Earth science crossword vocabulary pack

Teacher key

1. MINERAL · 7 letters · noun · introductory
   Naturally occurring solid with a crystal structure

   Hint: Quartz is a common example.
   Why it fits: MINERAL fits because Earth science classifies substances such as quartz and feldspar by these properties.

2. ROCK · 4 letters · noun · introductory
   Solid Earth material made of minerals or mineral-like matter

   Hint: Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic are major types.
   Why it fits: ROCK is correct because it is the basic geologic material that cycles through igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic forms.

3. FOSSIL · 6 letters · noun · introductory
   Preserved remains or traces of ancient life

   Hint: A footprint in old sedimentary rock can count.
   Why it fits: FOSSIL fits because Earth scientists use preserved remains and traces to study organisms from earlier geologic time.

4. SEDIMENT · 8 letters · noun · introductory
   Loose particles carried by wind, water, or ice

   Hint: Sand and silt moved by a river are examples.
   Why it fits: SEDIMENT is correct because deposited particles can later compact and cement into sedimentary rock.

5. MAGMA · 5 letters · noun · introductory
   Molten rock beneath Earth's surface

   Hint: It may feed a volcano before erupting.
   Why it fits: MAGMA fits because once molten rock reaches the surface, Earth science uses a different term for it.

6. LAVA · 4 letters · noun · introductory
   Molten rock after it reaches Earth's surface

   Hint: It can flow from an erupting volcano.
   Why it fits: LAVA is correct because the term changes from underground molten rock to this once it erupts above ground.

7. CRUST · 5 letters · noun · introductory
   Thin outer solid layer of Earth

   Hint: Continents and ocean floors are part of it.
   Why it fits: CRUST fits because it is the rigid outer layer above the mantle where landforms and ocean basins occur.

8. MANTLE · 6 letters · noun · introductory
   Thick Earth layer between outer shell and core

   Hint: Convection in it helps drive plate motion.
   Why it fits: MANTLE is correct because this hot, slowly flowing rocky layer transfers heat below tectonic plates.

9. CORE · 4 letters · noun · introductory
   Central layer system of Earth

   Hint: It includes inner solid and outer liquid regions rich in iron.
   Why it fits: CORE fits because it is the deepest layer system and helps generate Earth's magnetic field.

10. VOLCANO · 7 letters · noun · introductory
    Opening or mountain where molten rock can erupt

    Hint: Ash, gases, and lava may come from it.
    Why it fits: VOLCANO is correct because it is the surface feature where material from inside Earth can escape.

11. EARTHQUAKE · 10 letters · noun · introductory
    Ground shaking from sudden rock movement

    Hint: It often occurs along faults.
    Why it fits: EARTHQUAKE fits because stored stress can release suddenly as seismic waves travel through Earth.

12. FAULT · 5 letters · noun · intermediate
    Fracture where blocks of rock move

    Hint: Many earthquakes begin along one.
    Why it fits: FAULT is correct because stress along these breaks can release energy and produce earthquakes.

13. EPICENTER · 9 letters · noun · intermediate
    Surface point above an earthquake focus

    Hint: Maps often mark it near the strongest shaking.
    Why it fits: EPICENTER fits because it names the map point above where seismic energy begins at depth.

14. SEISMIC · 7 letters · adjective · intermediate
    Related to earthquake waves or shaking

    Hint: Sensors use this kind of data to study tremors.
    Why it fits: SEISMIC is correct because scientists use this term for waves and records produced by ground vibrations.

15. PLATE · 5 letters · noun · introductory
    Rigid slab of lithosphere that moves slowly

    Hint: Its boundaries are linked to many mountains, quakes, and volcanoes.
    Why it fits: PLATE fits because interactions among these slabs explain many major geologic features and events.

16. WEATHERING · 10 letters · noun · introductory
    Breakdown of rock at or near Earth's surface

    Hint: Ice, roots, and chemical reactions can cause it.
    Why it fits: WEATHERING is correct because it changes rock into smaller pieces or altered materials before erosion moves them.

17. STRATA · 6 letters · noun · intermediate
    Layers of sedimentary rock

    Hint: Older layers often lie below younger ones when undisturbed.
    Why it fits: STRATA fits because geologists study these layers to interpret relative ages and past environments.

18. GLACIER · 7 letters · noun · introductory
    Large mass of ice that moves slowly over land

    Hint: It can carve valleys as it flows.
    Why it fits: GLACIER is correct because these ice masses reshape landscapes by plucking, grinding, and depositing material.

19. HURRICANE · 9 letters · noun · introductory
    Tropical cyclone with sustained winds of at least 74 mph

    Hint: It forms over warm ocean water and has strong winds.
    Why it fits: HURRICANE fits because this storm category begins when a tropical cyclone reaches sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour.

20. HUMIDITY · 8 letters · noun · introductory
    Amount of water vapor in air

    Hint: High values can make a warm day feel sticky.
    Why it fits: HUMIDITY is correct because meteorologists track water vapor to understand clouds, precipitation, and comfort conditions.

Accept a different answer only when it matches the clue, length, grammar, and any supplied crossings. Use the reviewed answer when teaching the intended vocabulary target.