Earth Environmental Science Exam (Answered) Complete Solution

Earth Environmental Science Exam (Answered) Complete Solution Divergent Boundary Place where two of Earth's tectonic plates are moving apart. Epicenter Point on Earth's surface directly above the focus of a earthquake. Magnitude Measure of the energy released during an earthquake, which can be described using the Richter scale. Fault Crack in Earth's crust that occurs when stress is applied. Sea floor Spreading Hess's theory that new ocean crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges seismic waves Waves of energy that travel through the core of the Earth. Earthquake A shaking or trembling of a portion of the Earth caused by movement of rocks or volcanic shakes. Transform Boundary Place where two tectonic plates move past each other. Focus Point of the initial fault rupture where an earthquake originates that usually lies at least several kilometers beneath Earth's surface. Sediment Solid particles deposited on Earth's surface that can form Sedimentary rocks by processes such as weathering, erosion, deposition, and lithification. Deposition Occurs when sediments are laid down on the ground or sink to the bottom of a body of water; Convection . The transfer of heat by the movement of a fluid (heat rises, cold sinks) volcano A vent in the Earth's crust from which molten or hot rock and steam occur. Urbanization The process of adding cities; growth of cities. Agriculture The science of producing crops, and raising livestock. Weathering (chemical) The process by which rocks and minerals undergo changes in their composition as the result of chemical reactions. Weathering (physical) The process by which rocks and minerals break down into smaller pieces. Foliation Metamorphic rock such as schist or gneiss, whose minerals are squeezed under high pressure and arranged in wavy layers and bands. Magma Molten material found beneath Earth's crust Convergent Boundary Place where two of Earth's tectonic plates are moving toward each other; is associated with trenches, island arcs, and folded mountains. P and S Waves scientists consider these waves to determine the epicentral distance. Barrier Island a long, relatively narrow island running parallel to the mainland-built up by the action of waves and currents and serving to protect the coast from erosion by surf and tidal surges. Erosion Movement of weathered materials from one location to another by agents such as water, wind, glaciers, and gravity. Deforestation Removal of trees from a forested area without replacement, often using clear-cutting tools Bedding Horizontal layering in sedimentary rock Lava Magma that flows onto Earth's surface. Stability the state of being stable; strong enough to endure Mitigate lessen the impact or intensity of Deplete To decrease seriously composition the makeup of something Biome A group of ecosystems with similar climates and organisms Overharvesting Harvesting so much of a resource that its existence is threatened. Biodegradable Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms. Hydroelectric Of or relating to production of electricity by water power. Sustainable able to be maintained at a certain rate or level Biotic Factor Living things. Such as, humans, dogs, cats, plants, etc. Habitat The place or type of site where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives or grows. abiotic factor