Atmosphere and Hydrosphere

troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where most weather events occur and where temperature decreases with altitude. It extends from the surface up to about 8-15 kilometers high.

stratosphere

The second layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere, characterized by a temperature inversion where temperature increases with altitude. It contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

mesosphere

The third layer of Earth's atmosphere, situated above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere, where temperature decreases with altitude and meteoroids burn upon entering.

thermosphere

The fourth layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the mesosphere, characterized by increasing temperatures with altitude and the presence of ionized gases, which are responsible for the auroras.

exosphere

The outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the thermosphere to space, where atmospheric particles are extremely sparse and can escape into space. It is where satellites orbit the planet.

greenhouse gasses

Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

exobase

The boundary between the exosphere and the thermosphere, where the transition from denser atmospheric layers occurs. It marks the altitude at which atmospheric particles are no longer bound by Earth's gravity.

aurora borealis

Natural light display in polar regions caused by the interaction of solar wind with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.

Karman line

the boundary that beings “outer space”at an altitude of 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level, where aerodynamics no longer effectively support flight.

jet stream

A fast flowing, narrow air current in the upper atmosphere that influences weather patterns and can extend across the globe.

evaporation

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a vapor, leading to the transfer of moisture from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere.

condensation

the process by which water vapor in the air is transformed into liquid water, forming clouds and precipitation.

precipitation

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

transpiration

The process by which water is absorbed by plant roots from the soil, moves through plants, and is released as water vapor into the atmosphere through small openings in leaves.

surface runoff

the flow of excess water, often from rain or melting snow, across the land surface into bodies of water like rivers and lakes.

groundwater

Water that is stored beneath the Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and rock formations, serving as a vital source of fresh drinking water.

infiltration

The process by which water permeates the soil and enters underground reservoirs, replenishing groundwater supplies.

percolation

The movement of water through soil and rock layers, leading to its filtration and collection in underground reservoirs.