Geography Chapter 13 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

The geographer's concern with Earth's interior is restricted primarily to its influence on ________.

Earth surface features

The ________ is the thinnest layer.

crust

The lithosphere is sometimes defined as the ________.

crust and upper mantle

The proof for the long-doubted idea of drifting continents came in the form of ________.

analysis of magnetic and seismic patterns Signup and view all the answers

Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a property of minerals?

They can be human-made. Signup and view all the answers

The most widespread oxides are those that combine oxygen and ________.

iron Signup and view all the answers

________ is an example of a native element.

Gold and Silver Signup and view all the answers

The basic classification of rock types is based on their ________.

origin Signup and view all the answers

Igneous rocks deposited on the surface and then cooled are known as ________.

extrusive Signup and view all the answers

Sedimentary deposits built into relatively regular layers are known as ________.

strata Signup and view all the answers

Shale, sandstone, breccia, and limestone are all rocks that are classified as ________.

sedimentary and clastic Signup and view all the answers

The most commonly occurring type of metamorphic rocks are gneiss and ________.

schist Signup and view all the answers

Marble is metamorphosed ________.

limestone Signup and view all the answers

Why is the rock cycle important?

It shows that a mass of material may be incorporated in each rock class at different times. Signup and view all the answers

The concept of plate tectonics is related to ________.

faulting and volcanic activity Signup and view all the answers

The asthenosphere is the portion of Earth's interior between the lithosphere and lower mantle.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Moho is the boundary between the crust and the ________.

mantle Signup and view all the answers

Limestone is composed primarily of ________.

calcite Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the vast majority of rock exposed on Earth's land surface?

Sedimentary Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Mohorovicic discontinuity found?

Between the crust and the mantle Signup and view all the answers

The circulation within Earth's outer core is responsible for _____________.

the generation of Earth's magnetic field Signup and view all the answers

Which rock type is associated correctly with an example?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What mineral is composed of oxygen and sulfur in combination with some other element?

Sulfate Signup and view all the answers

Which extrusive igneous rock is—but for its faster cooling rate—equivalent to granite?

Rhyolite Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following igneous rocks is plutonic?

Gabbro Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rocks is volcanic?

Andesite Signup and view all the answers

What holds most sedimentary rocks together?

Cementing agents that precipitate out of water Signup and view all the answers

A sedimentary rock that is made up of bits and pieces of other rock is known as a _ sedimentary rock, whereas a sedimentary rock that is precipitated from solution is known as _ sedimentary rock.

clastic; chemical Signup and view all the answers

What are metamorphic rocks called when they display a prominent alignment of their minerals?

Foliated Signup and view all the answers

How is relief best described?

The difference between the highest and lowest elevation of a landform Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are internal processes?

Vulcanism Signup and view all the answers

What does uniformitarianism mean?

The physical processes that operate today most likely operated in the same fashion in the past, and the landforms we see today are a result of gradual cumulative change. Signup and view all the answers

Which is the proper order of the eras on the geologic time scale, from oldest to most recent?

Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic Signup and view all the answers

Which topographic feature exhibits the largest scale view of Earth?

River meander Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth's Interior and Surface Features

Geographers focus on how Earth's interior influences surface features.
The Earth's crust is the thinnest layer, foundational to understanding geological structure.
The lithosphere comprises the crust and upper mantle, a critical boundary in geology.

Continental Drift and Geological Evidence

The concept of drifting continents gained acceptance through analysis of magnetic and seismic patterns.
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust, a fundamental difference shaping geological dynamics.

Mineral Properties

Minerals can be human-made, challenging traditional definitions of natural formations.
Widespread oxides combine primarily with iron, essential for various geological processes.

Rock Types and Classifications

Rocks are classified based on their origin: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Igneous rocks that cool on the surface are termed extrusive, such as rhyolite.
Sedimentary deposits that form regular layers are known as strata, exemplifying natural layering processes.
Common sedimentary rocks include shale, sandstone, breccia, and limestone, all classified as clastic.

Metamorphic Rocks

The most common metamorphic rocks are gneiss and schist.
Marble, another significant metamorphic rock, is formed from limestone through metamorphism.

Rock Cycle Significance

The rock cycle illustrates how materials cycle through different rock classes over time, highlighting geological transformations.
The concept of plate tectonics connects to faulting and volcanic activities, explaining earth movements and geological features.

Geophysical Layers

The asthenosphere lies between the lithosphere and the lower mantle, indicating a differentiated structure within Earth.
The Mohorovicic discontinuity, or Moho, marks the boundary between the crust and the mantle, crucial for understanding geological layers.

Composition of Rocks

Limestone is primarily composed of calcite, a key mineral in sedimentary formations.
The vast majority of rocks exposed on Earth's land surface are sedimentary, reflecting historical geological processes.

Magnetic Field Generation

Circulation within Earth’s outer core is integral for generating the magnetic field, crucial for life and navigation.

Rock Examples

Bituminous coal is an example of sedimentary rock, illustrating mineral classifications.
Rocks classified as volcanic, such as andesite, are distinguished from plutonic rocks like gabbro.

Cementation and Rock Formation

Cementing agents that precipitate from water hold most sedimentary rocks together, essential for rock cohesion.
Clastic sedimentary rocks originate from fragmented rocks, while chemical sedimentary rocks form through precipitation.

Mineral Alignment in Metamorphic Rocks

Foliated metamorphic rocks display prominent alignment of minerals, a result of pressure and heat during formation.

Relief and Geological Processes

Relief is quantified by the elevation differences in landforms, key to understanding terrain variation.
Internal geological processes include vulcanism, essential for shaping Earth's surface.

Uniformitarianism Principle

Uniformitarianism posits that present physical processes were consistent in the past, driving gradual and cumulative changes in landscape.

Geological Time Scale

The geologic time scale is ordered as Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic, marking Earth's historical eras.

Topographic Features

River meanders represent large-scale topographic features, exemplifying the impact of erosion and sediment deposition.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts from Chapter 13 in Geography. This quiz features important terms related to Earth's layers and surface features. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of geographical sciences.