Earth's Structure Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the study of the earth and its structure called?

Geography

Geology (correct)

Oceanography

Meteorology

What do geologists study?

The solar system

The structure of the earth (correct)

The oceans

The atmosphere

What are the three major sections into which geologists divide the interior of the earth?

The crust, the mantle, and the core

What is the outermost layer of the earth called?

Crust Signup and view all the answers

What is sediment?

Thick layer of sand and mineral fragments Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the temperature of rocks the deeper you go into the earth?

It increases Signup and view all the answers

What is the middle layer of the earth called?

Mantle Signup and view all the answers

What is the Moho?

Boundary between the crust and the mantle Signup and view all the answers

What is the innermost region of the earth called?

Core Signup and view all the answers

What is soil?

Small particles of rock and decomposed plant and animal matter that provide a place for plants to grow Signup and view all the answers

What is weathering?

Process by which new soil is formed when rocks gradually break or crumble into smaller pieces Signup and view all the answers

What is chemical weathering?

Natural acids slowly eat into a rock and break it apart Signup and view all the answers

What is physical weathering?

Type of weathering caused by ice, flowing water, or windblown sand Signup and view all the answers

What are mid-oceanic ridges?

Underwater mountain ranges where plates of the earth's crust are thought to be moving away from each other Signup and view all the answers

Describe the earth's mantle.

The mantle is about 1,800 miles thick and makes up the largest portion of the earth's interior. It is made of solid rock, and temperature gets hotter the deeper you go - up to 4,000 degrees F. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the earth's core is solid?

Inner core Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the earth's core is liquid?

Outer core Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between chemical and physical weathering.

Chemical weathering causes changes in the chemical composition of the rock, while physical weathering actually breaks a rock down physically. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth's Structure Overview

Geology is the scientific study of Earth and its structural composition.
Geologists are specialists who analyze the Earth's structure and materials.

Earth's Interior Layers

The Earth is divided into three main sections: the crust, mantle, and core.
The Crust is the outermost layer of the Earth.
The Mantle is the middle layer, approximately 1,800 miles thick, composed of solid rock, with increasing temperatures reaching up to 4,000 °F as depth increases.
The Core consists of two parts: the outer core, which is liquid, and the inner core, which is solid.

Geological and Weathering Processes

Sediment refers to layers of sand and minerals that accumulate over time.
Soil is formed from small particles of rock along with decomposed organic materials, creating a base for plant growth.
Weathering is the process through which rocks disintegrate into soil, with two primary forms:
- Chemical Weathering involves natural acids breaking down the rock's chemical structure.
- Physical Weathering is the mechanical breakdown of rocks caused by environmental factors like ice, water, or wind.

Geological Features

Moho denotes the boundary separating the crust from the mantle.
Mid-oceanic ridges are seabed mountain ranges where tectonic plates diverge, indicating geological activity beneath the ocean.

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Description

Explore the fundamental aspects of Earth's structure, including the layers of the Earth: the crust, mantle, and core. Understand how geological and weathering processes contribute to the formation of soil and sediment. This quiz covers key concepts for beginners in geology.