Geosphere and Earth's Layers

The solid Earth, including its layers from the crust to the core.

Process where heavier elements sink to the center of a planet while lighter elements rise to the surface.

The process of dust particles clumping together due to static electricity and gravity, eventually forming larger objects.

The outermost and thinnest layer of the Earth, composed of either granitic (continental) or basaltic (oceanic) rock.

The thickest layer of the Earth, mainly composed of the rock peridotite, located between the crust and the outer core.

The liquid layer of the Earth's core, primarily composed of iron and nickel.

The solid sphere at the center of the Earth, primarily composed of iron and nickel.

The magnetic field surrounding the Earth, generated by the movement of molten iron within the outer core.

The theory that all continents were once joined together as a single supercontinent called Pangaea, which later split apart and drifted to their current positions.

The organization of the Earth's layers from the crust to the core, with the densest materials sinking to the center and less dense materials rising towards the surface.

The temperature at which a ferromagnetic material loses its permanent magnetism and becomes paramagnetic.

The study of the Earth's outer shell, the lithosphere, explaining mountain building, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

A boundary where two tectonic plates move apart, creating new oceanic crust. Magma rises and solidifies, causing volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Underwater mountain ranges formed due to the spreading of oceanic crust at divergent plate boundaries.

Areas where the Earth's crust is being pulled apart, resulting in volcanic activity and rift valleys.

A type of igneous rock rich in silicon and magnesium, common in volcanic eruptions at divergent boundaries.

A boundary where two tectonic plates collide, causing mountain formation, volcanic activity, and deep ocean trenches.

The process where one tectonic plate slides beneath another, creating a zone of intense geological activity.

The path that the magnetic north pole appears to have taken over time, as recorded in rocks.

The apparent change in the location of magnetic poles through time, as recorded in rocks, suggesting continental drift.

A supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, where all the continents were joined together.

The theory that the Earth's continents were once joined together and have drifted apart over millions of years.

Similar rock types and geological structures found on different continents, supporting the idea of interconnected landmasses.

Fossils of the same species found on continents now separated by vast oceans, indicating past connections.

The study of the ancient magnetism in rocks, providing clues about the Earth's magnetic field and the movement of continents.

The permanent magnetism in rocks, reflecting the orientation of the Earth's magnetic field at the time the rock was formed.

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges, spreading out and pushing older crust away.

The mechanism responsible for generating the Earth's magnetic field, driven by currents in the fluid core.

The temperature at which magnetic materials lose their magnetism, often around 580°C (1076°F) for magnetite.

The global ocean surrounding the supercontinent Pangaea.