Earth Science Notes

Earth's Rotation

The spinning of Earth on its axis every 24 hours, causing day and night.

Earth's Revolution

The orbit of Earth around the Sun, which takes approximately 365.25 days and results in the seasons.

Axial Tilt

The 23.5° tilt of Earth that leads to the changing seasons depending on the hemisphere's orientation to the Sun.

Phases of the Moon

The varying portions of the Moon's sunlit side visible from Earth, occurring over approximately 29.5 days.

Solar Eclipse

An event occurring when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth.

Lunar Eclipse

An event that occurs when Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon.

Spring Tides

Higher tides that occur during full and new moons when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align.

Neap Tides

Lower tides that occur during first and last quarter moons when the Sun and Moon are at right angles.

Theory of Plate Tectonics

The scientific theory that explains the structure of Earth's lithosphere being divided into tectonic plates.

Divergent Boundaries

Tectonic plate boundaries where plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and form new crust.

Convergent Boundaries

Tectonic plate boundaries where plates move toward each other, resulting in subduction, trenches, or mountain ranges.

Transform Boundaries

Tectonic plate boundaries where plates slide horizontally past each other, commonly causing earthquakes.

Geological Features

Physical formations on Earth such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountain ranges resulting from plate tectonics.

Igneous Rocks

Rocks formed from cooled magma or lava, categorized as intrusive or extrusive based on their formation.

Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from compressed sediments, often layered and can contain fossils.

Metamorphic Rocks

Rocks that have been transformed from existing rocks due to heat and pressure.

Weathering and Erosion

Processes that break down rocks into sediments, leading to sedimentation and lithification.

Melting and Cooling

Processes where melted rock (magma) solidifies into igneous rocks upon cooling.