the series of processes that change one type of rock into another type of rock

concerned with geology, the science that deals with the physical nature of the earth

A plate boundary where two plates move toward each other.

A plate boundary where two plates move away from each other.

A plate boundary where two plates move past each other in opposite directions

the theory that the lithosphere is broken up into large plates that move and then rejoin; considered the unifying theory of geology

a block of lithosphere that consists of the crust and the rigid, outermost part of the mantle

the edges of tectonic plates.

The process that creates new sea floor as plates move away from each other at the mid-ocean ridges

openings in Earth's crust from which molten rock, dust, ash, and hot gases flow or erupt

Features: volcanic arcs, volcanoes, trench

See image

sudden movements of Earth's crust followed by a series of shocks

A landform created by this boundary is mountain ranges.

places where molten material from the mantle reaches the lithosphere

Breaks in Earth's crust where rocks have slipped past each other.

The soft layer of the mantle on which the tectonic plates move

A rigid layer made up of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust.

The thin and solid outermost layer of the Earth above the mantle

a current in a fluid that results from convection.

The layer of hot, solid material between Earth's crust and core.

The loose, weathered material on Earth's surface in which plants can grow.

Processes by which rock, sand, and soil are broken down and carried away (i.e. weathering, glaciation)

Plants, such as rye, alfalfa, or clover, that can be planted immediately after harvest to hold and protect the soil.

areas of natural or established vegetation maintained to protect the water quality of neighboring areas

the rock material from which the inorganic components of a soil are derived

distinct layers of soil

The breaking down of rocks and other materials on the Earth's surface.

Materials that were once part of living things

Soil's ability to hold nutrients and to supply nutrients to a plant

texture and porosity

Many organisms are found in the soil including fungi, bacteria, protozoans, rodents and earthworms.

a chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its fertility

the finest soil, made up of particles that are less than 0.002 mm in diameter.

the coarsest soil, with particles 0.05,2.0 mm in diameter.

fine particles of fertile soil

how well soil can retain water (sand is low, clay is high)

Rich, fertile soil that is made up of about equal parts of clay, sand, and silt.

A mixture of gases that surrounds a planet or moon.

removal of dissolved materials from soil by water moving downwards

0-17 km above Earth's surface, site of weather, organisms, contains most atmospheric water vapor. (temperature decreases with increasing altitude, pressure decreases)

2nd layer of atmosphere; extends from 10 to 30 miles up; location of ozone layer; absorbs 95% of Ultraviolet radiation; temperature increases with altitude increase.

The layer of Earth's atmosphere immediately above the stratosphere

The uppermost layer of the atmosphere, in which temperature increases as altitude increases

The outer layer of the thermosphere, extending outward into space.

Protective layer in atmosphere that shields earth from UV radiation.

air movements that are caused by pressure belts convection cells and earth's rotation. Warm air rises from the equator to the poles then cools and sinks back to the equator

prevailing winds that blow from east to west from 30 degrees latitude to the equator in both hemispheres

the movement of air caused by differences in air pressure

energy from the sun

0 degrees latitude

Causes moving air and water to turn left in the southern hemisphere and turn right in the northern hemisphere due to Earth's rotation

redistributes heat over earth's surface by exchanging warm tropical air with cold polar air.

incoming solar radiation

Earth has seasons because because its axis is tilted as it moves around the sun.

Distance north or south of the equator

An imaginary line that passes through Earth's center and the North and South poles, about which Earth rotates

a form of energy with wavelengths that are longer than visible light

Overall weather in an area over a long period of time

Local climatic conditions that differ from the general climate of a region

The condition of Earth's atmosphere at a particular time and place.

a region with dry conditions found on the leeward side of a mountain range as a result of humid winds from the ocean causing precipitation on the windward side

height above sea level

Any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches Earth's surface.

The side of a mountain range that faces away from the oncoming wind.

The side of a mountain range that faces towards the oncoming wind.

A reversal of wind and water currents in the South Pacific

"Normal" year, easterly trade winds and ocean currents pool warm water in the western Pacific, allowing upwelling of nutrient rich water off the West coast of South America.

The movement of deep, cold, and nutrient-rich water to the surface

2 oceanic plates push together, older plate sub ducts and forms a chain of volcanic islands, ex. Aleutian Islands and Japanese Islands

two ocean plates move apart. The landforms formed by this boundary are mid-ocean rigdes.

See image

two continental plates move apart, forms rift valley