20 word Earth Science Multi-Syllable Vocabulary

Topographic

top-o-graph-ic

Relating to the arrangement of the physical features, detailed shapes, and structures of an area or surface.

Geologic

ge-o-log-ic

Pertaining to the origin, history, structure, and composition of the solid Earth.

Elevation

el-e-va-tion

The height above a given level, especially sea level, of a point or object on the surface of a celestial body.

Contour

con-tour

An outline representing or bounding the shape or form of something, or a line on a map joining points of equal height.

Cosmological

cos-mo-log-i-cal

Relating to the origin, evolution, structure, and ultimate fate of the whole physical cosmos.

Universe

u-ni-verse

All existing matter and space considered as a whole; the cosmos.

Gravitationally

grav-i-ta-tion-al-ly

In a manner caused by or relating to the fundamental attractive interaction between masses.

Interstellar

in-ter-stel-lar

Occurring, situated, or taking place between the stars of a galaxy.

Planetary

plan-e-tar-y

Relating to or resembling a large non-luminous body orbiting a star, or belonging to a specific celestial world.

Exploration

ex-plo-ra-tion

The action of traveling through or investigating an unfamiliar area or space to learn about it.

Astronomical

as-tro-nom-i-cal

Relating to the scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the physical cosmos as a whole.

Gravitational

grav-i-ta-tion-al

Relating to or caused by the natural phenomenon by which all things with mass or energy are brought toward one another.

Naturally

nat-u-ral-ly

Without human intervention, synthetic processing, or artificial assistance; in a wild or uncultivated state.

Inorganic

in-or-gan-ic

Not consisting of or deriving from living matter, lacking carbon-hydrogen bonds typical of biological organisms.

Crystalline

crys-tal-line

Having a highly ordered geometric internal structure composed of atoms arranged in a repeating pattern.

Properties

prop-er-ties

The distinct attributes, features, or qualities inherent to a material or substance.

Characteristics

char-ac-ter-is-tics

Typical features or traits that serve to distinguish, define, or describe a group, individual, or phenomenon.

Identification

i-den-ti-fi-ca-tion

The action or process of recognizing, classifying, or establishing what something is.

Cleavage

cleav-age

The tendency of a mineral to split along specific structural planes where chemical bonds are weakest.

Economically

e-co-nom-i-cal-ly

In a manner relating to financial value, profitability, resource management, or trade potential.