Geological Processes Vocab Test

Front

What is the theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithosphere?

Back

Plate tectonics is the theory that pieces of Earth's lithosphere are in constant motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle.

Front

What are small, solid pieces of material that come from rocks or living things called?

Back

Sediment refers to small, solid pieces of material that come from rocks or living things.

Front

What term describes all of the matter, energy, and processes within Earth's boundary?

Back

Earth System encompasses all of the matter, energy, and processes within Earth's boundary.

Front

What is the process by which rock, sand, and soil are broken down and carried away?

Back

Erosion is the process by which rock, sand, and soil are broken down and carried away.

Front

What type of rock forms from the pressing and cementing together of particles from other rocks or remains of plants and animals?

Back

Sedimentary rock is formed when particles from other rocks or the remains of plants and animals are pressed and cemented together.

Front

What is the term for the large landmass that existed millions of years ago, which eventually split into the continents we know today?

Back

Pangea was the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago before it split into the continents we know today.

Front

What is the process called that involves the breaking down of rocks through chemical reactions?

Back

Chemical weathering is the process that involves the breaking down of rocks through chemical reactions.

Front

What are the large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other called?

Back

Tectonic plates are the large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the term for the movement of the ocean floor away from mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Sea-floor spreading is the process of the ocean floor moving away from mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is the term for the natural process that breaks down rocks into smaller pieces?

Back

Weathering is the natural process that breaks down rocks into smaller pieces.