APES unit 4

What typically occurs at a convergent plate boundary?

Plates push toward each other, causing volcanoes and releasing magma.

What is the main characteristic of a divergent plate boundary?

Plates push away from each other, which may cause seafloor spreading.

What is a transform or strike/slip boundary?

A boundary where plates slide past each other, leading to shallow and frequent earthquakes.

What defines underwater earthquakes?

They are called tsunamis.

What is the Ring of Fire?

A region around the Pacific Ocean where plates meet and volcanic activity is high.

What happens when an ocean plate slips beneath a land plate?

It displaces molten rock beneath the surface, forcing it upward.

What are the factors involved in soil formation?

Parental material, organic material, climate, and topography.

What does the O layer in soil horizons represent?

The organic layer of soil.

What is erosion and what factors contribute to it?

Erosion is the removal of soil, influenced by wind, water, gravity, and human factors.

How does deforestation affect erosion?

It removes roots that hold down soil, increasing erosion.

What is one consequence of overgrazing?

It can erode soil due to lack of vegetation.

Why is clay used as an organic liner for landfills?

Because of its low permeability, which reduces leakage.

What does the soil triangle illustrate?

The proportions of clay, silt, and sand in soil.

What is the primary gas composition of Earth's atmosphere?

78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 0.94% argon.

What weather phenomenon occurs in the troposphere?

Weather events occur as this layer cools with altitude.

What is the importance of the ozone layer?

It warms the stratosphere and protects living organisms from harmful UV radiation.

What is insolation?

Solar radiation absorbed per area.

Where is insolation the highest on Earth?

At the equator, due to the direct angle of sunlight.

What effect does large bodies of water have on local temperatures?

They stabilize local temperatures due to high specific heat.

What is a rain shadow effect?

A dry area on the leeward side of a mountain range caused by mountains blocking rain.

How do ocean currents affect climate on the east and west coasts of the U.S.?

Ocean currents make east coast states warmer than west coast states.

What characterizes the El Niño phenomenon?

Warmer ocean temperatures in the east Pacific, affecting weather patterns.

What happens during normal years in terms of ocean water movement?

Warm water travels west, and upwelling occurs.

What is La Niña associated with?

Strengthening of normal wind patterns and enhanced upwelling.

What is a consequence of the La Niña cycle?

Changes in fish migration patterns and increased phytoplankton production.

What defines the specific heat of water compared to land?

Water has a high specific heat, requiring more energy to heat than land.

What is the significance of soil horizons?

Different layers of soil that contain varying types of material.

What causes warmer and wetter conditions in South America during El Niño?

Warmer ocean temperatures lead to altered weather patterns.

What role do wind patterns play during El Niño events?

Winds stall and ocean currents reverse, driving warmer water to South America.

What typical climate conditions occur on the leeward side of mountains?

Drier conditions due to the rain shadow effect.

What is the primary composition of the Earth's atmosphere at high altitudes?

It thins with altitude, consisting of the same gases but at lower pressures.