APES Geology chp 14

Core

The innermost layer of the Earth, consisting of two layers of dense, intensely hot metal, mostly iron.

Inner Core

An extremely hot, solid sphere of mostly iron and nickel, located at the center of the Earth.

Outer Core

The only liquid layer of the Earth, composed mainly of iron and nickel.

Mantle

The hot, pliable layer surrounding the core, consisting of the lithosphere and asthenosphere.

Lithosphere

The outer layer of the mantle which, along with the crust, forms the rigid outer layer of the Earth.

Asthenosphere

The layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, which is more pliable and allows for tectonic movement.

Crust

The cool, lightweight, thin, hard, and rigid outermost layer of the Earth.

Tectonic Plates

Large blocks of Earth's crust that slide around, causing geological activity.

Subducted

The process when one tectonic plate is pushed down below another.

Magma

Molten rock that is forced up through cracks in the crust, forming new oceanic crust.

Mid-Ocean Ridges

Mountain ranges on the ocean floor formed by the upward flow of magma through cracks.

Pangea

A supercontinent that existed 200 million years ago, believed to be a large mass of all Earth's continents.

Plates Tectonic Theory

The theory that Earth’s lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move slowly across the planet.

Continental Crust

The crust that underlies the continents, typically 20-40 miles thick.

Oceanic Crust

The crust that underlies the oceans, typically 4-6 miles thick.

Convergent Boundaries

Boundaries where two tectonic plates push toward each other, often forming mountains.

Divergent Boundaries

Boundaries where two tectonic plates move apart from each other, potentially forming lakes.

Transform Boundaries

Boundaries where two tectonic plates slide past each other, commonly associated with earthquakes.

Mineral

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

Igneous Rock

Rock solidified from magma; it is the most common type of rock.

Metamorphic Rock

Rock that has been modified by heat, pressure, and chemical agents.

Sedimentary Rock

Rock formed by the compaction of eroded materials.

The Rock Cycle

The process of creation, destruction, and metamorphosis of Earth's crust.

Geologic Hazards

Natural occurrences such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and floods that can cause significant damage.

Mining

The extraction of minerals and resources from the Earth's crust, often impacting the environment.

Earth's Lithosphere

The rigid outer part of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Seafloor Spreading

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

Volcano

An opening in the Earth's crust from which lava, ash, and gases can escape.

Earthquake

The shaking of the Earth's surface caused by sudden movements of tectonic plates.

Subduction Zone

The region where one tectonic plate moves under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Hotspot

A location where magma from deep within the Earth's mantle melts through the crust above it.

Fault Line

A crack in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred, often associated with seismic activity.

Tsunami

A series of ocean waves caused by disturbances such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the water.

Sediment

Small particles of rock, minerals, and organic material that accumulate in layers after being eroded.

Fossil

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rock.