Geoscience Processes

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Geoscience Process Noun

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[jee-oh-sy-ens pros-es]

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Geoscience Process

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A natural process, driven by energy from Earth's interior and the Sun, that shapes the Earth's surface.

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Example: This diagram shows a geoscience process where two of Earth's plates move apart, allowing hot magma from below to rise to the surface.

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Lithosphere Noun

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[lith-oh-sfeer]

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Lithosphere

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The thin, rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost mantle.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of the Earth, labeling the crust and upper mantle, which together form the rigid outer layer called the lithosphere.

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Asthenosphere Noun

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[as-then-oh-sfeer]

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Asthenosphere

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The plastic, partially molten layer of the upper mantle below the lithosphere, on which the tectonic plates float.

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Example: This diagram shows the Asthenosphere as the 'plastic' layer of the upper mantle, located just beneath the rigid lithosphere where Earth's tectonic plates move.

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Plate Tectonics Noun

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[playt tek-ton-iks]

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Plate Tectonics

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The scientific theory describing the large-scale motion of the rigid plates of the lithosphere.

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Example: This diagram shows a convergent boundary, where two of Earth's tectonic plates collide, causing one to slide under the other and form a volcano.

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Convection Cells Noun

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[kuhn-vek-shun selz]

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Convection Cells

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The circular movement of material in the mantle, caused by heating from the core, that drives plate tectonics.

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Example: This image shows a sea breeze, a type of convection cell where cool air from the sea moves to land as warm air from land rises.

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Divergent Boundary Noun

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[dy-vur-juhnt boun-dree]

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Divergent Boundary

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A region where two tectonic plates are moving apart from each other.

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Example: This diagram shows two of Earth's plates moving apart under the ocean, creating a midocean ridge and a rift valley where new crust forms.

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Convergent Boundary Noun

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[kuhn-vur-juhnt boun-dree]

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Convergent Boundary

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A region where two tectonic plates are moving toward each other, often resulting in collision or subduction.

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Example: This diagram shows an oceanic plate sliding under a continental plate, a process called subduction, which happens at a convergent boundary.

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Transform Boundary Noun

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[trans-form boun-dree]

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Transform Boundary

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A region where two tectonic plates slide past one another horizontally.

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Example: This diagram shows a transform boundary where two of Earth's plates slide horizontally past each other, causing events like earthquakes.

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Subduction Noun

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[sub-duk-shun]

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Subduction

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The process at a convergent boundary where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

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Example: This diagram shows subduction, where one of Earth's tectonic plates slides underneath another, often forming mountains or volcanoes on the surface.

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Mid-ocean Ridge Noun

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[mid-oh-shun rij]

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Mid-ocean Ridge

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An underwater mountain range formed by magma rising at a divergent boundary.

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Example: This diagram shows oceanic plates separating, allowing magma to rise and form new crust, creating an underwater mountain range known as a mid-ocean ridge.