APES GEOLOGY

Core

The innermost solid part of the Earth, consisting of two layers of dense, hot metal, mostly iron, that generates magnetic fields.

Mantle

The hot, pliable layer surrounding the core, which is less dense than the core.

Crust

The cool, lightweight, thin, brittle outermost layer of the Earth that floats on the mantle.

Tectonic Plates

The crust is a patchwork of sliding tectonic plates that float on magma convection currents of the mantle.

Rock Cycle

The cycle of creation, destruction, and metamorphosis of the Earth’s crust.

Igneous Rock

A type of rock that is the most common, formed from the solidification of magma, with variations in grain size based on cooling rates.

Metamorphic Rock

Rocks that have been modified by heat, pressure, and chemical agents.

Sedimentary Rock

Rocks formed by the erosion and weathering of materials which are then deposited.

Geologic Hazards

Natural events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes that can cause damage to the Earth's surface.

Mining

The process of extracting minerals and resources from the Earth, which can disturb habitats.

Earthquake

A sudden movement of the Earth's crust that occurs along faults where one rock mass slides past another.

Tsunami

A series of waves caused by earthquakes or other abrupt disturbances.

Volcano

Undersea magma vents that can erupt and cause lava flow, ash, and gases.

Mineral

A naturally occurring, inorganic, solid element or compound with a definite chemical composition.

Rock

A solid, cohesive aggregate of one or more minerals.

Economic Minerals

Minerals and rocks like gold, gems, coal, and limestone that have economic importance and can change the landscape.

Environmental Impacts of Mining

The negative effects of extraction, processing, and habitat disturbances caused by mining activities.

Mudslide

A geological hazard involving a rapid flow of soil and debris down a slope.

Monsoon

A seasonal prevailing wind that causes heavy rainfall in certain regions.

Flood

An overflow of water that submerges land which is typically dry.

Meteorite strike

The impact of a meteorite on the Earth, potentially causing significant geological effects.