Unit 1 Study Guide PDF

Unit 1 Study Guide Key Terms:​ Igneous Rock Transform boundary Deep-sea fan Sedimentary Rock Island arc / Volcanic arc Abyssal plain Metamorphic Rock Mid-ocean ridge Seamount Lithification...

Unit 1 Study Guide Key Terms:​ Igneous Rock Transform boundary Deep-sea fan Sedimentary Rock Island arc / Volcanic arc Abyssal plain Metamorphic Rock Mid-ocean ridge Seamount Lithification Continental margin Ocean trench Extrusive Rock Passive margin Neritic deposit Intrusive Rock Active margin Pelagic deposit Continental crust Hotspot Lithogenous sediment Oceanic crust Wilson cycle Biogenous sediment Lithosphere Bathymetry Ooze Asthenosphere Continental shelf Calcite compensation Seafloor spreading Continental break depth (CCD) Continental drift Continental slope Hydrogenous sediment Subduction zone Continental rise Cosmogenous sediment Divergent boundary Turbidity current Convergent boundary Submarine canyon Plate Tectonics / Rock Cycle Key Concepts: Earth is dynamic (inside and out!) Plates interact and produce varied effects, particularly along their boundaries Evidence exists to support the idea that plates are moving, both now and in the past Make sure you feel confident with the following questions: How are the layers of the earth similar to one another? How are they different? In what ways do continental and oceanic crust differ? What are the characteristics of the asthenosphere and lithosphere? What is the difference between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks? What are the processes that create these types of rocks? What is the relationship between plate tectonics and the rock cycle? What evidence do we have for continental drift? What evidence do we have for seafloor spreading and plate movement? What is the theory of plate tectonics? What are the proposed mechanisms of plate tectonics? What are the three types of plate boundary interactions & what occurs at each? How do plate boundary interactions differ for continent – continent, continent-ocean, and ocean-ocean plate interactions? How can you recognize plate boundary types based on data (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, seafloor age, elevation. What is the Wilson Cycle? What is the Cascadia Subduction Zone? What are some key characteristics of this plate boundary interaction? What evidence from the past supports the potential for a massive subduction zone earthquake in the PNW? Seafloor / Marine Provinces Key Concepts: Tectonic forces shape the seabed along with erosion and deposition Ocean floor & key features vary by location and depth Make sure you feel confident with the following questions: What is bathymetry and how do we study it? What are the key seafloor features of continental margins? How do passive continental margins differ from active continental margins? What are the main features of a passive continental margin? What are some of the key seafloor features of deep ocean basins? What are some of the key seafloor features along mid-ocean ridges? Why is it important to study the seafloor? Sediments Key Concepts: Marine sediments vary by source and size Sediments give us clues to the past and to how the Earth and its environmental systems function Make sure you feel confident with the following questions: ​ What are sediments and what are some ways that you can classify them? What are the characteristics of the four main types of sediment? What are the major sources of sediment? What can grain size and shape tell us about the depositional environment of sediments? How can we use information about sediment sorting, shape, and grain size to learn more about depositional environments? How would you define ooze? What is the difference between calcareous and siliceous ooze? What are the primary determining factors for ooze deposition? Where would you expect calcareous ooze to accumulate/deposit? Where would you expect siliceous ooze to accumulate/deposit? What is the difference between the lysocline and carbonate compensation depth (CCD)? What global patterns do we see with sediment deposition? Why is it important to study the seafloor? What are some of the benefits and threats of river sediment to our regional and local ecosystems? Why are sediments a helpful way to monitor for contaminants? ======================================================================== Plate Tectonics / Rock Cycle 1.​ How are the layers of the Earth similar to one another? How are they different? ○​ Similarities: All layers of Earth (crust, mantle, outer core, inner core) are made of materials in different states (solid, liquid, etc.) that contribute to Earth's internal processes. ○​ Differences: The crust is solid and thin, the mantle is semi-solid and thick, the outer core is liquid, and the inner core is solid and made mostly of iron and nickel. 2.​ In what ways do continental and oceanic crust differ? ○​ Continental crust is thicker (30-50 km) and less dense (mostly granite), while oceanic crust is thinner (5-10 km) and denser (mostly basalt). 3.​ What are the characteristics of the asthenosphere and lithosphere? ○​ Lithosphere: Solid, rigid, and broken into tectonic plates. ○​ Asthenosphere: Semi-fluid, ductile, and allows for plate movement due to convection currents. 4.​ What is the difference between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks? ○​ Igneous rocks form from cooling and solidification of molten rock (e.g., basalt, granite). ○​ Sedimentary rocks form from the compaction and cementation of sediments (e.g., sandstone, limestone). ○​ Metamorphic rocks form from the alteration of existing rocks under heat and pressure (e.g., marble, slate). 5.​ What is the relationship between plate tectonics and the rock cycle? ○​ Plate tectonics shapes the Earth's surface, causing mountain-building, subduction, and volcanic activity, which all influence rock formation, recycling, and alteration. 6.​ What evidence do we have for continental drift? ○​ Fossil evidence (similar species found on different continents), geological features (matching rock formations), and the fit of continents. 7.​ What evidence do we have for seafloor spreading and plate movement? ○​ Age of the seafloor (younger near ridges), magnetic striping patterns, and the presence of mid-ocean ridges. 8.​ What is the theory of plate tectonics? ○​ The theory that Earth's lithosphere is divided into large plates that move on the semi-fluid asthenosphere, causing geological events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formation. 9.​ What are the three types of plate boundary interactions & what occurs at each? ○​ Convergent boundaries: Plates move toward each other (e.g., subduction zones).  ○​ Divergent boundaries: Plates move apart (e.g., mid-ocean ridges). ○​ Transform boundaries: Plates slide past each other (e.g., San Andreas Fault). 10.​What is the Wilson Cycle? ○​ The Wilson Cycle describes the life cycle of ocean basins, from their opening (rift) to their closing (subduction) and the formation of supercontinents. Seafloor / Marine Provinces 1.​ What is bathymetry and how do we study it? ○​ Bathymetry is the measurement of ocean depth and the underwater features of the sea floor. We study it using sonar and satellite measurements. 2.​ How do passive continental margins differ from active continental margins? ○​ Passive margins are tectonically quiet (no plate boundaries), while active margins are tectonically active with frequent earthquakes and volcanoes. 3.​ What are some key seafloor features along mid-ocean ridges? ○​ Features include rift valleys, hydrothermal vents, and large mountain chains formed by divergent plate boundaries. Sediments 1.​ What are sediments and what are some ways that you can classify them? ○​ Sediments are particles of rock, mineral, and organic material. They can be classified by their source (terrestrial, biogenic, chemical) and size (clay, silt, sand, gravel). 2.​ What is the difference between calcareous and siliceous ooze? ○​ Calcareous ooze: Made up of calcium carbonate, often from marine organisms like foraminifera and coccolithophores. ○​ Siliceous ooze: Made up of silica, from organisms like diatoms and radiolarians. 3.​ What is the lysocline and carbonate compensation depth (CCD)? ○​ The lysocline is the depth at which calcium carbonate starts to dissolve. Below the CCD, calcium carbonate dissolves completely, creating an area where calcareous ooze doesn't accumulate. Why is it important to study the seafloor? ​ Studying the seafloor helps us understand tectonic processes, ocean circulation, climate history, and marine ecosystems, as well as resources like oil, gas, and minerals.