Chapter 5

core

the center of the Earth

lava

molten rock that has been released from the lithosphere

convergent plate boundary

where tectonic plates collide

aquifer

underground regions of rock and soil that hold groundwater

eutrophication

When excess nutrients in water lead to plant and algae growth, reducing oxygen and harming other organisms.

nitrification

the process of converting ammonium ions (NH4+) into nitrite ions (NO2-) and then into nitrate ions (NO3-) that plants can take in

flux

the movement of nutrients from one reservoir to another

mantle

This layer makes of the majority of the Earth and surrounds the core.

groundwater

water found underground beneath layers of soil

denitrification

converting nitrate ions (NO3-) in soil or water into gaseous nitrogen (N2)

transform plate boundary

where tectonic plates grind alongside each other

hydrosphere

all of the water found in and on Earth

ecotone

A transition zone between two ecosystems where species from both mix.

crust

the outermost layer of the Earth.

mesosphere

It is solid and makes up the majority of the mantle

sedimentary rock

Formed from particles compacted and cemented after weathering and erosion.

atmosphere

all of the gases surrounding Earth

reservoirs

a pool where large quantities of a nutrient is stored

transpiration

the evaporation of water through the leaves of plants

divergent plate boundary

tectonic plates that are moving away from one another

nitrogen fixation

Bacteria convert nitrogen gas into plant-usable ammonium in root symbiosis.

magma

molten rock beneath the surface of the Earth

lithosphere

the rigid outer part of the earth

infiltration

the process whereby water enters the soil

subduction

the process whereby one tectonic plate slides underneath another tectonic plate

macronutrients

vitamins and minerals, required in large amounts for organisms to survive.

asthenosphere

The semi-melted, flowing upper mantle with high heat and low pressure.

hypoxia

refers to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen present

micronutrients

substances, such as vitamins and minerals, required in small amounts for organisms to survive

evaporation

the conversion of liquid water to gaseous water

homeostasis

Maintaining a stable internal environment despite external changes.

runoff

the flow of water from rain, snow melt, etc., over land into streams and other bodies of water

metamorphic rock

This type of rock is formed under extreme heat and pressure.

closed system

Self-contained, no exchange with surroundings, reaches equilibrium, not found in nature.

open system

Constant exchange of energy, matter, and information with surroundings.

water table

the upper limit of an aquifer that is completely saturated by groundwater

Haber-Bosch process

makes ammonia (NH₃) by combining nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) under high pressure and temperature with a catalyst.

igneous rock

This type of rock is formed when magma cools.

precipitation

when water vapor condense and falls as rain