea

Ancient supercontinent that split into today's continents.

Glaciation

Formation and movement of glaciers, shaping the land.

Weathering

Breakdown of rocks by natural processes.

Erosion

Movement of weathered materials by wind, water, ice, or gravity.

Soils

Upper layer of Earth where plants grow, made of organic matter and minerals.

Biosphere

Home to all living organisms and ecosystems.

Ecosystem

Community of living organisms and their environment.

Biome

Large region defined by climate, with specific plants and animals.

Tundra Biome

Cold desert with permafrost, low-growing plants, and animals like caribou and polar bears.

Boreal Forest Biome

Largest biome in Canada, characterized by coniferous trees and acidic soil.

Grassland Biome

Prairie ecosystem with fertile soil, primarily consisting of grasses and inhabited by animals such as bison.

Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome

Features deciduous trees, a diverse range of plants, and various animal species.

Mountain Forest Biome

Found in British Columbia and Alberta, characterized by varying temperatures and heavy precipitation.

Latitude

Distance from the equator, significantly influencing climate by affecting temperature and sunlight exposure.

Ocean Currents

Can warm or cool coastal areas, influencing local climate and weather patterns.

Wind and Air Masses

Play a crucial role in affecting weather patterns by transporting heat and moisture across different regions.

Elevation

Higher elevations are generally cooler, influencing the types of biomes and ecosystems present.

Relief

Physical features of the landscape, such as mountains, affecting local climate by influencing wind patterns and precipitation.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living factors influencing biomes, including precipitation and temperature.