Earth Science Vocab 1&2 Flashcards
(12 cards)
earth system science
the study of Earth materials and processes subdivided into a group of four interconnected spheres of activity: atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
model
a simplified representation of an object, process, or phenomenon, used as a basis for further study or investigation.
closed system
a system in which energy can enter or leave, but matter cannot.
open system
a system in which there is a free exchange of both energy and matter between the system and its surroundings.
geosphere
the rocks, mountains, lithospheric plates, and other physical features of Earth, except for water; one of the four spheres of the Earth system.
evapotranspiration
the rapid cycling of water vapor into the atmosphere by evaporation from Earth’s surface or transpiration from plant leaves.
carbon cycle
the biochemical circulation of carbon throughout Earth’s system.
geothermal energy
heat energy that originates from within Earth and drives the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates.
tidal energy
energy created by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon on Earth’s ocean.
hypothesis
a tentative explanation for an observation or phenomenon, developed from available information and used as a basis for testing.
theory
an explanation or model based on observation, reasoning, and experimentation, especially one that has been tested and confirmed as a general explanation for phenomena that has been observed.
law
a generalized statement about how the natural world behaves under certain conditions and for which no exceptions have ever been found.
