Earth

Carbon Dioxide

A gas that acts as a 'cushion' around the globe, preventing heat from escaping and contributing to global warming.

Global Warming

The increase in Earth's average temperature due to higher levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

Acid Rain

Rain that has a pH lower than 5.5, resulting from sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere forming sulfuric acid.

Sulfur Dioxide

A gas formed from burning fossil fuels that can lead to acid rain and damage to aquatic life, forests, and buildings.

Carbon Capture

A process where CO2 produced from burning fossil fuels is stored underground or under the sea to reduce emissions.

Sulfur Scrubbing

A method used in fossil fuel plants to remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust gases before they are released into the atmosphere.

Oxygen Test

A test to detect the presence of oxygen by using a glowing splint that re-lights when oxygen is present.

Carbon Dioxide Test

A test where CO2 is bubbled through lime water, which will turn cloudy as a positive result.

Hydrogen Test

A test for hydrogen gas where a lit splint produces a 'squeaky pop' sound if hydrogen is present.

Plate Tectonics

The theory explaining the movement of the Earth's plates and how they cause geological phenomena like earthquakes and volcanoes.

Convection Currents

The movement of molten rock in the mantle caused by heat from the core, which drives the motion of tectonic plates.

Divergent Boundary

A tectonic plate boundary where plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust.

Convergent Boundary

A tectonic plate boundary where plates move towards each other, resulting in subduction and volcanic activity.

Transform Boundary

A tectonic plate boundary where plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes.

Subduction

The process where one tectonic plate is forced under another plate into the mantle.

Rift Valley

A low area found where two tectonic plates move apart, often filled with seawater.

Hot Spot

A location in the mantle where heat allows molten rock to rise to the Earth's surface, often creating islands.

Pangaea

A supercontinent that existed around 335 million years ago, when all continents were joined together.

Oceanic Crust

The layer of the Earth's crust that is found beneath the oceans, primarily made of basalt and igneous rock.