Physical Geography

Lithosphere: The solid, outermost layer of the Earth, including the crust. Asthenosphere: The partially molten rock layer located directly under the lithosphere. Plate Tectonics: The theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into plates that glide over the mantle. Pangea: The supercontinent that existed millions of years ago before breaking apart. Plate Boundaries: Divergent: Plates pull apart from each other. Convergent: Plates collide; when two continental plates collide, they usually form a

Igneous Rock: Formed by the cooling and solidification of magma (underground) or lava (on the surface). Sedimentary Rock: Formed through weathering and erosion, which breaks rocks into sediments. These sediments undergo lithification (compaction and cementing) to become rock. This is the only rock type that may contain fossils. Metamorphic Rock: "Metamorphic" means "to change form". These rocks are created when existing rocks are subjected to intense heat and pressure.

Weather: Day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere. Climate: Long-term patterns of weather in a specific region. L.O.W.E.R.N.: An acronym for the factors affecting climate: Latitude, Ocean currents, Wind, Elevation, Relief, and Nearness to water. Moderating Effect: Water bodies heat and cool slower than land, resulting in milder "Maritime" climates for coastal areas. Orographic (Relief) Precipitation: Rain caused by moist air rising over mountain ranges; most common on Canada’s West Coast.

Canadian Shield: The "foundation of Canada"; it is the oldest and largest region and is a "storehouse" of metallic minerals. Western Cordillera: Contains Canada's tallest mountains, including Mount Logan. Other Regions: Appalachians, Innuitians, Interior Plains, Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Lowlands, and Arctic Lowlands.

Earthquakes: Approximately 80% occur in the "Ring of Fire". They are measured using a Seismograph. Tornadoes: Measured on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale based on the damage they cause. SEEP Impact Categories: Social: Human toll, such as deaths, injuries, or loss of housing. Economic: Financial costs, such as property damage or loss of jobs. Environmental: Damage to the natural landscape, water contamination, or loss of habitats. Political: Government response, international aid, and policy chang

Physical Geography Test Study Guide 1. Earth’s Layers & Plate Tectonics Lithosphere: The solid, outermost layer of the Earth, including the crust. Asthenosphere: The partially molten rock layer located directly under the lithosphere. Plate Tectonics: The theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into plates that glide over the mantle. Pangea: The supercontinent that existed millions of years ago before breaking apart. Plate Boundaries: Divergent: Plates pull apart from each other. Convergent