Geography Form 3 - Earth Forces and Dynamics

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to geological processes, internal forces, earthquakes, and vulcanicity.

Internal forces

Forces that originate and operate within the Earth's crust, also known as endogenic forces.

Diastrophic forces

Forces that produce Earth's movements and structural features.

Tectonic movements

Movements of the Earth's crust that result from internal forces.

Vertical movements

Movements occurring within the Earth's crust, also known as radial movements.

Tensional forces

Forces that pull crustal rocks apart, causing them to move apart.

Compressional forces

Forces that push crustal rocks toward each other.

Block mountain

A table-like mountain formed by vertical movements of crust blocks.

Plateau

A large elevated flat area of land, formed by geological processes.

Basin

An extensive depression formed by the subsidence of the Earth's surface.

Submerged coasts

Coastal areas that have become covered by water due to vertical movements.

Emerged coasts

Coastal areas that have risen above sea level due to vertical movements.

Ria coasts

Inlets formed when a highland coast is submerged, flooding the lower parts of its river valley.

Dalmatian coast

Coastlines formed by the flooding of parallel valleys, creating chains of islands.

Estuaries

Flooded parts of river valleys that make excellent sites for ports.

Fiord coast

Coastlines formed when glaciated valleys become submerged.

Raised beaches

Beaches that have been uplifted above sea level due to geological activities.

Earth movements

Movements associated with internal forces shaping the Earth's crust.

Horizontal movements

Sideways movements of the Earth's interior, resulting in rocks folding or faulting.

Folding

The bending of the Earth's crust caused by compressional forces.

Anticlines

Upfolds formed during the folding of the Earth's crust.

Synclines

Downfolds formed during the folding of the Earth's crust.

Normal fault

A type of fault resulting from tensional forces, where one block of crust moves down relative to another.

Reverse fault

A fault that occurs due to compressional forces, where the rocks on one side of the fault are thrust over the other.

Transform fault

A fault where two blocks of rock slide past each other horizontally.

Overthrust fault

A fault in which one limb of a fold is pushed over another limb.

Monocline fault

A type of fault involving a tensional fracture with bent strata.

Joints

Small cracks in rocks caused by tensional stresses, distinct from faults which involve displacement.

Rift valley

A long, narrow depression formed between parallel faults.

Vulcanicity

The process of molten materials and gases being forced into the Earth's crust.

Intrusive rocks

Igneous rocks formed when magma cools and solidifies within the Earth's crust.

Extrusive rocks

Rocks formed from magma that reaches the Earth's surface and solidifies.

Geothermal energy

Energy produced from heat stored within the Earth, often from volcanic activity.

Active volcano

A volcano known to have regular eruptions.

Dormant volcano

A volcano that has not erupted recently but may erupt again.

Extinct volcano

A volcano that shows no signs of erupting again.

Ash and cinder cone

A type of cone-shaped volcano formed from rock fragments ejected during eruptions.

Composite cone

A large volcano formed with layers of lava and ash.

Shield volcano

A broad, gently sloping volcano formed by the flow of low-viscosity lava.

Crater

A depression at the top of a volcano formed by explosive eruptions.

Caldera

A large depression formed when a volcano erupts violently or collapses.

Solfatara

A volcanic vent that emits sulfurous gases and hot muds.

Fumarole

A vent in a volcanic area that emits steam and gases.

Hot spring

A natural spring of water that is heated geothermally.

Geyser

A hot spring that periodically erupts with steam and water.

Tsunamis

Rapid ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes.

Focus

The point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Epicenter

The point on the Earth's surface directly above the earthquake's focus.

Seismic waves

Waves of energy caused by an earthquake that travel through the Earth.

Body waves

Seismic waves that travel through the Earth's interior.

Surface waves

Seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface.

Richter scale

A logarithmic scale used to measure the magnitude of an earthquake.

Seismograph

Instrument used to measure and record seismic waves from earthquakes.

Mercalli scale

A scale used to measure the intensity of an earthquake based on its observed effects.

Isostatic adjustment

The process that occurs when the Earth’s crust rebounds after being compressed.

Effects of earthquakes

Destruction of property, loss of life, and generation of tsunamis.

Fault lines

Fractures in the Earth's crust where earthquakes commonly occur.

Precautions for earthquakes

Measures to prepare for and respond appropriately to earthquakes.

Post-earthquake procedures

Recommended actions to take after an earthquake to ensure safety.

Earthquake zones

Areas where earthquakes are more likely to occur, often along tectonic plate boundaries.

Natural systems

Interrelated components of the Earth affected by geological and environmental processes.

Landforms

Features on the Earth's surface resulting from geological processes.

Volcanic eruptions

Explosive release of magma, gas, and ash from a volcano.

Geological processes

Natural events and movements that shape the Earth's surface and structure.

Land subsidence

The gradual sinking of land due to geological forces.

Seismic hazards

Potential dangers associated with earthquakes and seismic activity.

Landscape features

Physical characteristics of the Earth's surface, such as mountains, valleys, and plateaus.

Geographical phenomena

Events and processes that create observable effects in the environment.

Rock materials

Natural substances that form the Earth's crust and can be affected by geological forces.

Resource utilization

The process of using natural resources for economic and practical purposes.

Geophysical activity

Natural processes involving the Earth's physical properties, including seismic and volcanic events.

Morphological changes

Alterations in the shape and structure of the Earth's surface over time.

Landform features

Distinct physical attributes created by geological processes.

Geological structures

Configurations formed by the arrangement and folding of rocks.

Sedimentary rocks

Types of rocks formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic materials.

Geothermal resources

Natural heat sources from the Earth's interior used for energy production.

Volcanic activity

The process by which magma and gases are released from the Earth's crust as a result of tectonic processes.

Geological hazards

Natural events that pose a risk to human life and infrastructure due to geological activity.