Earth's Structure and Plate Tectonics

• Earth's structure consists of multiple layers, each with distinct properties and compositions

Earth’s Layers

• Lithosphere: The Earth's solid, outermost layer includes the crust and upper mantle
• Asthenosphere: A semi-fluid layer underneath the lithosphere enables the movement of tectonic plates
• Crust: Earth's thin, outermost layer is divided into oceanic and continental types

Crust Types

• Oceanic Crust: Denser and thinner, primarily composed of basalt
• Continental Crust: Less dense and thicker, mainly composed of granite

Pangea and Plate Tectonics

• Pangea's existence is supported by fossil evidence, similar rock formations across continents, and historical climate data
• Plate boundaries are classified into convergent, divergent, and transform types

Plate Boundary Types

• Convergent Boundary: Plates collide, leading to mountain formation or subduction
• Divergent Boundary: Plates separate, resulting in new crust formation
• Transform Boundary: Plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes

Weathering

• The process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces
• Mechanical Weathering: Physical breakdown occurs (e.g., freeze-thaw)
• Chemical Weathering: Changes in the chemical composition occur (e.g., rusting)

Erosion

• Erosion involves the transportation of weathered materials by wind, water, or ice

Interior Layers of the Earth

• Mantle: A thick, semi-solid layer of slowly flowing rock
• Outer Core: A liquid layer composed of molten iron and nickel
• Inner Core: A solid, dense center, also composed of iron and nickel

Landform Regions

• Plains: Flat, fertile lands are ideal for agriculture
• Plateaus: Elevated flat lands often feature steep sides
• Mountains: Elevated landforms with rugged terrain
• Hills: Lower and more rounded than mountains

Weather vs. Climate

• Weather: Day-to-day changes in atmospheric conditions, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation
• Climate: Long-term patterns and averages of weather in a region are considered

LOWERN Factors (Climate Influences)

• Latitude: Affects temperature based on proximity to the equator
• Ocean Currents: Influence coastal climates with warm or cold currents
• Wind and Air Masses: Affect temperature and weather patterns
• Elevation: Higher elevations experience cooler temperatures
• Relief: Physical geography influences climate
• Natural Vegetation: Plant life can indicate and affect climate

Natural Hazard Categories

• Hazards are grouped into geological, meteorological, biological, and technological categories
• Geological Hazards: Earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis
• Meteorological Hazards: Hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods
• Biological Hazards: Diseases and pest infestations
• Technological Hazards: Industrial accidents and chemical spills

Geographic Thinking Concepts

• Spatial Organization: Understanding the relationships and connections between different places
• Scale: Level of detail in maps, ranging from local to global
• Environment and Society: The interaction between human activities and the environment
• Place and Region: Defining characteristics of locations and their relationships with one another