Plate Tectonics and Earth's Interior

This set of flashcards encompasses critical concepts in geology, plate tectonics, rock types, the water cycle, and atmospheric science, derived from lecture notes on plate tectonics and Earth's interior.

What is the basic building block of silicate minerals?

Silicon-oxygen tetrahedron.

What are three major types of rocks?

Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

What process forms igneous rock?

Magma or lava cools and solidifies.

Which layer of Earth is categorized as liquid?

The outer core.

What is the most abundant element in Earth’s crust?

Oxygen.

What is metamorphism?

The process of change in a pre-existing rock due to heat and pressure.

What type of rock forms from weathered materials?

Sedimentary rock.

What is the primary difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?

Intrusive rocks crystallize from magma beneath the surface, while extrusive rocks crystallize from lava that cools on the surface.

What evidence supported the theory of continental drift?

Matching rock sequences, fossil evidence, and historical climatic similarities.

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

It describes the motion of Earth's lithosphere divided into tectonic plates.

What mechanism is responsible for seafloor spreading?

Magma rising at mid-ocean ridges pushes tectonic plates apart.

What occurs at convergent plate boundaries?

One tectonic plate is forced beneath another, leading to subduction.

What natural feature is commonly associated with transform plate boundaries?

Earthquakes.

What are the two types of weathering?

Mechanical weathering and chemical weathering.

How does the water cycle contribute to the Earth's systems?

It recycles water and supports ecosystems on Earth.

What is the greenhouse effect?

The warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases.

What role does the sun play in weather and climate?

It drives temperature variations and affects atmospheric circulation.

What are the main components of the atmosphere?

Nitrogen, oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases.

How are clouds classified?

By their altitude and appearance.

What is the primary factor affecting wind patterns?

Differential heating of Earth’s surface.

What is a tsunami?

A series of ocean waves caused by disturbances such as earthquakes.

How do hurricanes form?

From warm ocean waters combined with suitable atmospheric conditions.