Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics Overview

Divergent boundaries

Generally have shallow earthquake depths.

Convergent boundaries

Can have earthquakes that range from shallow to deep due to subduction zones.

Transform boundaries

Earthquakes vary in depth but are typically shallow.

Well-sorted Sandstone

Texture: Clastic; Environment: Beach.

Conglomerate

Composition: Rounded gravel; Environment: River.

Shale

Composition: Clay; Environment: Deep ocean, swamp.

Coal

Organic-rich environments.

Limestone

Form in warm, shallow marine waters.

Weathering and Erosion

Process of break-up and removal of rocks.

Graded bedding

Indicates varying energy levels of sediment transport.

Cross-bedding

Reflects deposition in different flow conditions.

Stream gradient

The steepness of the stream, affecting erosion and deposition.

Stream velocity

The speed of the water flow, influencing erosion and deposition.

Stream discharge

The volume of water flow, related to erosion and deposition.

Igneous Rocks

Types: Intrusive (e.g., granite) and Extrusive (e.g., basalt) based on their formation below or above the surface.

Foliated Metamorphic Rocks

Examples include Slate, Schist, Gneiss (formed under pressure).

Nonfoliated Metamorphic Rocks

Example includes Marble (non-layered appearance).

Increasing metamorphic grade

Indicates greater heat and pressure conditions prior to metamorphosis.

Mohs scale

A scale used to measure the hardness of minerals.

Metallic Luster

Reflective appearance, e.g., Hematite.

Nonmetallic Luster

Various more subdued appearances, e.g., Quartz, Calcite.

Stream profile

Relation of gradient, velocity, and discharge with Q=A-V equation where Q is discharge, A is area, and V is velocity.