EARTH SCIENCE

Earth

The planet we live on.

Crust

Earth’s outer layer.

Mantle

The middle layer of the Earth.

Core

The inner part of Earth, consisting of the outer and inner core.

Mineral

A natural solid substance found in rocks.

Rock

A solid mixture of minerals.

Igneous rock

Rock formed from cooled lava or magma.

Sedimentary rock

Rock formed from layers of sediments.

Metamorphic rock

Rock that has been changed by heat and pressure.

Soil

A mixture of minerals, air, and organic matter.

Weather

The day-to-day condition of the atmosphere.

Climate

A long-term weather pattern.

Temperature

A measure of how hot or cold something is.

Precipitation

Rain, snow, hail, or sleet.

Evaporation

The process where water turns into vapor.

Condensation

The process where vapor turns into liquid.

Water cycle

The movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Cloud

A collection of water droplets or ice crystals in the sky.

Hurricane

A strong storm characterized by winds and rain.

Tornado

A rotating column of air.

Earthquake

The shaking of Earth’s surface.

Volcano

A mountain that erupts lava and ash.

Erosion

The movement of soil or rock by wind, water, or ice.

Weathering

The breaking down of rocks.

Fossil

Remains or imprint of once-living things.

Natural resources

Materials from nature that are used by humans.