Geology Flashcard

Front

During the Middle Ages, people believed that Earth's landscape features:

Back

Were always the same, and disasters were punishments from God.

Front

What did scientists in the 1700s and 1800s notice about Earth's surface? Clue: Find the part of the text where it talks about how scientists noticed changes in Earth's surface over time, like how mountains were formed.

Back

Mountains were formed over time by wind, rain, and ice.

Front

What is geology?

Back

The study of Earth's surface and the forces that shape it.

Front

Shen Kua was an early scientist who believed that Earth’s surface changes slowly because:

Back

Rocks can be worn down by powerful forces like wind and ice.

Answer explanation

Front

What did mapmakers in the 1400s to 1600s notice about the continents? Clue: Look for the part where mapmakers noticed something interesting about the shape of the continents, like a puzzle.

Back

The continents looked like they could fit together like a puzzle.

Front

What is one clue that scientists found to support the idea that continents were once connected? Clue: Look in the section where it talks about fossils and rock layers that match across continents.

Back

They found matching fossils on different continents.

Front

What did Alfred Wegener think happened to the continents?

Back

The continents were once all part of one huge landmass that slowly split apart.

Front

What did Wegener call the huge landmass that he believed existed millions of years ago?

Back

Pangaea.

Front

What did Wegener use to support his idea of continental drift? Clue: Look for the section where Wegener gathered evidence from fossils, rock formations, and the shape of continents.

Back

He used fossils, rock formations, and the shape of continents.

Front

Why did some scientists not agree with Wegener’s theory? Clue: Check the part where it talks about why Wegener’s theory was criticized by other scientists. Options: They believed the Earth was flat. They thought continents could not move across the Earth. They didn’t like the idea of fossils being so old. They thought continents were made of soft rocks.

Back

They thought continents could not move across the Earth.