Forces Shaping Earth Flashcard Review

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass.

Front

How does fossil evidence support the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossils of similar species are found on continents that are now separated by oceans, indicating they were once connected.

Front

What happens to magma when its temperature increases?

Back

It moves up (rises) due to decreased density.

Front

What is the oldest layer in a sequence of rock layers?

Back

The bottom layer, as sedimentary rock layers are deposited over time.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the movement of tectonic plates responsible for?

Back

Earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains.

Front

What is the principle of superposition in geology?

Back

In an undeformed sequence of sedimentary rocks, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Front

What is the significance of finding similar fossils on different continents?

Back

It supports the idea that continents were once connected and have since drifted apart.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and the movement of magma?

Back

As temperature increases, magma becomes less dense and rises.