- Basic Math and Science Earth's Geological Cycles Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which process converts solid rock into sediment through physical and chemical breakdown?

Answer: Weathering

Weathering breaks down rock into smaller particles through physical forces (like frost) and chemical reactions (like oxidation).

At which type of plate boundary does seafloor spreading occur?

Answer: Divergent boundary

Seafloor spreading occurs at divergent boundaries where tectonic plates move apart and magma fills the gap to form new oceanic crust.

What is the name of the supercontinent that existed approximately 335 million years ago before breaking apart?

Answer: Pangaea

Pangaea was a single landmass that included all of Earth's continents before it began breaking apart about 175 million years ago.

Which layer of Earth's interior is responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field?

Answer: Outer core

The liquid outer core, composed mainly of iron and nickel, generates Earth's magnetic field through convective motion.

During the carbon cycle, what process do plants use to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

Answer: Photosynthesis

Plants use photosynthesis to convert atmospheric CO₂ and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight as energy.

What type of rock forms when magma cools and solidifies beneath Earth's surface?

Answer: Intrusive igneous rock

Intrusive igneous rock (also called plutonic rock) forms when magma slowly cools underground, allowing large crystals to develop.

In the water cycle, what term describes water vapor changing directly into ice without passing through liquid form?

Answer: Deposition

Deposition is the process where water vapor transforms directly into ice crystals, which is how frost and snow form at very cold temperatures.