Earth Science Test Review Study Guide

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the Earth Science study guide, including the geologic time scale, rock layering, continental drift, Earth layers, and plate boundary formations.

Four Major Divisions of Time

The categories of time on the geologic time scale, which include Eons, Eras, Periods, and Epoch.

M.Y.A.

An abbreviation on the geologic timeline that stands for millions of years ago.

Eras

One of the four major divisions of time on the geologic time scale, comprising four distinct spans known as the 'Age of the . . .'.

Rock and Fossil Depth-Age Relationship

The principle that the closer a rock or fossil is to the surface the younger it is, and the deeper a rock or fossil is in the rock formation, the older it is.

Wegener

The scientist who proposed the theory of continental drift, which was initially rejected by scientists.

Continental Drift Evidence

The three categories of evidence used to support Wegener's theory: climate evidence, fossil evidence, and landform evidence.

Convection Currents

Circulating currents that occur within the layers of the Earth.

Outer Core

A layer of the Earth made of heavy metals that is capable of generating an electric current.

Inner Core, Outer Core, and Mantle

The layers of the Earth that are composed of heavy metals.

Continental Crust and Oceanic Crust

The two types of Earth's crust that differ in material composition, density, and thickness.

Plate Boundary Formations

Geologic structures and events produced at plate boundaries, including mountains, volcanic mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, rift valleys, and ocean ridges.

Three Types of Rocks

The three distinct rock classifications tracked and analyzed through the rock cycle diagram.

Three Types of Plate Boundaries

The three distinct classes of borders between tectonic plates identified on plate boundary maps.