Comprehensive Review of Earth Systems: U4

What is the best location for a geothermal energy generating plant?

Near tectonic plate boundaries.

What is the significance of Earth's systems interacting over time?

They maintain a state of balance and recycle Earth materials.

What does the geologic time scale refer to?

The time span over which Earth processes occur, spanning millions of years.

Why is understanding plate tectonics important?

It helps predict the location of valuable mineral resources.

What happens at divergent plate boundaries?

Plates rift apart, creating a Rift Valley and new crust through sea floor spreading.

What geological features are formed at convergent plate boundaries?

Volcanoes and earthquakes due to subduction and recycling of Earth material.

What occurs at transform boundaries?

Plates grind past each other, causing earthquakes due to pressure build-up.

What is soil composed of?

Mineral particles (45%), water (25%), air (25%), and organic material (5%).

What are the four categories of ecosystem services?

Provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting.

What is the O-horizon in soil layers?

The uppermost layer containing leaf litter and decomposing detritus.

What is the A-horizon also known as?

Topsoil, rich in organic matter and minerals.

What causes the E-horizon to form?

Leaching, where water removes materials from the soil.

What is the B-horizon known for?

It is the zone of accumulation where nutrients and clay leach from the topsoil.

What does the C-horizon consist of?

Weathered pieces of rock, often saturated with groundwater.

What is soil erosion and why is it important?

The removal of soil by wind or water, which can lead to sediment pollution and affect ecosystems.

What are the five soil forming factors?

Parent material, time, organisms, climate, and topography.

How do roots contribute to soil health?

They help anchor soil and prevent erosion.

What is the role of weathering in soil formation?

It breaks down rocks into smaller particles that form soil.

What is the impact of sediment pollution in waterways?

It increases turbidity, reduces photosynthesis, and clogs gills of aquatic organisms.

What is the process of sea floor spreading?

Magma upwelling splits the Earth's crust, forming new oceanic crust.

What geological activity occurs when plates collide?

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to subduction.

What is the significance of the finite supply of mineral resources?

Their supply will diminish over time, leading to potential conflicts over resources.

What factors can affect soil porosity?

The particle size and composition of each soil horizon.

What is porosity in soil?

The amount of spaces between soil particles.

What is permeability in soil?

The rate at which water moves through the soil.

Which type of soil has excellent drainage due to high permeability?

Coarse textured soil (high in sand).

Which type of soil has poor drainage due to low permeability?

Fine-textured soil (high in clay).

What is Cation Exchange Capacity?

The ability of clay particles to store nutrients within the soil.

What is loam?

A mix of sand, silt, and clay that optimizes agricultural productivity.

What is the troposphere?

The layer closest to Earth's surface where weather occurs.

What is the stratosphere known for?

Containing beneficial O3 that blocks incoming UV radiation.

How does altitude affect temperature?

Increased altitude results in decreased temperature.

What creates global wind patterns?

The rising and sinking of warm and cool air masses.

What is a watershed?

An area of land that drains into a body of water.

What human activities impact watersheds?

Stormwater runoff, urban sprawl, impermeable surfaces, construction, agricultural runoff.

What is solar insolation?

Incoming solar radiation received by the Earth.

How does latitude affect solar radiation?

Solar radiation is greatest at the equator and decreases with increasing latitude.

What is the rainshadow effect?

A dry area on the leeward side of mountains where rain-producing weather systems are blocked.

What is El Niño?

An event that disrupts normal wind/water circulation in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

What happens during an El Niño event?

Trade winds reverse, warm water accumulates in the eastern Pacific, affecting weather patterns.

What is La Niña?

An exaggerated version of normal conditions with stronger westward winds and cooler sea surface temperatures.

What is upwelling?

The process where nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, increasing marine productivity.

What is ENSO?

El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a climate pattern affecting global weather.

How does warm air affect moisture capacity?

Warmer air can hold more moisture, while cooler air becomes denser and holds less.

What is the relationship between temperature and precipitation?

As warm air rises and cools, it cannot hold as much moisture, leading to precipitation.

What are the characteristics of a watershed?

Area, length, slope, soil, vegetation types, and divides with adjoining watersheds.

What is the impact of El Niño on fisheries?

El Niño reduces upwelling, negatively impacting fish populations and fishing industries.

What are the effects of La Niña on weather patterns?

La Niña can lead to cooler temperatures and increased precipitation in certain regions.