Untitled Flashcard Set

What is the time period referred to as the Precambrian?

The Precambrian refers to the earliest life on Earth, dating back 4600 MYA.

What significant event took place during the Paleozoic era?

The evolution of complex organisms such as fish, amphibians, and mammals, occurring between 570 - 245 MYA.

What characterizes the Mesozoic era?

The Mesozoic, known as 'middle life', is characterized by the breakup of Pangaea and the evolution of dinosaurs and reptiles.

What is the significance of the Cenozoic era?

The Cenozoic era, known as 'recent life', includes the ice age, shaping of the continents, and the evolution of humans and mammals.

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

Wegener noted the fit of South America and Africa, found similar fossils on different continents, and noted mountains of the same structure on both sides of the Atlantic.

What was Pangaea?

Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed 200-300 million years ago when the continents were joined together.

What occurs at divergent plate boundaries?

Divergent plate boundaries occur when two tectonic plates move away from each other, creating openings that allow magma to surface.

What happens at convergent plate boundaries?

At convergent plate boundaries, one tectonic plate goes under another, forming a subduction zone.

What are transform plate boundaries?

Transform plate boundaries are where plates grind past each other horizontally, often causing earthquakes.

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

The uneven distribution of heat within the Earth creates convection currents that drive the movement of tectonic plates.

How do volcanoes form?

Volcanoes form when one tectonic plate is pushed under another, creating an opening in the Earth's crust.

What causes earthquakes?

Earthquakes occur when two tectonic plates grind against each other, causing friction and resulting in shaking.

What is a tsunami?

A tsunami is a large wave caused by underwater earthquakes with high magnitude.

How are mountain ranges formed?

Mountain ranges are formed when two tectonic plates push against each other, folding the Earth's crust.

What is the outermost layer of the Earth called?

The outermost layer of the Earth is called the crust or lithosphere.

What is the asthenosphere?

The asthenosphere is a layer beneath the crust where materials move like heated metal due to increased pressure and heat.

What defines the mesosphere?

The mesosphere is a layer characterized by high pressure that makes it rigid, restricting the movement of molecules.

What happens in the outer core of the Earth?

In the outer core, extremely high temperatures melt metals into a liquid form.

What is unique about the inner core?

The inner core has extremely high temperatures and is composed mostly of metal, remaining solid due to immense pressure.

How are igneous rocks formed?

Igneous rocks form when magma cools and hardens, with lava being magma that erupts on the surface.

What are sedimentary rocks and how do they form?

Sedimentary rocks form from particles called sediment, which are compacted and solidified over time and often contain fossils.

What characterizes metamorphic rocks?

Metamorphic rocks are transformed by great heat or pressure and are often formed deep in the Earth's crust.

What landform is known as the Canadian Shield?

The Canadian Shield is one of the significant landforms of North America, composed of a large area of exposed Precambrian rocks.

What are the Appalachian Mountains?

The Appalachian Mountains are a major mountain range in eastern North America.

What are the Innuitian Mountains?

The Innuitian Mountains are located in the Arctic region of Canada.

What major waterway is associated with the Great Lakes?

The Great Lakes are connected to the St. Lawrence River in North America.

Where is Hudson Bay located?

Hudson Bay is a large body of water located in northeastern Canada, surrounded by lowlands.

What is the Western Cordillera?

The Western Cordillera is a major mountain range along the western edge of North America.

What are interior plains?

Interior plains are flat, broad areas found away from the mountains, typically characterized by gently rolling land.