All Flashcards
Define: Plate tectonics
Theory that Earth's crust is divided into plates that move.
Define: Fault
A fracture in Earth's crust where plates meet.
Define: Weathering
Breaking down rocks into smaller pieces.
Define: Erosion
Moving broken rock pieces from one place to another.
Define: Deposition
Dropping eroded material in a new location.
Define: Decomposition
Adding organic matter to the soil.
Define: Climate
Long-term weather patterns (30+ years).
Define: Weather
Short-term atmospheric conditions.
Define: El Niño
Warmer-than-normal Pacific Ocean surface waters.
Define: La Niña
Cooler-than-normal Pacific Ocean surface waters.
What are the steps of soil formation?
Weathering, erosion, deposition, decomposition.
List the layers of the atmosphere (inner to outer).
Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere
What drives plate movement?
The molten core of the Earth.
Why is soil important?
It's the foundation of terrestrial life, providing nutrients and support for plants.
What is the role of the ozone layer?
It absorbs harmful UV radiation from the sun.
How does latitude affect climate?
Closer to the equator = more direct sunlight = warmer temperatures.
What causes Earth's seasons?
The tilt of Earth's axis.
What is a rain shadow?
A dry area on the leeward side of a mountain range.
Why are greenhouse gases important?
They trap heat in the atmosphere, regulating Earth's temperature. However, too much can cause global warming.
What is the significance of the A horizon?
It is the topsoil layer, rich in nutrients and essential for plant growth.
What is the impact of CFCs on the stratosphere?
CFCs deplete the ozone layer, leading to increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
How do El Niño and La Niña affect global weather?
They cause shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, leading to floods in some areas and droughts in others.