Download Earth and atmosphere Topic Checklist

Earth and its Atmosphere Topic Checklist
I should know:

structure of the earth consists of the crust, mantle and core surrounded by
the atmosphere
The crust is a thin layer of rock
The lithosphere, the crust and upper mantle, consists of separates pieces
called tectonic plates.
Rocks in the Earth’s crust provide many useful substances.
The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases including nitrogen and oxygen
Magma is molten rock; when magma leaves a volcano as a liquid it is called lava
When magma (and lava) solidifies it forms igneous rock
Igneous rocks include basalt, granite, pumice
Igneous rocks are usually hard and strong
The quicker the magma or lava cools, the smaller the crystals in the rock
Weathering and erosion of rock make sediments
Weathering includes chemical, biological and physical weathering
Know that rainwater is naturally acidic because of dissolved carbon dioxide
Know that sulfur dioxide formed by burning fossil fuels causes acid rain
Know that acid rain reacts with some rocks (such as limestone and marble)
causing chemical weathering
Pressure and cementation turn sediments into rock
Sedimentary rocks include sandstone, limestone and mudstone
Sedimentary rocks are formed in layers (strata) and may contain fossils
Metamorphic rocks are formed when rocks are changed by heat and/or
pressure
Metamorphic rocks include marble (from limestone) and slate (from mudstone)
In the rock cycle, rocks are recycled over millions of years
Know how individuals can help reduce air pollution
Know the meaning of global warming.
Know what factors contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Know some possible effects of global warming.
Know why some scientists have different views about global warming
The atmosphere is a mixture of gases.
The atmosphere has changed over time
The atmosphere contains 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.04% carbon dioxide,
and other gases including argon
Natural and human processes change the amounts of gases in the atmosphere
Earth is a source of limited resources
The carbon cycle shows how carbon moves through the Earth and atmosphere
Textbook references:
p70-71, p90-101

