Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Honors Earth Science Review
8th Grade level Honors Earth Science Review
114
Science
8th Grade
05/31/2013

Additional Science Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term

Name the layers of the Earth.

Definition

Crust

Mantle

Outer Core

Inner Core

Term
Name the Compositional Layers of the Earth and their thickness.
Definition

Continental crust 10-70km

Oceanic crust 5-7km

Mantle 2900km

Core 6306km

Term
Name the Mechanical Layers of the Earth.
Definition

Lithosphere

Aesthenosphere

Mesosphere

Outer Core

Inner Core

Term
Describe the composition of each of the Earth’s layers.
Definition

Crust: Rocky

 

 

 

 

Mantle: Plastic:

Mg – Magnesium, Fe – Iron, Al – Aluminum, Si – Silicon, O - Oxygen

 

Core: Liquid:

Fe – Iron, S – Sulfur

 

Inner Core:

Solid: -Fe – Iron

 

 

Term
Describe the composition of oceanic crust.
Definition
is composed entirely of basalt rocks.
Term
Describe the composition of Continental crust.
Definition
is made primarily of less dense rock such as granite
Term
Describe the composition of the Earth’s Mantle layer
Definition
A less dense and much larger middle sphere is made of materials rich in iron, magnesium and calcium
Term
Describe the composition of the Earth’s core
Definition
a body of intensely hot iron and nickel
Term
Explain the interactions that take place between the different layers of the Earth (core and mantle and mantle, crust)
Definition

Within the Earth, irregular convection cells within the mantle transfer heat from the core to the surface of the planet.

Term
Explain the interactions that take place between the lithosphere and asthenosphere.
Definition
The asthenosphere is ductile and can be pushed and deformed like silly putty in response to the warmth of the Earth. These rocks actually flow, moving in response to the stresses placed upon them by the churning motions of the deep interior of the Earth. The flowing asthenosphere carries the lithosphere of the Earth, including the continents, on its back
Term
What is the energy source that drives the movement of the Earth’s plates?
Definition
Intense heat in the Earth’s core which causes molten rock in the asthenosphere to move.
Term
What is the difference between chemical and physical weathering?
Definition
Chemical occurs when chemical reactions dissolve the minerals in rock Mechanical is a physical process that breaks apart rock without changing it's chemical structure
Term
What is the difference between chemical and physical weathering?
Definition

Physical Weathering  - disintegration of rocks and minerals by a physical or mechanical process.

Chemical Weathering - chemical alteration or decomposition of rocks and minerals.

Term
Give an example of physical weathering
Definition
Abrasion makes rocks with sharp or jagged edges smooth and round. If you have ever collected beach glass or cobbles from a stream, you have witnessed the work of abrasion.
Term
Give an example of chemical weathering
Definition

When iron rich minerals oxidize, they produce the familiar red color found in rust.

Term
What will occur when water and limestone interact?
Definition
When limestone interacts with underground water, the water dissolves the limestone to form karst topography in which the landscape is largely shaped by the dissolving action of water on carbonate bedrock.
Term

How is karst topography formed? 

Definition
When the landscape is largely shaped by the dissolving action of water on carbonate bedrock.
Term

What causes the geological process, occurring over thousands of years, resulting in unusual surface and underground features ranging from sinkholes, vertical shafts, disappearing streams, and springs, to complex underground drainage systems and caves.

Definition
What happens when water and limestone interact?
Term
What will occur when water and limestone interact?
Definition

Limestone is primarily solid CaCO3 . All types of limestone begin with dissolved calcium carbonate, CaCO3, which is contained in most fresh water and in sea water.

 Limestone Slowly Dissolves in Rain

Term
What are the primary agents of physical erosion and how do they change the surface of the Earth?
Definition

 

 

Primary force is gravity, but gravity

 

acts in concert with running water.

 

 

Term

The movement of weathered

material from the site of weathering.

Primary force is gravity, but gravity acts

 in concert with running water.

Definition
Erosion
Term
Name several ways in which rock layers can be dated.
Definition

Relative Dating

 

and

 

Absolute Dating

 

Term
Relative Dating - laws and principles
Definition

Law of Superposition- states that in an undeformed sequence of sedimentary rocks, each bed is older that the one above it and younger than the one below it.

Principle of Original Horizontality – means that layers of sediments are generally deposited in a horizontal position.
Term
Absolute Dating - how is this done?
Definition

Radiometric dating- is based on the constant rate of decay of radioactive materials. Radioactive materials are isotopes that are unstable; the radioactivity refers to the particles and energy released by these materials as they revert to stable isotopes

Term
Describe the steps of the rock cycle and the types of rocks that are created during each process.
Definition

Igneous and Metamophic melting makes magma

 

Magma cooling makes Igneous Rock

 

Igneous, Metamorphic and Sedimentary Rocks weathering and erosion make sediments

 

 

Sediments, when compacted, make Sedimentary Rock

 

 

Igneous and Sedimentary rocks when faced with heat and pressure make Metamorphic Rock

Term
Explain Wegener’s theory of continental drift.
Definition
The continents had once been joined to form a single supercontinent.
Term
What was the name of the supercontinent in Wegener's theory of continental drift?
Definition
Wegener called this supercontinent Pangea, meaning all land.
Term
What is the difference with Wegener’s theory of continental drift and the current theory of plate tectonics as compared to today's theory?
Definition
The main difference is that Wegener was not able to explain the mechanisms of plate movements
Term
What is the difference between Wegener’s theory of continental drift and the current theory of plate tectonics?
Definition
Wegener was not able to explain the mechanisms of plate movements, while today’s theory of plate tectonics states that the uppermost mantle along with the overlying crust, behaves as a strong, rigid layer. This layer is known as the asthenosphere. The unequal distribution of heat within the Earth causes the thermal convection in the mantle that ultimately drives the plates motion.
Term
What are the three Types of Tectonic Plate Boundary events of movement?
Definition

Convergent

Plates move towards each other

 

Divergent

Plates move away from each other

 

Transform Boundaries

Plates move past each other

Term
Describe the convergent boundaries type of tectonic plate interaction.
Definition

Oceanic Plates collide with continental plates

 

Continental Plates collide with other continental plates

 

Ocean Plates collide with other ocean plates

Term
Describe the Ocean-Continent Collision type of tectonic plate interaction.
Definition

Ocean crust dips below continental (SUBDUCTION) due to the difference in density.

 

Effects = Trenches and Volcanic Arc

Term
Describe the Continent to Continent Converging type of tectonic plate interaction and the effects.
Definition
The plates collide and get pushed upward, creating mountains.
 

Effects – Creates Complex Mountains

Term
Explain the plate boundary event which form mountains within a land mass or continent such as The Himalayas.
Definition
Continent to Continent Converging
Term
Describe the Ocean to Ocean Converging type of tectonic plate interaction and the effects.
Definition

 

One oceanic plate is subducted under another.

Effects – Deep ocean trenches, Under water volcanoes, Chain of volcanic structure that become islands.

 

Term
The Mariana Trench (which is below sea level) resluted from what type of tectonic plate interaction?
Definition
Ocean to ocean convergence.
Term
What are the effects of a Divergent Boundary form of Tectonic Plate movement?
Definition

1. New Crust

2. crust becomes wider

3. shallow earthquakes

4. extrusive volcanism

5. mid-ocean ridge system

Term
What is the Techtonic Plate Interaction that causes the Mid-Atlantic Ridge which divides the land mass with slowly increasing width in Iceland?
Definition
The Divergent Boundary Plate Movement.
Term
What Techtonic Plate Interaction caused the continents to divide?
Definition
The Divergent Boundary Movement
Term
Explain what happens in Techtonic Plate Interaction with TRANSFORM BOUNDARY movement.
Definition
Two plates slide horizontally past each other along a surface called a "TRANSFORM FAULT".
Term
The interaction between the Pacific and North American Techtonic Plates in California is an example of which type of techtonic plate interaction?
Definition

TRANSFORM BOUNDARY Interaction

 

(This type of boundary is often associated with earthquakes.)

Term
Explain how the process of erosion affects Florida beaches each year.
Definition
The affects of wind and waves on beaches naturally erode the beaches.  The waves move the sand into the ocean and the wind moves the sand to other locations.
Term
What actions could we take to prevent the erosion of Florida's shorelines?
Definition

1. Add plants and vegetation to the seashore banks.

2.  Reduce usage of beaches

3. Move sand fro the ocean and place it back at the shoreline to improve sand dune stability.

Term
What is the process of Karst Topography and the formation of underground caves in Florida?
Definition
Groundwater weathers away the bedrock including limestone.
Term

What are the process that create and destroy Earth's crustal material. 

 

Explain.

Definition

1.  Subduction - destroys the material

2.  Volcanic Lava Cooling - Creates

3.  Ocean Floor Spreading - Creates

Term

Where would the earth's crust be the oldest?

 

The newest?

 

Definition
The Oldest crust would be located on either side of the spreading centers.
Term
Name and identify the features of the ocean floor.
Definition

1. Continental shelf

2. Continental Slope

3. Mid ocean ridge

4. Volcano

5.trench

6.sea mount

7. abyssal plain

Term
What percentages of which gases make up our atmosphere?
Definition

1. 78% Nitorgen

2. 21% Oxygen

3. 1% Other

Term

Which gases are most important to living organisms?

and why?

Definition

Nitrogen:  We need as protein which are made of amino acids for all living things. 

Carbon Dioxide:  We breath out CO2 and Plants take in CO2 for photosynthesis. 

Oxygen:  Plants make oxygen and we breath in oxygen. This makes us different from all other planets.

Term
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
Definition
a process by which thermal radiation from a planetary surface is absorbed by atmospheric greenhouse gases, and is re-radiated in all directions
Term

What is the water cycle?

 

What is the energy source of the water cycle?

Definition

The movement of earths water through earth.

 

The energy source is the sun.

Term
What is the carbon cycle?
Definition
The circulation of carbon between earth and the atmosphere and back again.
Term
What are four ways carbon is added to the atmosphere?
Definition

1. Burning off fossile fuels

2. Respiration

3. Deforestation (cutting down trees)

4. Volcanoes

Term
Name three ways carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere.
Definition

1.  Dissolving in oceans

2. photosynthesis

3. buried in Earth-fossil fuels are made

Term

What happens to the atmospheric temp when carbon dioxide increases?

 

Decreases?

Definition

gets warmer

 

gets cooler

 

(greenhouse effect...)

Term
What are 3 causes of deep water ocean currents?
Definition

 Differences in density due to:

1. Temperature (colder is more dense)

2. Salinity (more salt is more dense)

 

Dense water from the poles sink down to the bottom.

 

Less dense, warm water stays on top.

Term
What is a Gyre?
Definition
Any large system of rotating ocean currents, particularly those involved with large wind movements.  They are caused by the Coriolis Effect.
Term
What causes the surfact currents?
Definition
Wind (which is influenced by the Coriolis Effect)
Term
What causes wind?
Definition
The friction between air and water molecules.
Term
Describe the location of the Gulf Stream current.
Definition
The gulf stream is a warm current that begins in the Gulf of Mexico and flows up the East coast of the US, and over to northern Europe.
Term
How does the Gulf Stream impact the climates of North America and northwestern Europe?
Definition
It breings warm, humid air to the East Coast of the US and allows areas in Northern Europe to have a warmer, mild climate than they normally would have.
Term
List and give examples of three ways heat is transferred.
Definition

1. Convection:  The transfer of heat by the movement fluid

2. Conduction:  The transfer of heat through matter by direct contact.  Energy is transferred by collision of one molecule to another.

3. Radiation:The transfer of heat energy through space by electromagnetic waves.

Term
Give examples of each heat transfer.
Definition

Conduction:  Energy is transferred by direct contact like a Hot spoon because in boiling water.

 

Convection:  Energy is transferred by the mass motion of molecules like  circulation of hot and cool air in atmosphere

 

Radiation:  Energy is transferred by electromagnetic radiation like feeling warmth of fire.

 

 

Term
How does heat energy get from the sun to the earth?
Definition
Radiation.
Term
Why can't heat transfer from sun to earth by conduction or convection?
Definition
Because there are no particles between the sun and the earth.
Term
Describe the role that conduction, convection and radiation play in the heating of Earth's atmosphere.
Definition

1. Radiation: Energy moves from sun through space to earth. Some is absorbed or flected in our atmosphere.

 

2. Conduction:  Heat from the earth is transfererred to the air above it.

 

3.  Convection:  WArm air rising in the atmosphere and cool air sinking.

Term
Give several examples of interactions between the atmosphere and hydrosphere.
Definition

1.  As water evaporates, it becomes part of the atmosphere

2. water vapor and cloud formation can influence the heating of the atmosphere

3.  the water cycle.

Term
e
Definition
Term

Give several examples of interactions between the atmosphere and  biosphere:

 

 

Definition

1.  Photosynthesis and respoiration can change the gases in the atmosphere

2.  human activity add CO2 to atmosphere

3. Weather (expecially severe) has an effect on living things

4. the carbon cycle

 

Term
Give several examples of interactions between the atmosphere and Geosphere
Definition

1. The earth directly heats the atmosphere

2. Volcanic eruptions can add material and gases to the atmosphere

3. weather from atmosphere can affect the land surface by weathering and erosion

Term

What are the names of the layers of atmosphere elevations?

 

What are the temperature ranges of each?

Definition

Thermosphere Hottest

Mesosphere coldest

Stratosphere ozone layer

Troposphere weather

Term
How do the climates of the northern and southern hemispheres vary and why?
Definition

Unequal heating of land and sea cause pressure differences and can cause large amounts of precipitation (monsoons) during the summer months.  This happens over Asia and to a lesser extent North Am.  Since the southern hemisphere has less landmass these weather patterns do not occur.  The southern hemisphere actually allows wind and ocean currents to travel continuously around the globe. this does not happen in the Northern Hemisphere due to the continents.

 

Term
How does the Earth's rotation impact ocean and air currents?
Definition

If the earth wasn't rotation, the global winds would be very simple.  They would rise at the equator and move toward the poles in a straight line.

 

Since the Earth rotates the winds follow a much different pattern.  The rotation causes the Coriolis Effect which deflects the winds from their original path.  This causes the winds to curve.

Term
What are the four main types of air masses?
Definition

!. Tropical - warm air masses with a low pressure.

2. Polar - cold, air masses with high pressure.

3. Maritime - form over the ocean and are very humid

4. Continental - form over land and are dry.

Term
What are the causes of stormy weather?
Definition

Lift in the atmosphere

 

Low pressure systems

 

Frontal boundries

Term
What are the causes for fair weather?
Definition
Stable air.  This is typically associated with high pressure (cold, sinking, air)
Term
How can wind speed and direction be predicted using a weather map
Definition
Closely spaced isobars mean higher wind speeds due to rapid pressure changes
Low pressure will have winds moving toward the low
High pressure systems will have winds moving outward.
Term
What are the factors necessary to form a hurricane?
Definition
Ocean and air heat and moisture are necessary to form a hurricane
Term
Describe the structure of a hurricane
Definition
Surface convergence of air, spiral rain bands, subsiding air in eye
Term
If the earth's average temperature increases (global warming), what is the impact on the incidences of hurricane formation?
Definition
The higher the average temperatures of the oceans, the more incidents of hurricane formation.
Term
What is the relationship between greenhouse gasses, global warming and global climate change?
Definition
There is a direct relationship between all three. An increase in CO2 in the atmosphere causes an increase in all of them.
Term
How does changes in the Earth's Exosphere (very high up) influence climate on Earth?
Definition
An increase in CO2 (volcanos, burning fossil fules, respiration) would thin the Exosphere and make our climate warmer.
Term
How does changes in the Earth's Hydrosphere influence climate on Earth?
Definition
An area with a lot of rain would cool the hydrosphere creating a cooler, more humid climate.
Term
How does changes in the Earth's Geosphere influence climate on Earth?
Definition
A volcano erupting would add ash and CO2 into the air creating a warmer climate.
Term
How does changes in the Earth's Biosphere influence climate on Earth?
Definition
Humans burning coal for electricity would add CO2 into the atmosphere and create a slow warming pattern.
Term
How Does changes in the Eartgh's Cryosphere influence climate on Earth?
Definition
Global warming would cause ice to melt and temperatures to rise.
Term
Compare the influence of large land areas (continents) and large bodies of water (oceans) on weather and climate.
Definition
Areas near large bodies of water have a much smaller range of temperature than those located within a continent.
Term
Compare the influence of altitudes and latitude on weather and climate
Definition

Latitude - the closer to the equator that you are located, the warmer the climate.

 

Elevation (altitude): As you rise higher in the troposphere temperature decreases.

 

Geographic Location:  Areas near large bodies of water have a much smaller range of temperature than those located within a continent.

 

 

Term
What is the difference between a problem statement and a hypothesis?
Definition

Problem statement defines the problem that scientists are trying to solve.

 

A hypothesis is what scientists predict to be the outcome of an experiment.

Term
What is the difference between an independent (test) and a dependent (outcome) variable.
Definition

Independent (test) variable is what is changed

 

Dependent (outcome) variable is what is measured

Term
What is the difference between reliable data and replicable data?
Definition

Data that is reliable is accurate and makes sense.  More than one trial shows that the data is correct.

 

Data that is replicable is able to be obtained in multiple trials.  This can be done more than once correctly.

Term
Explain the role of models in science.  Give examples of the benefits and limitations of specific models.
Definition

Models allow us to study and experiment on things that we may not otherwise be able to.

 

Eamples: 

1. earth-sun-moon systems

2. model of the sun

3. center of the earth

Term
What is the difference between theories and laws - cite examples
Definition

Both have evicence to back them up, however a law has been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt

 

Examples:
Theories: Theory of contintal drift, theory of plate tectonics, theory of evolution
Laws: Newtons law of motion, Law of superposition, law of horiziontality
Term
What are examples which show how scientific knowledge is durable, because it's open to change?
Definition
Idea of global warming, Theory of continental drift-plate tectonics, Astronomy (pluto is or is not a planet)
Term
How many Km's are in one AU?
Definition
1 AU is appx = to 150,000,000 km
Term
How manu AU's are in a light year?
Definition
63240 AU is appx = to 1 light year
Term
How many light years are in 1 parsec?
Definition
3.26 light years is = to appx 1 parsec
Term
Understand the HR diagram (slide 14) and be able to answer questions about what the diagram identifies with relation to planetary hear (in kelvin) and Luminosity.
Definition
Term
Understand the HR diagram (slide 15) and be able to answer questions about what the diagram identifies with the life cycle of stars.
Definition
Term
What does the tilt or axis of the earth or the revolution of the earth around the sun have to to with climates and temperatures?
Definition
The parts of the earth that receive direct sunlight longer are hotter or warmer climates than those which do not.
Term
How are the season affected by direct or indirect sunlight?
Definition
If you are receiving direct sunlight you are in summer, when you are in indirect sunlight, earth tilted away from sun, you are in winter.
Term
How are winter and summer affected by geographical location?
Definition
If you are in the northern hemisphere and you are in summer, then the southern hemispheric locations are in winter.
 
Term
How does the distance from the Earth to the Sun affect seasons?
Definition
The distance from the Earth to the Sun has NO affect on seasons.
Term
review slide 17 and 18 on seasons, moon phases equinox's
Definition
Term
When the moon moves in a line directly between the earth and sun. This is called...
Definition
Solar eclipse
Term
In what moon phase does a solar eclipse happen?
Definition
New moon phase (order is Sun, moon then earth)
Term
What happens when the moon moves within the earth's shadow.
Definition
Lunar eclipse
Term
In what moon phase does a Lunar eclipse happen?
Definition
Full moon phase (order is Sun, earth, moon)
Term
How are the phases of the moon related to the ocean tides we experience on Earth?
Definition

Spring Tide:  When the moon is full or new, the gravitational pull of the moon and sun are combined. At these times, the high tides are very high and the low tides are very low.

 

Neap Tide:  During the moon's quarter phases, the sun and moon work at right angles, causing the bulges to cancel each other.  The result is a smaller difference between high and low tides.

Supporting users have an ad free experience!