Global Geography

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What are tectonic plates?

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Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. Their movement is responsible for geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.

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What is the biosphere?

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The biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems, where life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere. It encompasses all living organisms and their interactions with the physical environment.

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What is the lithosphere?

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The lithosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle. It is rigid and broken into tectonic plates.

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What is the hydrosphere?

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The hydrosphere includes all the water on Earth, encompassing oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. It plays a crucial role in supporting life and regulating climate.

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What is chemical weathering?

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Chemical weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals undergo chemical reactions, leading to their breakdown and alteration. An example is the formation of rust on iron.

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What is mechanical weathering?

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Mechanical weathering is the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition. An example is freeze-thaw action.

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What is a convergent boundary?

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A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move toward each other, often resulting in the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

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What geographic feature is formed at a divergent boundary?

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At a divergent boundary, tectonic plates move apart, leading to the formation of features such as mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

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What is the significance of the Arctic Ocean in global geography?

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The Arctic Ocean is significant for its role in climate regulation, its unique ecosystems, and its connection to other oceans, particularly the Atlantic Ocean.

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What is glaciation?

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Glaciation refers to the process of ice sheet formation and expansion, which can shape landscapes through erosion and deposition.