APES Unit 4 Study Guide Questions and
answers, 100% Accurate.
What are the layers of the earth? - ✔✔-15; Crust, mantle, outer core and inner core
What are the 3 major processes in Earths geologic cycle? - ✔✔-Tectonic
...
APES Unit 4 Study Guide Questions and
answers, 100% Accurate.
What are the layers of the earth? - ✔✔-15; Crust, mantle, outer core and inner core
What are the 3 major processes in Earths geologic cycle? - ✔✔-Tectonic plates, rock cycle & soil
formation
Define the theory of plate tectonics - ✔✔-The theory that the lithosphere of the earth is divided into
plates, most of which are in constant motion
Explain the movement of divergent plate boundaries and give an example - ✔✔-An area beneath the
ocean where tectonic plates move away from each other. Ex: Seafloor spreading
Explain the movement of convergent plate boundaries and give an example - ✔✔-An area where plates
move toward one another and collide. Ex: Subduction or continental collision
Explain the movement of transform fault boundaries and give an example - ✔✔-Are where two tectonic
plates meet and slip and grind alongside one another. Ex: Earthquake
Define volcano - ✔✔-A vent in the surface of earth that emits ash, gases, or molten lava. (Occurs as a
plate moves over a hot spot and heat from the mantle melts the crust)
Define earthquake - ✔✔-The sudden movement of earths crust caused by a release of potential energy
along a geologic fault and usually causing a vibration or trembling at earths surface.
Define richter scale - ✔✔-A scale that measures the largest ground movement that occurs during an
earthquake
How many times greater is an earthquake with a magnitude of 8 than an earthquake with a magnitude
of 5? - ✔✔-8-5=3. Add 3 zeros. Put a 1 in front.
>1,000<
Explain the rock cycle - ✔✔-The continuous formation and destruction of rock on and below the surface
of earth
What are the 3 types of rocks and how are they formed? - ✔✔-1) Igneous rock-formed from cooling
magma
2) Sedimentary rock-Formed when dissolved minerals seep through sediment layers and act as a kind of
glue, crystallizing and binding sediment particles together. (MAJOR SINK FOR PHOSPHORUS)
3) Metamorphic rock- Formed by great heat and/or pressure that reshapes crystals within the rock and
changes its appearance and physical properties
What is a mineral - ✔✔-A solid chemical substance with a uniform, often crystalline, structure that
forms under specific temperatures and pressures.
What is the difference between physical and chemical weathering? Give examples of each - ✔✔-
1)Physical weathering is the mechanical breakdown of rocks and minerals. Ex: Wind or rain
2)Chemical weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals by chemical reactions, the dissolving of
chemical elements from rock, or both. Ex: Acid rain
Explain the formation of acid rain - ✔✔-Sulfur is emitted into the atmosphere and reacts with oxygen to
create sulfur dioxide. It then turns into sulfuric acid which lowers the pH of the rain.
Explain erosion - ✔✔-The removal of material from one place and its transport to another by the action
of wind or water
In what ways do humans accelerate the rate of erosion? - ✔✔-1) Overcultivating fields through poor
planning or excessive tilling
2) Overgrazing rangeland with more livestock than the land can support
3) Clearing forests on steep slopes or with large clear cuts
Define soil - ✔✔-A complex plant supporting system consisting of disintegrated rock, organic matter, air,
water, nutrients, and microorganisms.
What are the 5 factors that determine the properties of soil? - ✔✔-1)Organisms: plants and
decomposers add organic matter to soil over time
2)Climate: soil forms faster in warm, wet climates (heat and moisture speed most physical, chemical and
biological processes)
3)Topography: hills and valleys affect exposure to sun, wind, and water, and they influence how soil
moves.
4)Parent Material: its attributes influence properties of the resulting soil
5)Time: soil formation can take decades, centuries or millennia
What are the soil horizons? - ✔✔-O horizon-organic (litter layer)
A horizon-topsoil
E horizon-eluviated (leaching layer)
B horizon-subsoil
C horizon-weathered parent material
R horizon-rock (parent material)
What is "Zone of Leaching" - ✔✔-E horizon where minerals are generally transported downward as a
result of leaching
What are the physical properties of soil? - ✔✔-1)Soil Color-darker soils are usually rich in organic matter
2)Soil Texture-soils with large particles are porous and allow water to pass through quickly beyond the
root of plants so the plants require more frequent irrigation. Soils with smaller particles provide slower
infiltration but less oxygen; makes it difficult for water and air to pass. Medium size pores are best for
plants.
3)Soil Structure-a measure of the "clumpieness" of soil. Intermediate clumpiness is best bc repeated
tilling can compact soil, reducing its ability to absorb water and inhibiting the penetration of plants
roots.
What are the chemical properties of soil? - ✔✔-1)Soil pH-plants can die in soils to acidic or alkaline
2)Cation Exchange-plant roots donate hydrogen ions to the soil in exchange for nutrient ions, which the
soil particles then replenish by exchange with soil water
How can soil be degraded? - ✔✔-Intensive and unsustain
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