Geology 107 Midterm 1 UIUC
Big Bang Theory
The theory that the universe originated in a huge explosion that released all matter and energy.
red shift
A shift toward longer wavelengths of the spectral lines emitted by a celestial object that is caused by the
object moving away from the earth.
Nebula
A large cloud of dust and gas in space
accretion
growth in size or increase in amount
Differentiation
process in which cells become specialized in structure and function
Crust
The thin and solid outermost layer of the Earth above the mantle
Mantle
,the layer of the earth between the crust and the core
core
The central part of the earth below the mantle
Lithosphere
A rigid layer made up of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust.
Asthenosphere
The soft layer of the mantle on which the lithosphere floats.
Mesosphere
The strong, lower part of the mantle between the asthenosphere and the outer core
outer core
A layer of molten iron and nickel that surrounds the inner core of Earth
ridge
a long, narrow, conspicuous elevation of land
trench
A deep, steep-sided canyon in the ocean floor.
, tectonic plate
Sections of the Earth's crust that move due to convection currents.
pangea
A supercontinent containing all of Earth's land that existed about 225 million years ago.
continental drift
The hypothesis that states that the continents once formed a single landmass, broke up, and drifted to
their present locations
Age of the Universe
13.7 billion years
Age of Earth
4.6 billion years
Radius of Earth
6400 km
North and South Poles
the points farthest north and south on the Earth along its axis
Big Bang Theory
The theory that the universe originated in a huge explosion that released all matter and energy.
red shift
A shift toward longer wavelengths of the spectral lines emitted by a celestial object that is caused by the
object moving away from the earth.
Nebula
A large cloud of dust and gas in space
accretion
growth in size or increase in amount
Differentiation
process in which cells become specialized in structure and function
Crust
The thin and solid outermost layer of the Earth above the mantle
Mantle
,the layer of the earth between the crust and the core
core
The central part of the earth below the mantle
Lithosphere
A rigid layer made up of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust.
Asthenosphere
The soft layer of the mantle on which the lithosphere floats.
Mesosphere
The strong, lower part of the mantle between the asthenosphere and the outer core
outer core
A layer of molten iron and nickel that surrounds the inner core of Earth
ridge
a long, narrow, conspicuous elevation of land
trench
A deep, steep-sided canyon in the ocean floor.
, tectonic plate
Sections of the Earth's crust that move due to convection currents.
pangea
A supercontinent containing all of Earth's land that existed about 225 million years ago.
continental drift
The hypothesis that states that the continents once formed a single landmass, broke up, and drifted to
their present locations
Age of the Universe
13.7 billion years
Age of Earth
4.6 billion years
Radius of Earth
6400 km
North and South Poles
the points farthest north and south on the Earth along its axis
