7.10A Vocabulary Evidence of Earth's Change Over Time

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

More than a dozen distinct plates that make up Earth’s surface and slowly move in different directions.

Front

What does superposition mean in geology?

Back

The condition of undisturbed sedimentary rock in which the oldest layer is at the bottom and the youngest layer is at the top.

Front

What is a supercontinent?

Back

One giant continent into which most or all of the continents were assembled long ago.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The idea that the continents were once fused together but slowly drifted apart over time.

Front

Define sedimentary rock.

Back

Rock formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

A scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What is the significance of fossils in understanding Earth's history?

Back

Fossils provide evidence of past life and help scientists understand the changes in Earth's environment over time.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

The process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural processes such as wind or water.

Front

What is weathering?

Back

The breaking down of rocks and minerals into smaller pieces by natural processes.

Front

What is a fault line?

Back

A fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can lead to earthquakes.