Physical Environment

Big Bang Theory

The theory explaining the origin of the universe about 13.7 billion years ago, where all matter was created, with hydrogen and helium being the first elements, and more complex elements evolving over time.

Expanding Universe

The concept that the universe is expanding, documented using the Doppler effect.

Hubble’s Law

States that redshift is related to distance, with farther galaxies moving faster than closer ones.

Nebular Hypothesis

The idea that the solar system formed from a collapsed nebula, supported by observations, and the Earth's liquid outer core contributes to the magnetic field.

Earth System

Earth as a complex system of physical, chemical, and biological processes, acting as a natural laboratory since the beginning of time.

Earth as a Closed System

Earth exchanges energy but has negligible mass exchange with its surroundings.

Earth System Science

Studies Earth as a dynamic body with interacting spheres like air, water, land, and life.

Earth’s Four Spheres

Atmosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere, and Biosphere, each playing a crucial role in Earth's processes.

Geosphere

The solid Earth including the crust and interior layers, composed mainly of oxygen, silicon, and magnesium.

Water Cycles

The continuous movement of water among oceans, atmosphere, Earth, and biosphere through processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and transpiration.

Earth’s Atmosphere

The layers of the atmosphere based on temperature changes, including the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere, each with distinct characteristics and functions.

Transfer of Heat

Heat transfer mechanisms including conduction, convection, and radiation, with convection currents playing a significant role in moving heat within the atmosphere.

Aurora Borealis

A natural light display in the Earth's sky, caused by solar wind particles interacting with the magnetic field in the upper atmosphere.