Introducing Earth's Outer Layer

Front

Outer Layer Noun

---

[ou-ter ley-er]

Back

Outer Layer

---

The outermost part of the Earth, which is made of hard, solid rock and is divided into large sections.

---

Example: The image shows Earth's crust as the outer layer, highlighting its position and thickness.

Front

Fossil Noun

---

[fos-uhl]

Back

Fossil

---

The preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism, often found in rock, used to learn about Earth's history.

---

Example: This image shows a fossil of an ancient organism preserved in rock, helping us learn about Earth's history.

Front

Cross Section Noun

---

[kros sek-shun]

Back

Cross Section

---

A diagram that shows what the inside of an object looks like as if it were cut in half.

---

Example: A cross section of Earth's surface showing layers of soil and rock.

Front

Plate Noun

---

[pleyt]

Back

Plate

---

One of the large, rigid sections that Earth's outer layer is divided into, which moves slowly over time.

---

Example: Arrows show how Earth's tectonic plates move, illustrating the concept of large, rigid sections of Earth's outer layer.

Front

Plate Boundary Noun

---

[pleyt boun-dree]

Back

Plate Boundary

---

The specific location where the edges of two of Earth's tectonic plates meet, often resulting in geologic activity.

---

Example: Arrows show tectonic plates moving at a boundary, explaining where plates meet and cause geological activity.

Front

Earthquake Noun

---

[urth-kweyk]

Back

Earthquake

---

A sudden shaking of the ground that provides evidence that Earth's plates are moving along a plate boundary.

---

Example: Arrows show tectonic plates moving, causing earthquakes at boundaries.

Front

Pattern Noun

---

[pat-ern]

Back

Pattern

---

A regularity or repeating feature observed in data or events that helps scientists understand a particular phenomenon.

---

Example: Butterfly wings show repeating patterns, helping students understand natural regularities.

Front

Plate Tectonics Noun

---

[pleyt tek-ton-iks]

Back

Plate Tectonics

---

The scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement and interactions of Earth's plates on the planet's surface.

---

Example: Arrows show Earth's plates moving, demonstrating plate tectonics.

Front

Convergent Boundary Noun

---

[kon-vur-juhnt boun-dree]

Back

Convergent Boundary

---

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move toward each other and collide, often forming mountains.

---

Example: Two tectonic plates collide, forming mountains at a convergent boundary.

Front

Divergent Boundary Noun

---

[dahy-vur-juhnt boun-dree]

Back

Divergent Boundary

---

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, allowing magma to rise.

---

Example: Two oceanic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and form new crust.