Dynamic Earth review for flashcard

Front

What layer of the Earth contains convection currents?

Back

Asthenosphere (Plastic Mantle)

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

Front

At what depth is the temperature 2000 ºC?

Back

400 km

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the driving force behind the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

Mantle convection currents

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

Front

Why was Wegener's theory of continental drift not accepted?

Back

He could not explain HOW the continents moved.

Front

Which has a lower density: granitic continental crust or basaltic oceanic crust?

Back

Granitic continental crust with a density of 2.7 g/cm³.

Front

What is the composition of the granitic continental crust?

Back

It is primarily composed of lighter minerals like quartz and feldspar.

Front

What is the composition of the basaltic oceanic crust?

Back

It is primarily composed of heavier minerals like pyroxene and olivine.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Front

What is the significance of mantle convection in plate tectonics?

Back

It drives the movement of tectonic plates.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossil distribution, geological similarities, and the fit of continental margins.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What is the difference between the lithosphere and asthenosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is rigid and includes the crust and upper mantle, while the asthenosphere is semi-fluid and allows for tectonic movement.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3