Earth Systems Pre-flashcard

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What is El Nino?

Back

El Nino is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, which can disrupt normal weather patterns globally.

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What is La Nina?

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La Nina is a climate pattern that represents the cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, often leading to opposite weather effects compared to El Nino.

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What is loam?

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Loam is a type of soil that is a mixture of clay, sand, and silt, making it ideal for growing plants due to its balanced texture and nutrient content.

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What occurs at a convergent boundary?

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At a convergent boundary, two tectonic plates collide, which can lead to the formation of mountains, earthquakes, or volcanic activity.

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What is created when a continental plate converges with an oceanic plate?

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When a continental plate converges with an oceanic plate, a volcano is typically formed due to the subduction of the oceanic plate.

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What is a divergent boundary?

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A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

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What is a transform boundary?

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A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

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What is the significance of soil composition in agriculture?

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Soil composition affects water retention, nutrient availability, and root growth, making it crucial for successful agriculture.

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What are the effects of El Nino on global weather patterns?

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El Nino can lead to increased rainfall in some regions, droughts in others, and can disrupt normal weather patterns, affecting agriculture and ecosystems.

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What is the role of tectonic plates in Earth's geology?

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Tectonic plates are large sections of Earth's lithosphere that move and interact, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.