Earth Science Lecture Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from lecture notes on Latitude and Longitude, Earth Measurement & Maps, Prefixes & Earth Spheres, Scientific Method & Experimental Design, and Metric Conversions.

Latitude

Degrees either north or south of the equator, ranging from 0° at the Equator to 90° at the poles.

Equator

The 0° line of latitude, dividing Earth into equal North and South hemispheres, and representing the longest line of distance measurement.

Longitude

Degrees either east or west of the Prime Meridian, dividing the Earth into 360° and connecting at the poles.

Prime Meridian

The 0° line of longitude, running through Greenwich, England, used to divide Earth into West and East hemispheres with the International Date Line.

Satellites

Objects orbiting Earth that are constantly taking pictures, helping to 'see' the whole Earth.

Remote Sensing

A technology that helps to see things like the structure of the ocean floor.

Cardinal Directions

The four main directions: North, South, East, and West.

Compass

A tool that helps find cardinal directions by pointing towards the magnetic north or south pole.

Magnetic Declination

The angle of correction between the magnetic axis (magnetic north/south) and geographic north (true north).

Map Title

Describes what the map is showing.

Map Scale

The ratio between measurements on a map and actual measurements in the world.

Map Legend

Explains the symbols used on a map.

Cartographers

Map-makers who break down degrees of latitude and longitude into minutes and seconds for accuracy.

Degree (mapping)

A unit of angular measurement used in mapping, equal to 60 minutes.

Minute (mapping)

A unit of angular measurement used in mapping, equal to 60 seconds, used to achieve greater accuracy in location.

Map Projection

Describes how the transformation is done when representing a 3D globe on a flat 2D map.

Mercator Projection

A map projection that shows accurate continent sizes near the equator but distorts them more at the poles.

Conic Projection

A map projection created by transferring a globe onto a cone and then flattening it out, generally not distorting the continents.

Robinson Projection

A map projection with parallel latitude lines and curved longitude lines, causing distortion of continents near the poles.

International Date Line

Sits on the 180° line of longitude in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, separating two consecutive calendar days, with the left side always a day ahead of the right side.

Atmosphere

The gaseous layer surrounding Earth, composed of O2, CO2, and other gases, protecting against radiation and causing wind and storms.

Geosphere

Comprises Earth's rocks, mountains, beaches, ocean basins, and rock layers, including the crust and mantle, which changes over time.

Biosphere

Encompasses all forms of life on Earth, including humans, trees, and plants.

Hydrosphere

All water near Earth's surface, including oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, ice, and snow, with 3% being fresh water involved in the water cycle.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to investigation involving observation, research, hypothesis formation, experimentation, analysis, and conclusion.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation or prediction for an observation, which can be tested through an experiment.

Experiment

A procedure carried out to support or refute a hypothesis, involving data collection, identification of variables, and control groups.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed on purpose by the experimenter; the cause.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured or observed, which is affected by the independent variable; the effect.

Constant

A factor in an experiment that remains unchanged to ensure fair testing.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that is not being tested or exposed to the independent variable, serving as a baseline for comparison.

Analysis (Scientific Method)

The stage of the scientific method where experimental results are recorded and examined for trends, outliers, or patterns.

Conclusion (Scientific Method)

The final stage where results are reported, compared to the hypothesis, inferences are drawn, and further testing needs are considered.

Claim (CER)

A single sentence that directly answers the research question.

Evidence (CER)

Data provided to support the claim in a scientific argument.

Reasoning (CER)

Uses rules or scientific principles to explain why the evidence supports the claim.

Kilo (metric prefix)

Represents 1000 units in the metric system.

Hecto (metric prefix)

Represents 100 units in the metric system.

Deka (metric prefix)

Represents 10 units in the metric system.

Deci (metric prefix)

Represents 0.1 units in the metric system.

Centi (metric prefix)

Represents 0.01 units in the metric system.

Milli (metric prefix)

Represents 0.001 units in the metric system.