UNIT 1: The Evolution of Planet Earth
“Chapters” 1 & 2 (of 5)
#1:The Formation and Structure of Planet Earth
(pages 614-617; 624-629; 190-193, 196)
The infant Earth:
1.Describe how the solar system (including the Earth) formed according to the “nebular theory”.
2.Describe the process by which Earth’s layers were formed. Identify and describe the 3 layers of the Earth as organized by their composition (what they are made up of).
3.Describe how scientists are able to study the interior of the earth remotely.
The maturing Earth:
4.Describe 3 main differences between the earth here near the surface compared to the deep inner earth. (refer to Earth’s Interior handout)
5.Identify and describe the 5 layers of the Earth as arranged by their physical properties and structure (physical consistency).
6.Compare the crust beneath the landmasses (continental crust) with that beneath the seas (oceanic crust) in terms of thickness, density, and composition.
7.Describe at least 3 major changes that have taken place to our planet since it first formed.
#2 (A):Plate Tectonics – topic 1 (Earth’s moving plates)
(pages 194-203)
1.Describe the makeup and behavior of “tectonic plates”. How are the tectonic plates different from the continents?
2.(A) Describe Alfred Wegener’s original theory of continental drift, including the evidence used to support it. (4 observations)
(B) What is “Pangaea”? When did it exist and what happened to it?
(C) Explain why Wegener’s theory was largely rejected until the discovery of sea- floor spreading in the 1950’s.
3. (a) Describe the process of sea-floor spreading.
(b) Where is sea-floor spreading occurring?
(c) How was sea-floor spreading discovered? What evidence was/is used to support it?
4. Define the term “convergent boundary” and describe the three possible types of this boundary. (refer to “plate boundaries” handout)
5. For each type of convergent boundary, describe the surface feature(s) that form along the boundary as a result of plate motion. (refer to “plate boundaries” handout)
6. Define the term “divergent boundary” and describe why most of these boundaries are located on the sea-floor. (refer to “plate boundaries” handout)
7. Describe the surface features formed along divergent boundaries. (refer to “plate boundaries” handout)
8. Define the term “transform boundary” and give an example of this type of boundary. Describe the surface feature that forms along transform boundaries. (refer to “plate boundaries” handout)
#2 (B): Topic 2-Plate Tectonic Theory: Cause and Effects
(pages 202-209; 224-227)
1. Define “subduction” and describe the type(s) of plate boundaries that it occurs along.
2. Describe the three possible causes of plate motion in detail.
3. Describe the two main types of stress that can lead to mountain building and the types of plate motion that create them.
4. Describe the two main types of deformation that result from stress and lead to the formation of mountains and valleys.
5. Describe the cause of earthquakes and why most occur near plate boundaries.
6. Describe how earthquakes are detected, located, and measured (in terms of both strength and destructive tendencies).
7. Describe the hazards of earthquakes to human society (including the formation and nature of “tsunami”) and how these hazards may be reduced.
8.Describe three processes that cause the formation of magma within the earth and how these are related to plate motions.
9. Describe the three main types of rock and how their formation and transformation (i.e. the rock cycle) is related to plate tectonics.