Earth's Layers and Tectonic Movements
37 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which layer beneath the Earth's crust is composed mainly of silicate rocks?

  • Lithosphere
  • Mantle (correct)
  • Outer Core
  • Inner Core

The average temperature of the Earth's inner core is about 4,500°C.

False (B)

What is the primary composition of the Earth's outer core?

Liquid molten lava mostly made of iron and nickel

The upper part of the mantle and the crust together form the __________.

<p>lithosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate depth of the mantle?

<p>2,900 km (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The lithosphere is about 100 km thick and consists of tectonic plates.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the asthenosphere allow the lithosphere to do?

<p>Flow and move</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following layers of the Earth to their descriptions:

<p>Mantle = Mostly silicate rocks, flows slowly Outer Core = Liquid, primarily iron and nickel Inner Core = Solid, mostly iron Lithosphere = Solid outer shell, includes crust and upper mantle</p> Signup and view all the answers

What drives the movement of tectonic plates?

<p>Convection currents in the lower mantle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rocks is classified as an extrusive igneous rock?

<p>Obsidian (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Himalayas are formed by oceanic-continental convergent boundaries.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Basalt is an example of an intrusive igneous rock.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of rock formations?

<p>Igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process is responsible for the layering of sediments in sedimentary rocks?

<p>Sedimentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

The movement of molten rock in the lower mantle is known as ______.

<p>Convection currents</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of squeezing water out from layers of sediment to form sedimentary rocks is called ______.

<p>compaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following tectonic boundary types with their characteristics:

<p>Convergent = Plates collide Divergent = Plates move apart Transform = Plates slide past each other Seafloor Spreading = New oceanic crust formation</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of metamorphic rock is formed from limestone?

<p>Marble (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The size of crystals in igneous rock is determined by how quickly the magma cools.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of rocks with their definitions:

<p>Igneous rocks = Formed from cooled magma or lava Sedimentary rocks = Formed from the accumulation of sediments Metamorphic rocks = Formed from altered existing rocks due to heat and pressure Clastic rocks = Composed of fragments of other rocks</p> Signup and view all the answers

Earthquakes frequently occur along ______ boundaries.

<p>transform</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fossils are typically found in igneous rocks.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes metamorphic rocks to form?

<p>Heat and pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of trees in biological weathering?

<p>Their roots break apart rocks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Animals like Piddock shells contribute to weathering by secreting acid.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one type of organism that contributes to biological weathering.

<p>Bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process by which rocks are gradually recycled over millions of years is called the __________.

<p>rock cycle</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following organisms with their method of contributing to biological weathering:

<p>Trees = Roots breaking apart rocks Piddock shells = Boring into rocks Bacteria = Producing chemicals Lichens = Breaking down rock surfaces</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of metamorphic rock has a layered appearance?

<p>Gneiss (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Metamorphic rocks can only be formed from sedimentary rocks.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the main types of weathering.

<p>Physical, chemical, biological</p> Signup and view all the answers

Physical weathering happens especially in places where there is little soil and few plants growing, such as in ________ regions.

<p>mountain</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of weathering with their descriptions:

<p>Physical weathering = Breakdown of rocks by temperature changes Chemical weathering = Reaction of water with rock minerals Biological weathering = Weathering caused by living organisms Freeze-thaw = Expansion of water in rock cracks when frozen</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves water freezing in a crack and expanding?

<p>Freeze-thaw (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chemical weathering occurs more rapidly in cold, dry climates.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two conditions that enhance the speed of chemical weathering?

<p>Water and higher temperature</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Plate Tectonics

Earth's outer layer is made up of large, moving plates.

Convergent Boundary

Where two tectonic plates collide.

Divergent Boundary

Where two tectonic plates move apart.

Transform Boundary

Where two tectonic plates slide past each other.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Igneous Rock

Rock formed when magma (molten rock) cools and solidifies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sedimentary Rock

Rock formed from layers of sediment that have compacted and cemented together.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Metamorphic Rock

Rock changed by heat and pressure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mineral Properties

Characteristics like color, hardness, and crystal shape that help identify a mineral.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Earth's Mantle

The layer beneath the crust, making up 85% of Earth's mass and volume. It's mostly solid rock, but hot enough to flow slowly.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Outer Core

A layer of superheated, liquid iron and nickel, found below the mantle.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Inner Core

A solid, iron-rich center of the Earth, extremely hot.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lithosphere

Earth's solid outer shell, composed of crust and upper mantle, about 100 km thick.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Asthenosphere

The lower part of the mantle, ductile and able to flow.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tectonic Plates

Large sections of the lithosphere that move slowly; affect Earth's surface features.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mantle Temperature

About 2000°C, hot enough to flow.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Outer core temperature

About 4500°C, extremely hot.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Foliated Rocks

Metamorphic rocks with a layered appearance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Non-Foliated Rocks

Metamorphic rocks without a layered appearance.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rock Cycle

Series of processes that change rocks from one type to another.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Weathering

Breaking down of rocks by natural forces (water, temperature, etc).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Physical Weathering

Rock breaking apart due to temperature changes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Freeze-Thaw Weathering

Water freezing and expanding cracks.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chemical Weathering

Rock changing composition by reacting with water.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Extrusive Igneous Rocks

Rocks formed from magma that cools quickly on Earth's surface.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Intrusive Igneous Rocks

Rocks formed from magma that cools slowly beneath Earth's surface.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Compaction

The process of squeezing sediments together, forcing out water.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cementation

The process of gluing sediment pieces together with minerals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Clastic sedimentary rock

Sedimentary rock formed from broken rock fragments that are cemented together.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Igneous Rock Formation

Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Biological weathering

The breakdown of rocks caused by living organisms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do tree roots contribute to biological weathering?

Tree roots grow into cracks in rocks, and as the tree grows, the roots push the rocks apart.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Piddock shells

These marine animals bore into rocks for protection by either scraping away rock particles or secreting acid.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bacteria and algae's role in weathering

These tiny organisms produce chemicals that break down rock, helping them obtain nutrients.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Earth's Layers

  • Mantle: Extends to 2,900 km, thick solid rock, hot enough to flow, generates internal heat
  • Outer Core: 5,100 km deep, liquid molten iron and nickel, 4,500°C
  • Inner Core: 6,400 km from surface, solid iron, 6,000°C, rotates at different speed to Earth

Lithosphere

  • Solid outer shell of a planet, about 100 km thick, made from crust + upper mantle
  • Broken into tectonic plates: move constantly, 1-10 cm per year

Asthenosphere

  • Lower part of the mantle, ductile (like silly putty), 300-500°C
  • Flows, carrying lithosphere (continents)

Tectonic Plate Movement

  • Earth's outer layer: large, moving plates
  • Evidence: continental drift, younger crustal layers, similar fossils, matching continent shapes, earthquakes, volcanoes, seafloor spreading, mid-ocean ridges
  • Convection currents: molten rock movement in lower mantle, drives plate movement

Three Tectonic Boundary Types

  • Convergent: Plates collide (e.g. Himalayas, Andes Mountains, Mariana Trench)
  • Continental-Continental: mountain ranges
  • Oceanic-Continental: subduction zones, volcanic arcs
  • Oceanic-Oceanic: volcanic island arcs, deep sea trenches
  • Divergent: Plates move apart (e.g. Mid-Ocean ridges, East African Rift Valley)
  • Transform: Plates slide past each other (e.g. San Andreas Fault), frequent earthquakes

Igneous Rocks

  • Formed when liquid rock (magma) cools and hardens
  • Intrusive: cools slowly underground (e.g., granite)
  • Extrusive: cools quickly on the surface (e.g., basalt)
  • Crystal size depends on cooling speed

Sedimentary Rocks

  • Formed from sediments (pieces of rock) that are transported, deposited, compacted, and cemented
  • Clastic: composed of rock fragments (e.g., sandstone)
  • Chemical: formed from minerals precipitating from solution (e.g., limestone)
  • Organic: formed from remains of organisms (e.g., coal)

Metamorphic Rocks

  • Formed from existing rocks by heat or pressure
  • Foliated: layered appearance (e.g., slate, schist, gneiss)
  • Non-foliated: no layered appearance (e.g., marble, quartzite)

Rock Cycle

  • Continual change through weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, compaction, cementation. 
  • A continuous process that describes the transitions between rock types
  • Rocks can change from one to another
  • Examples provided of how rocks can be changed through weathering and other geological processes

Weathering

  • Breakdown of rocks by rainwater, extremes of temperature and biological activity
  • Physical weathering: Repeated heating and cooling, freezing and thawing, expansion and contraction
  • Chemical weathering: Rainwater reacting with minerals in rocks, forming new minerals/salts. Occurs faster in warm, damp climates
  • Biological weathering: Root growth, animal activity, and biological acids

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Science Notes Sheet (Earth's Layers) PDF

Description

Explore the fascinating structure of Earth's layers, including the mantle, outer core, and inner core. Understand the dynamics of tectonic plates, their movement, and the different types of boundaries including convergent scenarios. This quiz will test your knowledge on geology and plate tectonics.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser