Processes: Understanding Our Living Planet

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the processes that sustain life on Earth and the interconnected systems that facilitate energy and matter exchange.

Atmosphere

The protective gaseous envelope surrounding Earth.

Hydrosphere

All water forms—oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and ice.

Geosphere

Earth's solid rock, minerals, and soil layers.

Biosphere

The sum of all living things and their habitats.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight into usable chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen.

Cellular Respiration

The process that takes place in cellular mitochondria, breaking down glucose for energy, producing ATP and releasing CO₂ and water.

Biomass

The total mass of all living matter, measured in grams per square meter.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) or other usable nitrogenous compounds.

Carbon Cycle

A cycle through which carbon moves through the atmosphere, plants, animals, oceans, rocks, and back, affected by human activities.

Water Cycle

Also called the hydrological cycle; a sun-powered continuous process involving evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.