Key Vocabulary for Science: Water, Weather, and Climate

A collection of the key vocabulary terms related to water, weather, climate, and environmental factors.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water among different water reservoirs on Earth.

Evaporation

The process in which liquid water changes into gas state (water vapor) due to heat.

Condensation

The process in which water vapor changes into liquid water, forming clouds.

Precipitation

The process in which water falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Runoff

The step in which water flows along Earth's surface into rivers and eventually into the ocean.

Energy Transfer

The process by which energy is moved from the sun to Earth, affecting weather and the water cycle.

Abiotic Factors

The nonliving components of an ecosystem that influence living organisms, such as water, air, and minerals.

Biotic Factors

The living organisms in an ecosystem that affect one another, such as plants and animals.

Soil Composition

The mixture of organic materials, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life.

Desertification

The process by which fertile land becomes desert, often as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.

Decomposers

Organisms such as fungi and bacteria that break down dead material, returning nutrients to the soil.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, impacting living organisms.

Extinction

The end of an organism or a group of organisms, typically due to environmental changes or habitat destruction.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that spread widely in a new habitat, often harming local ecosystems.

Nutrients

Substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.

Overgrazing

Excessive grazing of vegetation that can lead to land degradation and desertification.

Overuse of resources

Using resources such as water or soil at a rate faster than they can be replenished.

Environmental Sustainability

Responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion of natural resources.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor present in the air.

Meteorology

The scientific study of the atmosphere and its effects on weather and climate.