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Study Guide for Geology Test

moved to Friday, November 9
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Format: 22 multiple choice questions worth 2 points each = 44 points + 18 problem solving questions worth 2 points each = 36 points + 2 free-response questions worth various points each = 20 points = 42 questions worth 100 points General overview We have learned the different layers that make up our Earth, and we have used this information to identify that plate tectonics in the lithosphere move from convection currents in the mantle. Based on Alfred Wegener and Harry Hess theories, we know that 250 million years ago the continents used to be a part of Pangaea. Today, the movement of lithospheric plates causes many changes in Earths landscape from volcanoes, to earthquakes, to mountains.

Layers of Earth (4 multiple-choice questions) The Earth is separated into layers because of the difference in densities in the chemical composition of each layer The 3 layers of the Earth in order beginning from the center to where we are the core, mantle, and crust. In terms of temperature, chemical composition and thickness: Crust: 0 1000 C; aluminum, silicon, oxygen; 5-100km Mantle: 1000 3700 C; magnesium; 2900 km Core: 3700 7000 C ; iron and nickel (solid in inner core, liquid in outer core); 3430 km The crust is the only layer humans have been to Scientists can study the composition of the mantle through underwater volcanoes (and above ground volcanoes). The mantle is the thickest layer. The inner core is the only layer that is solid and outer core is the only layer that is liquid (the mantle is made of plasma). The inner core is the densest and hottest layer it provides the heat for the other layers. *Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust because it contains traces (small amounts) of dense iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Important facts to know

Continental drift (4 multiple-choice questions) How do the layers of the Earth affect plate tectonics movement? In the mantle, heating magma causes it to rise and cooling magma causes it to fall. Convection currents use this thermal energy (energy from heat) to move plate tectonics in the lithosphere. Alfred Wegener is the father of continental drift He proposed a theory that stated that the continents did not always used to be where they are today He stated that the continents were once joined together in a landmass called Pangaea (all-Earth). The ocean that surrounded this landmass is called Panthalassa (all-sea) Pangaea existed 250 million years ago; 100 million years later, it divided up into two landmasses called Laurasia and Gondwana Plate tectonics are the puzzle pieces of the lithosphere that move Distant continents have a congruence in shape and fit together like puzzle-pieces. Distant continents share identical fossilized remains of plants (like the glossopteris) and animals (like the mesosaurus). Distant continents share similar composition of rocks that were once part of the same mountain belt Distant continents share glacial striations (patterns) showing where glaciers used to be. When Alfred Wegener passed away, many Scientists still did not believe his theory. Harry Hess proposed the process of seafloor spreading to prove that plate tectonics moved. Form of divergent plate boundary movement Process by which new oceanic crust forms as magma rises through volcanoes and solidifies. Younger rock is located nearer the volcano while older rock is further away. Two pieces of evidence proved seafloor spreading: o Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain chains that have formed in the ocean due to seafloor spreading. (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) o Magnetic reversals made it easier to observe seafloor spreading (ESSAY QUESTION) The four pieces of evidence that Alfred Wegener used are:

Plate boundary movement (4 multiple-choice questions)

Plate boundaries occur when two or more tectonic plates border each other. Plate boundaries can either be convergent, divergent, or transformation. Divergent Divide

Result in volcanoes from seafloor spreading Hawaii o o Formed from hotspot volcanoes This is where there is a particularly hot part of the mantle and a weak part of the crust

Ring of Fire o This is a ring of volcanoes formed from divergent boundaries that surrounds the Pacific Plate

Real-world examples: Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Mount St.Helens Collide Result in mountains Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust There are 3 types of possible interactions between continental crust and oceanic crust o Continental-continental boundaries result with the crusts being pushed upward together forming mountains o Continental-oceanic boundaries result creates smaller mountains with a subduction zone o Oceanic-oceanic boundaries forms trenches

Convergent

Real-world examples: Himalayan Mountains, Andes Mountains, Smoky Mountains. Strike-slip boundaries or sliding Result in earthquakes A fault is where two plate boundaries meet that slide past each other this causes earthquakes. Epicenter and focus are where earthquakes begin o o Focus is first part where earhquakes begin underground (at the fault) Epicenter is the area directly above the focus on the Earth A seismologist is a scientist who studies earthquakes A seismograph is an instrument that measures how big earthquakes are Measures how big an earthquake is (using information from a seismograph) 10 is the biggest earthquake; 1 is the smallest earthquake

Transformation

Seism means earthquake o o

The Richter scale o o

A tsunami is a giant wave in the ocean formed from an underground earthquake.

Additional Notes