NYS Earth and Space Science Regents Review

Flashcards covering Earth's structure, climate, astronomy, energy, and human impact from NYS Earth and Space Science Regents review.

Crust

The thin, solid outer layer of Earth.

Mantle

A thick layer of semi-solid rock beneath the crust.

Outer Core

Liquid layer responsible for Earth’s magnetic field.

Inner Core

Solid and extremely hot layer of the Earth.

Tectonic Plates

Float on the mantle’s semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Divergent Boundaries

Occur where plates move apart, forming new crust.

Convergent Boundaries

Occur where plates collide, causing mountains or subduction.

Transform Boundaries

Occur where plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes.

Earthquakes

Result from stress and movement along faults at plate boundaries.

Volcanoes

Form mainly at convergent and divergent boundaries.

Rock Cycle

Describes how rocks change between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic types.

Igneous Rocks

Form from cooling magma or lava.

Sedimentary Rocks

Form from compressed sediment.

Metamorphic Rocks

Form when heat and pressure change existing rocks.

Weathering

Breaks down rocks into smaller particles.

Erosion

Moves sediment from one place to another.

Deposition

The settling of sediment into new layers.

Geosphere

Includes all solid Earth materials.

Hydrosphere

Includes all water on Earth.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Biosphere

Includes all living organisms.

Troposphere

The atmospheric layer where weather mainly occurs.

Climate

The long-term pattern of weather in an area.

Weather

The short-term state of the atmosphere.

Coriolis Effect

Causes winds and ocean currents to curve.

Solar System

Includes the Sun, eight planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.

Solar Eclipses

Occur when the Moon blocks the Sun.

Lunar Eclipses

Occur when Earth’s shadow blocks the Moon.

Tides

Caused mainly by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun.

Milky Way

Our galaxy, containing billions of stars.

Big Bang

The event that began the universe about 13.8 billion years ago.

Meteors

Space debris burning in Earth's atmosphere.

Meteorites

Meteors that reach Earth's surface.

Asteroids

Rocky bodies mostly found in the asteroid belt.

Comets

Icy bodies with tails formed when near the Sun.

Conduction

Transfers heat through direct contact.

Convection

Moves heat by the flow of fluids like air or water.

Radiation

Transfers heat through electromagnetic waves.

Albedo

The reflectivity of Earth's surface; ice has high albedo.

Greenhouse Effect

Traps heat, keeping Earth warm.

Renewable Energy

Energy sources including solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal.

Non-Renewable Energy

Energy sources including coal, oil, and natural gas.

Fossil Fuels

Formed from ancient organic matter over millions of years.

Natural Resources

Include minerals, fossil fuels, water, and soil.

Acid Rain

Forms when pollutants in the air mix with rainwater.

Deforestation

Removes trees, causing soil erosion and habitat loss.

Climate Change

Results from increased greenhouse gases and human activity.

Recycling

Reduces waste and conserves resources.

Conservation

Involves protecting resources for future use.

Sustainable Energy

Minimizes environmental damage.

Renewable Resources

Can be replenished naturally.

Non-Renewable Resources

Are limited and can be depleted.