Grade 9 Geography – Physical Geography Terms

Vocabulary flashcards derived from Grade 9 Geography – Physical Geography Study Notes, covering key terms and definitions.

Pangaea

The supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, where all continents were connected.

Continental Drift Theory

The theory proposed by Alfred Wegener that continents have drifted apart over geological time.

Alfred Wegener

A German meteorologist and geophysicist who proposed the Continental Drift Theory in 1912.

Crust

The outermost layer of the Earth, consisting of solid rock and varies in thickness.

Mantle

The layer beneath the crust, comprising semi-solid rock and allowing for convection currents.

Outer Core

A layer of the Earth made up of liquid iron and nickel, contributing to Earth's magnetic field.

Inner Core

The innermost layer of the Earth, consisting of solid iron and nickel under extreme pressure.

Jigsaw Fit

The concept that continents can fit together like pieces of a puzzle, supporting the idea of continental drift.

Fossil Evidence

The presence of identical fossils on different continents, suggesting they were once connected.

Mountain Ranges & Rock Types

The observation of similar geological formations on different continents as evidence for continental drift.

Glacial & Climate Evidence

Ancient glacial traces in warm climates indicating continents were once closer to the poles.

Convection Currents

The movement within the mantle caused by the heating and cooling of magma, driving tectonic plate movements.

Convergent Plate Movement

When tectonic plates collide, resulting in mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

Divergent Plate Movement

When tectonic plates move apart, creating new land, mid-ocean ridges, and rift valleys.

Transform Plate Movement

When tectonic plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes.

Pacific Ring of Fire

An area in the Pacific Ocean known for its high levels of earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Mountain Building

The geological process where tectonic plates push land upwards to form mountains.

Magma

Molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface, which rises during divergent plate movements.

Volcanoes

Geological formations that erupt lava and ash, typically found at subduction zones.

Cenozoic Era

The geological era that began 66 million years ago and continues to the present.

Mesozoic Era

The geological era from 252 to 66 million years ago, known for the dominance of dinosaurs.

Paleozoic Era

The geological era from 541 to 252 million years ago, characterized by the formation of key landforms.

Precambrian Era

The earliest geological era, spanning from 4.6 billion to 541 million years ago.

Rocky Mountains

A major mountain range in western North America, formed through tectonic activity.

Himalayas

A mountain range in Asia, formed through the collision of tectonic plates.

Mid-Atlantic Ridge

An underwater mountain range formed at a divergent tectonic plate boundary.

San Andreas Fault

A transform fault in California known for its seismic activity and earthquakes.

Iceland

A country located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, known for its volcanic activity.

Dinosaurs

Reptilian creatures that dominated the Earth during the Mesozoic Era.

Trilobites

Ancient marine arthropods that thrived during the Paleozoic Era, leaving significant fossil records.

Mesosaurus

A freshwater reptile whose fossils were found on both South America and Africa, supporting continental drift.

Glossopteris

A prehistoric fern whose fossils were discovered across multiple continents.

Canadian Shield

A large area of exposed Precambrian rock in Canada, known for its geological significance.

Stromatolites

Layered sedimentary formations created by ancient bacteria, significant in early Earth history.

Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Lowlands

Regions shaped by glacial activity, located in Canada.

Saber-toothed Cats

Prehistoric predators that existed during the Cenozoic Era.

First Fish

The earliest vertebrates that evolved during the Paleozoic Era.

Ancient Glaciers

Masses of ice that shaped the geography of regions, indicating climatic changes in Earth's history.

Tectonic Plates

Massive slabs of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Earth's Magnetic Field

An invisible field created by the spinning motion of the liquid outer core.

Fossils Found

Remains of prehistoric organisms that provide insight into past life and environmental conditions.

Marine Life

Life forms that inhabit oceans, flourishing during the Paleozoic Era.

First Simple Life Forms

Bacteria and algae from the Precambrian Era, marking the beginning of biological evolution.

Volcanic Land

Terrain formed by volcanic activity, significantly impacting Earth's landscape.

Convection Process

The circular movement of magma within the Earth influencing tectonic activity.

Age of Fossils

The dating of fossils, providing evidence for the timing of evolutionary events.

Geological Events

Significant occurrences in Earth's history that shape landforms and ecosystems.

Biological Events

Critical milestones in the evolution of living organisms on Earth.

Temperature of the Crust

Ranging approximately from 0°C to 1000°C.

Thickness of the Mantle

Approximately 2900 km thick.

Liquid Iron & Nickel

The composition of the outer core that contributes to Earth's magnetic field.

Alfred Wegener's Theories

Four types of evidence presented by Wegener to support his theory of continental drift.

Appalachian Mountains

A mountain range in eastern North America, similar in structure to the Caledonian Mountains.

Caledonian Mountains

A mountain range in Scotland, similar in age and structure to the Appalachian Mountains.

Formation of Interior Plains

The geological shaping of flat lands due to glacial activities in Canada.

First Birds & Mammals

Creatures that appeared in the Mesozoic Era, marking significant evolutionary milestones.