Earth Science Flashcard

Front

What is the streak of a mineral?

Back

The streak of a mineral is the color of the powder produced when it is scratched on a piece of unglazed porcelain.

Front

What happens at a transform plate boundary?

Back

Earthquakes occur at transform plate boundaries due to the sliding of tectonic plates past each other.

Front

What defines an intrusive igneous rock?

Back

An intrusive igneous rock forms from cooling magma below Earth's surface.

Front

What does a barometer measure?

Back

A barometer measures atmospheric pressure.

Front

Why do hurricanes weaken over land?

Back

Hurricanes lose strength over land because they are cut off from warm ocean water.

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather in a particular area.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural processes such as wind or water.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A tectonic plate is a massive slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere and moves over the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, often due to tectonic plate movements.