Geology Terms Flashcards
(24 cards)
Geology
the study of Earth’s physical features, processes, and history
Core
solid iron in the center
Mantle
less dense, elastic rock
Lithosphere
the upper most mantle and the crust
Crust
thin, low destiny layer of rock
Plate tectonics
movement of lithospheric plates
Pangaea
all landmasses were joined into 1 supercontinent 225 million years ago
Divergent plate boundaries
– Pushing plates apart, creating
new crust
– Has volcanoes and hydrothermal vents
Transform plate boundaries
– Two plates meet, slipping and grinding
– Friction causes earthquakes
Convergent plate boundaries
where plates collide
Subduction
the oceanic plate slides beneath continental crust
Continental collision
two plates of continental crust collide
Rock cycle
the heating, melting, cooling,breaking, and reassembling of rocks and minerals
Rock
a solid made up of minerals
Mineral
any element or inorganic compound
Lava
magma released from the lithosphere
Igneous rock
forms when magma cools
Sediments
rock particles blown by wind or washed away by water
Sedimentary rock
rock is formed when sediments are compacted or cemented together
Metamorphic rock
great heat or pressure on a rock changes its rock’s appearance and physical properties
Marble
heated and pressurized limestone
Slate
heated and pressurized shale
Earthquake
a release of energy (pressure) along plate boundaries and faults
Volcano
molten rock, hot gas, or ash erupts through Earth’s surface
