Earth Basics

The layers of Earth including the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core

The outermost layer of Earth made of solid rock.

The thick layer of semi-solid rock beneath the crust.

The innermost layer of Earth consisting of the outer liquid core and the solid inner core.

The theory that Earth’s lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move and interact.

Large sections of Earth’s crust that move due to convection currents in the mantle.

A boundary where two tectonic plates collide often forming mountains or causing earthquakes.

A boundary where two tectonic plates move apart leading to the formation of new crust.

A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other causing earthquakes.

A crack or fracture in Earth’s crust where movement has occurred.

A vent in Earth’s crust through which molten rock ash

A sudden shaking of the ground caused by the release of energy along a fault.

A scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes.

The point within Earth where the earthquake originates.

The point on Earth’s surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

A series of large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

The continuous process by which rocks are formed altered

Rock formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma or lava.

Rock formed from the compression of sediments over time.

Rock formed when existing rocks are subjected to heat and pressure.

The continuous movement of water on above

The process by which liquid water turns into vapor and rises into the atmosphere.

The process by which water vapor cools and turns back into liquid water.

Water released from clouds in the form of rain snow