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Geographical Evolution
Geographical Evolution
14
Science
8th Grade
01/19/2011

Additional Science Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term

Lithosphere

 

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Definition

the solid part of the earth consisting of the crust and outer mantle

We live on part of the lithosphere.

Term

Asthenosphere

 

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Definition

the lower layer of the crust

Scientists have not been able to reach the asthenosphere.

Term

Mid-ocean ridge

 

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Definition

The site where tectonic plates move apart and new oceanic crust is created.

Example: an underwater mountain range

Term

Tectonic plate

 

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Definition

any of several large pieces of the Earth's lithosphere which participate in plate tectonics

Example: The Eurasian plate

Term

Continental drift

 

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Definition

Continental drift is the movement of the Earth's continents relative to each other.

 

The theory that continents 'drift' was first suggested by Abraham Ortelius in 1596 and was fully developed by Alfred Wegener in 1912

Term

Theory of Plate Tectonics

 

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Definition

Plate tectonics is a scientific theory which describes the large scale motions of Earth's lithosphere.

 

The Earth's plates were once formed together to form 1 big supercontinent called Pangea.

Term

Divergent Boundary

 

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Definition

A plate boundary where new crust is being created as the old crust on each side moves away

 

Example: Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Term

Convergent Boundry

 

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Definition

An area on the Earth's suface where two tectonic plates come together.

Example: Alpine Fault of New Zealand

Term

Transform Boundary

 

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Definition

 a fault which runs along the boundary of a tectonic plate.

 

Example: San Andreas Fault Zone

Term

Rift Valley

 

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Definition

a valley with steep sides; formed by a rift in the earth's crust

Example: Russia's Baikal Rift Valley

Term

Hot Spot

 

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Definition

a point of relatively intense heat or radiation

 

 Example: Tthe Ring of Fire

Term

Subduction

 

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Definition

a geological process in which one edge of a crustal plate is forced sideways and downward into the mantle below another plate

Example: earthquakes

Term

Convection Current

 

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Definition

Cycle of heating, rising, cooling, and sinking that is thought to be the force behind plate tectonics.

Example: breezes over land masses

Term

Erosion

 

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Definition

a condition in which the earth's surface is worn away by the action of water and wind

 

Example: The Grand Canyon

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