Geoscience Overview: Layers and Processes

A supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, before the continents drifted apart.

A German scientist who proposed the theory of Continental Drift.

The study of the ancient magnetism of rocks, particularly their alignment relative to the Earth's magnetic poles in past geological times.

A geologic process where new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and spreads away from the ridge.

The permanent magnetization of rocks, captured during their formation in a specific magnetic field of the past.

Refers to the physical characteristics of rocks, like color, composition, and texture.

Fossils found in different continents separated by large oceans, suggesting they were once connected.

A method of disposing of nuclear waste by depositing it deep underground in stable rock formations.

The rapid expansion of cities and towns, often characterized by low-density housing.

A conflict arising from disputes over access to and control of water resources.

The Euphrates and Tigris rivers are vital water sources for Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. Turkey's dam projects on the Euphrates reduce water flow downstream, creating disputes with Syria and Iraq.

The Jordan River is a critical water source for Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan. Population growth and political tensions exacerbate conflicts over water allocation.

The temperature above which a material loses its permanent magnetic properties.

A path plotted on a map that shows the apparent movement of the Earth's magnetic poles over time.

A theory that explains how the Earth's outermost layer (the lithosphere) is divided into large plates that move over time, causing earthquakes, volcanoes, and the formation of mountains.

A boundary between two tectonic plates where they move apart from each other.

A long, underwater mountain range that forms at divergent boundaries where new oceanic crust is created.

A region where the Earth's crust is being pulled apart, often characterized by volcanic activity and earthquakes.

A type of volcanic rock that is rich in silica and magnesium, commonly found at divergent boundaries.

A boundary between two tectonic plates where they collide with each other.

The process where one tectonic plate slides beneath another, often at convergent boundaries, resulting in volcanic activity and earthquakes.

The process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create their own food (glucose) and release oxygen as a byproduct.

The process where plants and animals break down glucose for energy, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

The continuous movement of carbon atoms between living organisms, the atmosphere, rocks, and the ocean.

The process where carbon from dead organisms is transformed into fossil fuels like coal and oil under heat and pressure.

The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas) are burned for energy.

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat.

The process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through tiny openings in their leaves.

The process by which water vapor in the atmosphere cools, condenses into tiny water droplets, and forms clouds.

The continuous movement of water between the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and living organisms.

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, primarily composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and other trace gases.

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs. It contains most of the air and water vapor, making it essential for life.

The boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere.

The layer above the troposphere extending to about 50 km, containing ozone which absorbs harmful UV radiation from the sun.

The boundary between the mesosphere and thermosphere, marked by a significant temperature decrease that reaches a minimum.

The layer above the mesopause where temperatures increase due to the absorption of UV and X-ray radiation from the sun.

The phenomenon where gases in Earth's atmosphere trap the sun's heat, making Earth warmer than it would be otherwise. This process is essential for life.

The boundary separating Earth's atmosphere from outer space, often considered to be between 80 to 100 km.

The lowest part of the troposphere, close to the Earth's surface, where air is directly affected by changes in the ground.