3 Geography (maybe better)

The science of landforms; their origin, evolution, form and spatial distribution

Geomorphology (the development and changes on the earth's surface over time)

Individual element of a landscape

landform (mtn, river, hill, etc.)

Earth's ridges, valleys, and other surface features; the change in elevation over the earth's surface

topography

The theory that geologic events (and others) are caused by natural processes, many of which are operating at the present time

Uniformitarianism

The processes we see today operate in the same way today as they did in the past

Uniformitarianism

What are the different types of landforms?

Tectonic, fluvial, glacial, coastal, eolian

Landform developed by the rearrangement of the Earth's crust, driven by internal energy

Tectonic

Landform developed by moving liquid water

Fluvial

Landform developed by glacial ice (solid water)

glacial

Landform developed by waves

coastal

Landform developed by wind

Eolian

What state do landforms appear to be in?

Equilibrium

little change, with inputs and outputs equal

steady state

fluctuates around and average value, but demonstrates a trend over time

Dynamic Equilibrium

relationship between external and internal processes and forces

Geomorphic processes

What are the geomorphic processes?

Internal and external

geomorphic process that occurs or originates within the crust

Internal processes (volcanism, diastrophism (mtn building), plate tectonics

Geomorphic process that occurs on the surface

External (weathering and erosion by fluvial, glacial, eolian, and coastal)

How long ago was the earth formed?

4.6 billion years before present (BYBP)

How do we know about the layers of the earth, etc.?

by studying seismic waves (speed and direction) cooler=higher velocity; hotter=slower

What can density do to seismic waves?

reflect or refract them

What are the 3 types of seismic waves?

P,S, and L

know fig

11.2

What state is the inner core?

solid and rigid

What elements does the inner core consist of ?

Iron (FE) and Nickel (Ni)

What state is the outer core

liquid (molten)

What elements does the outer core consist of?

Fe and Ni, but at a lower pressure than the Inner core so it's melting temp is lower

What generates 90% of the earth's magnetic field

Outer core

an uneven, broad transition zone between the outer core and the lower mantle

gutenberg discontinuity

a physical difference or change (esp. density) between two layers

discontinuity

In what state is the lower mantle?

solid

What elements make up the lower mantle?

oxides of Fe, magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si)

In what state is the upper mantle?

partially molten

What minerals make up the upper mantle?

silicate minerals

What comprise 80% of the earth's volume?

Upper and lower mantle

In what state is the asthenosphere?

molten

What is the source of magma?

Asthenosphere

What is the uppermost portion of the mantle?

Lithosphere

What layer is the crust?

Lithosphere

What state is the lithosphere?

solid

zone of contact between the uppermost mantle and the crust

Mohorovicic discontinuity (Moho)

Where is Moho closer to the surface?

under oceanic crust

Which is higher in density, Continental crust or oceanic crust?

Oceanic

What kind of rock is the continental crust made out of?

Sialic rock or Kial (Si and Al)

What kind of rock makes up the oceanic crust?

Simatic rocks or Sima (Si and Mg)