Geology and Environment Quiz

The natural surroundings in which organisms live, including the components of the physical environment (temperature, light, air, water, soil, landforms) and biological elements (plants and animals).

The part of the Earth made up of rocks and soil, forming the solid outer layer of the planet.

The part of the Earth composed of all its water, including oceans, lakes, rivers, glaciers, and groundwater.

The part of the Earth composed of all its air, including the gases surrounding the planet.

The parts of the Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere where life exists. It encompasses all living organisms and their interactions with their environment.

The outermost layer of the Earth, relatively thin, and composed of silica-rich rocks. It's thinner beneath oceans and thicker under continents.

The layer below the crust, extending to a depth of about 2,900 km, primarily composed of iron and magnesium silicates.

The upper part of the mantle, extending to a depth of 670 km, with a rigid 'lithosphere' on top and a softer, semi-molten layer beneath.

The lower part of the mantle, reaching a depth of 2,200 km, characterized by increasing hardness and density towards the Earth's center.

The innermost layer of the Earth, extending about 3,500 km, composed mainly of heavy metals like iron and nickel.

The liquid outer layer of the core, primarily composed of iron and nickel.

The solid inner layer of the core, composed mainly of iron and nickel, and hotter than the surface of the sun.

The rigid outermost layer of the Earth, formed by the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It's relatively brittle and broken into tectonic plates.

Vibrations that travel through the Earth, generated by events like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

The study of earthquakes and the Earth's interior using seismic waves.

Naturally occurring solid materials that make up the Earth's crust, including hard rocks like granite and basalt, as well as soft materials like clay and sand.

A naturally occurring, solid chemical compound with a specific composition and crystal structure. Examples include diamond, salt, and quartz.

The classification of rocks based on how they were formed. The three main types are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Rocks formed from the cooling and solidification of magma (molten rock) beneath the Earth's surface or lava on the surface.

Igneous rocks formed when magma cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, allowing large crystals to form. Examples include Granite and Gabbro.

Igneous rocks formed when lava cools rapidly on the Earth's surface, creating small crystals. Examples include Basalt, Andesite, and Rhyolite

Rocks formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments (small rock particles) over long periods.

A visible feature of many sedimentary rocks that indicates layers of sediment deposition. Each layer can represent a different period of time and environment.

A type of mountain formed when tectonic plates collide and fold, resulting in towering peaks.

This type of rock is formed from molten material (magma or lava) that cools and solidifies.

This type of rock forms from layers of sediment that accumulate and harden over time.

These occur when tectonic plates move past each other horizontally, causing the earth to shake.

These are the preserved remains of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rocks.

A sudden and violent shaking of the Earth's surface, primarily caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

The point deep within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

A scale used to measure the magnitude or strength of an earthquake.

A device that records the vibrations of an earthquake, allowing scientists to measure its magnitude.

The damage caused by an earthquake can vary greatly depending on factors like the type of soil, building construction quality, population density, and the earthquake's magnitude.

Guidelines and techniques for building structures to withstand earthquakes, reducing damage and protecting lives.

An opening in the Earth's crust where magma erupts onto the surface as lava.

Molten rock found beneath the Earth's surface.

A cone-shaped hill formed around a vent from the accumulation of lava, ash, and rock during volcanic eruptions.

A cup-like depression at the top of a volcanic cone where magma erupts.

Rocks formed when existing igneous or sedimentary rocks change due to pressure and/or heat.

The process where Earth's crustal plates move towards each other, resulting in the formation of mountains through folding, or rifts and fractures.

The process of transformation rocks undergo, including the creation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

The process of Earth's crustal plates pulling apart, leading to the creation of rifts or fractures in the Earth's crust.

The slow movement of the Earth's tectonic plates driven by forces within the mantle.

The process of Earth's crustal plates sliding past each other, causing faults and earthquakes.