Earth Dynamics And Energy Flow Flashcards
(18 cards)
The study of the forces, processes, and interactions that caused the Earth to change an evolve overtime
Dynamics
A collision between astronomical, objects causing measurable effects
Impacts
Of or from outside the Earth or it’s atmosphere
Extraterrestrial
The force that attracts a body towards the center of the Earth, or toward any other physical body having mass
Gravity
The process where an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting ionizing radiation
Radioactive decay
Heat generated with a celestial body or a system due to various processes
Internal heat
The radiant energy from the sun that can be harnessed to create electricity or heat
Solar energy
Describes the continuous movement of water on earth, including it stored in the atmosphere, on the land surface, and below the ground
Hydrologic cycle
How materials respond to environmental conditions and external forces, including stress, string, and other physical and chemical processes
Behavior of materials on earth
How does the solid part of the earth respond (behavior) to changes?
Tectonic plates, deformation, seismic wave propagation, ultimately shaping the planet’s surface and interior
What generates the internal heat of the Earth?
Radiogenic heat from the radioactive decay of elements in the earths crust and mantle, and residual heat from the earths formation
How does gravity work on Earth?
Pulls everything towards the planet’s center, creating the force we experience as weight
How does sunlight affect the Earth?
Providing light and heat that drive the planet’s climate, weather, and essential processes like the water cycle and photosynthesis
Compare and contrast internal energy and external energy
Internal energy is the total microscopic energy within a system, including kinetic and potential energy of molecules while external energy is the macroscopic energy of a system, like kinesthetic and potential energy with respect to its environment
How does water move through the Earth system?
Primarily through the water cycle, a continuous process driven by the sun and gravity
Which part of the hydrologic cycle is connected to natural disasters?
Precipitation l, especially heavy or prolonged precipitation
How are natural processes both constructive and destructive?
They shaped the earth surface by both building up and tearing down landforms
Which part of the natural system (water, rock, atmosphere) can we influence or adjust?
Humans can mostly directly influence the atmosphere and hydrosphere
