Ch 5 L 2 Vocabulary Flashcard

Front

Geologist

Back

A scientist who studies the Earth, its materials, and the processes acting upon them.

Front

Fault

Back

A crack in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred.

Front

Plate tectonics

Back

The theory explaining the movement of the Earth's lithosphere which is divided into plates.

Front

Magma

Back

Molten rock beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

Earth's crust

Back

The outermost layer of the Earth, composed of solid rock.

Front

Lithosphere

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, including the crust and upper mantle.

Front

Asthenosphere

Back

The semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

Seismic waves

Back

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, often caused by earthquakes.

Front

Volcano

Back

An opening in the Earth's crust through which molten rock, ash, and gases can escape.

Front

Earthquake

Back

A sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.