Science Earth and Space Science Flashcards

Which layer of Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation?

Answer: Stratosphere

The ozone layer sits within the stratosphere, roughly 15–35 km above Earth's surface, where it absorbs harmful UV-B and UV-C radiation.

What process causes the formation of igneous rocks?

Answer: Cooling and solidification of magma or lava

Igneous rocks form when molten rock (magma underground or lava at the surface) cools and solidifies.

A star appears to change position slightly against distant background stars when viewed six months apart. This effect is called:

Answer: Parallax

Stellar parallax is the apparent shift in a nearby star's position due to Earth's orbital motion around the Sun, and it is used to measure stellar distances.

Which type of boundary is associated with the formation of deep ocean trenches?

Answer: Convergent boundary

At convergent boundaries, one tectonic plate subducts beneath another, forming deep ocean trenches such as the Mariana Trench.

The water cycle process by which plants release water vapor through their leaves is called:

Answer: Transpiration

Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plant leaves through tiny pores called stomata, contributing significantly to the water cycle.

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Answer: The tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbital plane

Earth's 23.5° axial tilt causes different hemispheres to receive more direct sunlight at different times of year, creating seasons.

Which type of seismic wave cannot travel through liquid layers of Earth and is therefore blocked by the outer core?

Answer: S-waves (secondary waves)

S-waves are shear waves that require a solid medium; they cannot travel through Earth's liquid outer core, creating a seismic shadow zone.