​the theory that says the earth has an outer crust that shifts and forms mountains, valleys, and other physical features


​waves of energy due to the vibration of earthquakes




​plate tectonics


​seismic waves
rock that has been changed by high pressure and temperature within the earth's crust​



​metamorphic rock

rock that is formed when melted rock hardens​


rock that is formed from particles created during the erosion and weathering of the earth's crust​



igneous rock​


sedimentary rock​

​the study of the earth's history, rocks, minerals, and structure



geology​

the balance between the earth's crust as it sinks due to heavy land masses upon its surface and rises as the land masses become smaller due to erosion ​



​the time that geologists use to date the events that occurred during the early development of the earth 

isostasy​

geologic time

​the wearing away of rock through wind, water, ice, and gravity



erosion
a large formation of ice that moves slowly and becomes larger as it picks up ice and snow in its path


​a natural inorganic solid that has its own characteristics


glacier​


mineral​

a machine that measures and records the movement of the ground during an earthquake​


seismograph​


​the organic material that comes from the decay of decomposed plants and makes soil fertile



​high winds make topsoil  airborne and create a severe dust storm



​humus


​Dust Bowl
​triangular-shaped land that is formed at the mouth of a river and empties into a lake or an ocean 



delta​



Science:  The Earth's Surface - Flashcards
Use the flashcards to help you memorize the following terms and definitions. Then try the worksheets shown on the Science Homepage. Once you are ready to quiz yourself, click the Quiz link.