5.8 Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Changes Essential Vocabulary

Fill-in-the-blank review flashcards covering essential vocabulary on Earth layers, plate tectonics, rock types, geological processes, and fossils.

The outermost layer of the Earth, composed of rock, soil, and water, is the __________.

Crust

The thick layer of the Earth beneath the crust, made of semi-solid rock that flows slowly, is the __________.

Mantle

The solid, innermost layer of the Earth, composed mainly of iron and nickel, is the __________.

Inner Core

The liquid layer of the Earth’s core, lying beneath the mantle and surrounding the inner core, is the __________.

Outer Core

The theory explaining the movement of the Earth’s plates and the processes that occur at their boundaries is __________.

Plate Tectonics

The edges where two tectonic plates meet, which can be divergent, convergent, or transform, are called __________.

Plate Boundaries

A type of plate boundary where two plates move apart, often resulting in the formation of new crust, is a __________.

Divergent Boundary

A type of plate boundary where two plates move towards each other, often causing mountain formation or subduction, is a __________.

Convergent Boundary

A type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes, is a __________.

Transform Boundary

The continuous process of rock formation, breakdown, and reformation is the __________.

Rock Cycle

Rocks formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava are called __________.

Igneous Rocks

Rocks formed from the compaction and cementation of sediments are called __________.

Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from the alteration of existing rock types due to heat and pressure are called __________.

Metamorphic Rocks

The process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces by natural forces such as wind, water, and temperature changes is __________.

Weathering

The movement of weathered rock and soil from one place to another by wind, water, or ice is called __________.

Erosion

The geological process where sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or landmass when transporting forces lose energy is called __________.

Deposition

The shaking of the Earth’s surface caused by the movement of tectonic plates is an __________.

Earthquake

An opening in the Earth’s crust through which molten rock, ash, and gasses are ejected is a __________.

Volcano

The preserved remains, impressions, or traces of organisms from a past geologic age are known as __________.

Fossils