Introduction to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science as discussed in the introductory lecture.

Earth Science

The study of the Earth, its structure, processes, and the relationships between its physical components.

Environmental Science

The study of the interactions between the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment.

Planetary Science

The study of planets, moons, and planetary systems.

Glaciology

The scientific study of glaciers and ice sheets.

Cryosphere

The frozen water part of the Earth system, including snow, ice, and permafrost.

Isostasy

The state of gravitational equilibrium between Earth's crust and mantle.

Plate Tectonics

The theory explaining the movement of the Earth's lithosphere which leads to continental drift, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Brittle Deformation

A type of solid-state deformation where rocks break along discrete surfaces due to stress.

Ductile Deformation

The bending and folding of rocks in response to stress without breaking.

Seismic Waves

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, typically caused by earthquakes.

Radiometric Dating

A method used to determine the age of materials based on the decay of radioactive isotopes.

Fossil Succession

The principle that fossils succeed one another in a specific and recognizable order, allowing scientists to identify the relative ages of rock layers.

Mineralogy

The study of minerals, their composition, structure, properties, and how they form.

Tsunami

A series of ocean waves caused by large-scale disturbances such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides.

Hydrosphere

The water component of the Earth system, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and water vapor.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer part of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle.

Asthenosphere

The semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Geothermal Gradient

The rate at which the Earth's temperature increases with depth.

Volcanism

The eruption of molten rock (magma) onto the surface of the Earth.

Geospatial Science

The field that uses geographic information and technology to understand spatial relationships and patterns.

Albedo

The measure of reflectivity of the Earth's surface, with higher albedo surfaces reflecting more sunlight.

Orogenesis

The process of mountain formation, typically through tectonic forces and plate interactions.