GEOGRAPHY UNIT 2 TEST

Physical Diversity

The variety of physical traits/characteristics which display a difference among individuals and regions.

Geological Timeline

A chronological representation of Earth's history from the Precambrian Era to the present.

Precambrian Era

The oldest geological era, lasting from 4.6 billion years to 570 million years ago, characterized by the formation of the Canadian, African, Brazilian, and Australian Shields and the emergence of single and multi-cell organisms.

Paleozoic Era

A geological era from 570 million to 245 million years ago, noted for the formation of the Appalachians and the rise of amphibians, fish, and insects.

Mesozoic Era

The era from 245 million to 66 million years ago, during which the Rocky Mountains formed, dinosaurs thrived, and the first mammals and flowering plants appeared.

Cenozoic Era

The current geological era beginning 66 million years ago, characterized by the formation of ice sheets and the evolution of modern forms of life.

Crust

The outermost layer of the Earth, composed mainly of solid rock, forming tectonic plates, and supporting life.

Mantle

The layer beneath the crust that makes up most of Earth's volume, composed of semi-solid rock and responsible for tectonic plate movement.

Core

The center of the Earth, mostly made of iron and nickel, and is the hottest region.

Theory of Continental Drift

A theory proposed by Alfred Wegener that suggests continents were once connected as Pangea and have since drifted apart.

Jigsaw Puzzle Evidence

The observation that coastlines of continents fit together like pieces of a puzzle, supporting the theory of Continental Drift.

Fossil Correlation

The finding of similar fossils in different continents, suggesting they were once connected.

Geological Evidence

Identical landforms and rock types found on different continents that support the theory of Continental Drift.

Past Climate Data

Evidence of glacial deposits found in currently warm areas, indicating that climates have changed drastically over time.

Plate Tectonics

The scientific theory that describes the movement of the Earth's lithosphere plates over the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Asthenosphere

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

Lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, comprising the crust and upper mantle.

Faults

Breaks in the Earth's crust where movement has occurred.

Divergent Boundary

A tectonic boundary where two oceanic plates pull apart, leading to seafloor spreading and new crust formation.

Convergent Boundary

A tectonic boundary where plates collide, resulting in various geological features depending on the plate types.

Transform Boundary

A tectonic boundary where two plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes.

Natural Disasters

Severe and extreme weather events or geological processes that cause significant damage and disruption.

Earthquakes

Sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of faults or volcanic activity.

Floods

Overflow of water, often following heavy rain, leading to widespread environmental impact.

Wildfires

Uncontrolled fires occurring in forests or grasslands, often exacerbated by dry conditions.

Hurricanes

Powerful storms characterized by high winds and heavy rain, typically occurring in the Atlantic Ocean.

Landslides

The downward movement of rock and soil, which can be triggered by natural events or human activities.

Tornadoes

Violent rotating columns of air, usually shaped like funnels, known for their destructive potential.

Winter Storms

Severe weather events characterized by heavy snowfall and strong winds.

Western Cordillera

A landform region in Canada characterized by high mountains and deep valleys.

Canadian Shield

The oldest rock formation in Canada, marked by thin soil and numerous lakes.

Interior Plains

A flat land region in Canada with rich soil and grasslands.

Great Lakes St. Lawrence Lowlands

A fertile landform region in Canada, known for rolling hills and abundant water bodies.

Appalachian Mountains

An old mountain range in Canada with rounded hills and forested areas.

Hudson Bay Lowlands

A flat, swampy landform region near sea level with permafrost present.

Arctic Lands

Cold, dry regions characterized by tundra and low hills.

Rock Cycle

A continuous geological process where one type of rock transforms into another.

Physical Weathering

The breakdown of rocks through temperature changes, causing cracks and fractures.

Chemical Weathering

The process that alters rock minerals when they react with water, forming new substances.

Biological Weathering

The alteration of rocks due to living organisms, such as root growth breaking apart rock.

Weathering

The breaking down of rocks and soil due to environmental factors.

Erosion

The process of transporting soil and rock particles by natural forces.

Deposition

The settling of sediments in a new location after being transported.

Glacier

A massive structure formed from compressed snow, moving slowly over land.

Alpine Glaciers

Glaciers that form on mountain tops and move downwards, creating valleys.

Ice Sheets

Large glaciers that cover vast areas, found mainly in Antarctica and Greenland.

Climate Change

Significant alterations in temperature and weather patterns over time, often due to human activities.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Gases released from human activities that trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to warming.

Climate Effects

Consequences of climate change including rising temperatures, sea level rise, and extreme weather.

Urbanization

The growth of cities and infrastructure that impacts natural habitats and ecosystems.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that protect the environment and promote biodiversity.

Resource Extraction

The process of obtaining natural resources from the Earth, which can harm ecosystems if not managed sustainably.

Eco-Friendly Building Practices

Construction methods aimed at reducing environmental impact, such as energy efficiency and green spaces.

Carbon Emissions

Greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, mainly from burning fossil fuels and industrial activities.

Deforestation

The clearing of forests for agriculture or other land uses, which leads to habitat destruction.

Reforestation

The process of planting trees in deforested areas to restore ecosystems.

Plate Boundaries

The edges where two tectonic plates meet, often causing geological activity.

Earth's Structure Layers

The Earth consists of the crust, mantle, and core, each with distinct characteristics and compositions.

Natural Forces

Natural phenomena that can alter the Earth's surface, such as weathering, erosion, and tectonic activity.