Semester 2 Review - Honors Earth Science

Front

What is density and how does it affect plate convergence?

Back

Density is a measure of mass per unit volume. In plate convergence, denser oceanic plates subduct beneath less dense continental plates, while in continent-continent convergence, neither plate subducts.

Front

Describe the characteristics of Primary, Secondary, and Surface seismic waves.

Back

Primary waves (P-waves) are the fastest and can travel through solids and liquids. Secondary waves (S-waves) are slower and only travel through solids. Surface waves travel along the Earth's surface and cause the most damage.

Front

How are petroleum and natural gas formed, and what are their modern uses?

Back

Petroleum and natural gas are formed from the remains of marine organisms over millions of years. They are primarily used as fuel and in the production of plastics.

Front

What drives sea floor spreading and what evidence supports it?

Back

Sea floor spreading is driven by convection currents in the mantle. Paleomagnetic evidence, such as the orientation of magnetic minerals in rocks, supports this process.

Front

Explain the formation and uses of Michigan’s major ores: Iron, Copper, Salt, and Aggregate.

Back

Iron is formed from ancient seas and is used for steel. Copper is formed from volcanic activity and is used for wiring. Salt is formed from evaporated seas and is used for de-icing and food. Aggregate is formed from glacial deposits and is used in construction.

Front

What is the role of convection currents in plate tectonics?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle drive the movement of tectonic plates, leading to processes such as subduction, sea floor spreading, and continental drift.

Front

Define paleomagnetism and its significance in geology.

Back

Paleomagnetism is the study of the magnetic properties of rocks. It provides evidence for the historical movement of tectonic plates and the age of geological formations.

Front

What are the differences between oceanic and continental plates?

Back

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner, primarily composed of basalt, while continental plates are thicker and less dense, primarily composed of granite.

Front

What is subduction and where does it occur?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle. It typically occurs at convergent plate boundaries.

Front

Describe the process of sea floor spreading.

Back

Sea floor spreading occurs at mid-ocean ridges where new oceanic crust is formed as magma rises and solidifies, pushing older crust away from the ridge.