AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1-22#

core

The innermost zone of Earth's interior, composed mostly of iron and nickel. It includes a liquid outer layer and a solid inner layer.

mantle

The layer of Earth above the core, containing magma, the asthenosphere, and the solid upper mantle.

magma

molten rock

asthenosphere

The layer of Earth located in the outer part of the mantle, composed of semi-molten rock.

lithosphere

The outermost layer of Earth, including the solid upper mantle and crust.

Plate tectonics

The theory that the lithosphere of Earth is divided into plates, most of which are in constant motion.

earthquake

A sudden movement of Earth's crust caused by a release of potential energy from the movement of tectonic plates.

Hot spot

In geology, a place where molten material from Earth's mantle reaches the lithosphere

volcano

A vent in the surface of Earth that emits ash, gases, or molten lava.

tsunami

A series of waves in the ocean caused by seismic activity or an undersea volcano that causes a massive displacement of water

Divergent boundary

An area below the ocean where tectonic plates move away from each other

Seafloor spreading

Caused by a divergent boundary, in which rising magma forms new oceanic crust on the seafloor at boundaries between those plates

Convergent boundary

An area where one plate moves toward another plate and collides.

subduction

The process in which the edge of an oceanic plate moves downward beneath the continental plate and is pushed toward the center of the earth.

Island arc

A chain of islands formed by volcanoes as a result of two tectonic plates coming together and experiencing subduction.

Collision zone

An area where two continental plates are pushed together and the colluding forces push up the crust to form a mountain range.

Transform Boundary

An area where tectonic plates move sideways past each other.

fault

A fracture in rock caused by a movement of Earth's crust.

igneous rock

Rock formed directly from magma

Sedimentary rock

Rock that forms when sediments such as muds, sands, or gravels are compressed by overlying sediments

Metamorphic rock

Rock that forms when sedimentary rock, igneous rock, or other metamorphic rock is subjected to high temperature and pressure.

rock cycle

Governs the constant formation, alteration, and destruction of rock material that results from tectonics, weathering, and erosion, among other processes.