Earth 2 Cumulative Flashcards

Flashcards on Earth's structure, formation, plate tectonics, minerals, and geological processes.

What are the main layers of the Earth?

Layers of the Earth include the crust, mantle, and core.

What is the difference between the lithosphere and asthenosphere?

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer composed of the crust and uppermost mantle, while the asthenosphere is a ductile part of the mantle.

What is the difference between continental and oceanic crust?

Continental crust is thicker and less dense than oceanic crust.

How are seismic waves used in studying the Earth's structure?

Seismic waves are used to study the Earth's structure.

What are isotopes?

Isotopes are variants of elements with different numbers of neutrons.

What does the timeline of the Big Bang describe?

The Big Bang timeline details the early universe's formation.

What is Nucleosynthesis?

Nucleosynthesis is the process of creating new atomic nuclei.

How do stars form?

Star formation occurs through the collapse of molecular clouds.

What is the Solar Nebula?

The Solar Nebula is the cloud of gas and dust from which the solar system formed.

Describe the stages of solar system formation.

The solar system formed through stages of accretion and differentiation.

What was involved in the core formation of Earth?

Core formation involved differentiation of heavy elements to the center of the Earth.

What insight can we gain from studying meteorites?

Meteorites provide insight into the early solar system's composition.

What is radioactive decay's role in Geochronology?

Radioactive decay is used in geochronology to date geologic materials.

What is Geochronology?

Geochronology is the science of dating geologic materials.

What evidence did Wegener use to support continental drift?

Wegener's evidence included fossil distribution, matching rock types, and paleoclimate data.

How does paleomagnetism support continental drift?

Magnetic inclination, declination, and polarity reversals provide evidence for continental drift and seafloor spreading.

How does mapping the seafloor support the theory of Plate Tectonics?

Seafloor mapping and earthquake distribution support the theory of plate tectonics.

What forces drive plate tectonics?

Plate tectonics is driven by mantle convection and slab pull.

What was Pangaea?

Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed millions of years ago.

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Mid-ocean ridges are divergent plate boundaries where new oceanic crust forms.

What is continental rifting?

Continental rifting is the process by which continents split apart.

What are the general features of subduction zones?

Subduction zones are characterized by volcanism and earthquakes.

What causes volcanism and earthquakes in subduction zones?

Volcanism and earthquakes in subduction zones are caused by the subduction of one plate beneath another.

What are continent-continent collisions?

Continent-continent collisions result in mountain building.

Why is oceanic crust so much younger than continental crust?

Oceanic crust is younger than continental crust because it is constantly being recycled at subduction zones.

What type of plate boundary is the San Andreas Fault?

The San Andreas Fault is a continental transform fault.

What causes hot spots?

Hot spots are caused by mantle plumes.

Where do mantle plumes originate?

Mantle plumes originate deep within the Earth, possibly at the core-mantle boundary.

What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?

Rocks are composed of minerals, while minerals have a specific chemical composition and crystal structure.

What is glass comprised of?

Glass is an amorphous (non-crystalline) solid.

What are polymorphs?

Polymorphs are minerals with the same chemical composition but different crystal structures.

What key components are involved in crystal growth?

Crystal growth involves specific angles, faces, and habits, described as either euhedral or anhedral.

What are the common properties used for mineral identification?

Common mineral properties for identification include hardness, streak, luster, and cleavage.

List the different types of silicate minerals.

Silicate minerals are classified by their structure, such as isolated tetrahedra, single chains, double chains, sheet, and framework silicates.

What is the difference between volcanic and plutonic rocks?

Volcanic rocks are extrusive, while plutonic rocks are intrusive.

What role do geothermal gradients, solidus, and liquidus play with rocks?

The geothermal gradient, solidus, and liquidus define the conditions for melting.

What causes mantle melting in different tectonic settings?

Mantle melting is caused by decompression melting, flux melting, and heat transfer.

What is the difference between felsic and mafic rocks?

Felsic rocks are rich in feldspar and silica, while mafic rocks are rich in magnesium and iron.

How does partial melting lead to the formation of felsic magmas from a mafic rock?

Partial melting of a mafic rock can produce a felsic magma.

What controls crystal sizes in rocks?

Crystal sizes in rocks depend on cooling rate.

What are the products of volcanism?

Volcanic products include lava flows, ash, and volcanic gases.

What is the difference between shield volcanoes and stratovolcanoes?

Shield volcanoes are broad and gently sloping, while stratovolcanoes are steep-sided and conical.

How does caldera formation occur?

Caldera formation occurs after a large eruption empties the magma chamber.

What are the different types of weathering?

Weathering can be physical or chemical.

What is the difference between clastic and biochemical sedimentary rocks?

Clastic sedimentary rocks are formed from fragments of other rocks, while biochemical sedimentary rocks are formed from the remains of organisms.

How and where do Evaporites form?

Evaporites form in areas of high evaporation.

What is metamorphism?

Metamorphism is the change in mineral composition and texture of a rock due to changes in temperature and pressure.

What are the principles for interpreting the geologic record?

The principles include superposition, original horizontality, lateral continuity, cross-cutting relationships, and inclusions.

Why are Unconformities significant?

Unconformities represent gaps in the geologic record.

What's the difference between lithologic and biostratigraphic correction?

Lithologic correlation uses rock types, while biostratigraphic correlation uses fossils.

What is the principle of faunal succession?

The principle of faunal succession states that fossil organisms succeed one another in a definite and determinable order.

What are units of stress?

Stress is force per unit area.

What is the difference between brittle and ductile deformation?

Brittle deformation involves fracturing, while ductile deformation involves bending and folding.

What is the difference between the focus and epicenter of an earthquake?

The focus is the point where the earthquake originates, while the epicenter is the point on the surface directly above the focus.

What is elastic rebound theory?

Elastic rebound theory explains how energy is stored and released during an earthquake.

What is the difference between P and S waves?

P waves are compressional waves, while S waves are shear waves.

How do glaciers form?

Glaciers form where snow accumulation exceeds ablation.

What are moraines?

Moraines are glacial deposits of till.

What are Milanković cycles?

Milanković cycles are variations in Earth's orbit that affect climate.

Why do greenhouse gases affect radiative forcing?

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.

What was the Hadean like?

The Hadean was a hot and volcanic period in Earth's history.

What was the Great Oxidation Event?

The Great Oxidation Event was a time when oxygen levels in the atmosphere increased dramatically.