GNED 1101: Science and Mathematical Literacy Examining Natural Disasters

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to natural disasters, specifically focusing on theories of continental drift and plate tectonics.

Continental Drift

A theory proposed by Alfred Wegener suggesting continents were once connected as a supercontinent and separated from each other.

Plate Tectonics

The scientific theory that describes the large-scale motion of Earth's lithosphere.

Lithosphere

The rigid outermost layer of the Earth, approximately 100 km thick, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Asthenosphere

The semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle located just below the lithosphere, where convection currents occur.

Radiometric Dating

A technique used to date materials by comparing the abundance of radioactive isotopes present.

Geomagnetic Striping

Patterns of magnetic orientation in ocean floor rocks that provide evidence for seafloor spreading.

Divergent Boundary

A type of plate boundary where plates move apart, often associated with volcanic activity.

Convergent Boundary

A plate boundary where plates collide and one plate may subduct under another, leading to volcanic activity.

Transform Boundary

A plate boundary where two plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes.

Seafloor Spreading

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed and pushes older crust away from mid-ocean ridges.

Paleoclimatic Evidence

Presence of glaciers in India indicated that India was once close to the south pole. Antarctica contains tropical fern fossils — implying it was once closer to the equator.

Earthquake

A sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.

Subduction

The process in which one tectonic plate moves under another, typically leading to volcanic activity.