Carbon Cycle & Earth's Spheres

Sedimentary Rock

Rock formed from the accumulation and

compaction of mineral and organic particles,

often found in layers.

Scientific Model

A scientific model has three crucial elements:

(a) it contains two or more components (b) it illustrates the interactions and/or relationships between the components, and (c) it is used to explain, predict, or simulate a system or the components of a system.

Polar Molecule

A molecule with partial positive and negative

charges due to the presence of polar bonds,

which results in an uneven sharing of electrons

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some

other organisms use sunlight to synthesize

foods with the help of chlorophyll, converting

carbon dioxide and water into glucose and

oxygen.

pH

A measure of how acidic (pH<7) or basic (pH>7)

a solution is, indicating the concentration of

hydrogen ions.

Metamorphic Rock

Rock formed from the alteration of existing rock

through heat, pressure, or chemically active

fluids, resulting in a change in mineral

composition and texture.

Mechanical weathering

The process of breaking down rocks through

physical forces without changing their chemical

composition.

Hydrosphere

The total amount of water on Earth, including

oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater, which

plays a crucial role in weather patterns and

supporting life.

Igneous Rock

Rock formed from cooled magma or lava,

characterized by a crystalline texture and can be

classified into intrusive or extrusive types.

Lithosphere/geosphere

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, composed of

rock and soil, that includes the crust and upper

mantle.

Spheres

The interconnected systems of the Earth,

including the lithosphere (land), hydrosphere

(water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere (living

things). These spheres interact to shape the

environment and support life.

Universal solvent 

A substance that can dissolve a wide variety of

solutes, particularly ionic and polar compounds,

facilitating chemical reactions in biological

systems.

Hydrogen bond

A special type of attraction between a hydrogen

atom in a polar bond and a negatively charged

area of another polar molecule

Greenhouse gas

A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere,

contributing to the greenhouse effect and

climate change.

Freeze-thaw cycle

A process in mechanical weathering where

water infiltrates cracks in rocks, freezes and

expands, causing the rock to break apart (frost

wedging).

Fossil fuel

A natural fuel formed from the remains of

ancient organisms, such as coal, oil, and natural

gas, which releases carbon dioxide when burned.

Erosion

The process by which soil and rock are removed

from the Earth's surface and transported to

another location by natural forces such as

water, wind, or ice.

Cryosphere

The frozen water part of the Earth system,

including ice caps, glaciers, and permafrost,

which influences climate and sea levels.

Chemical weathering

The process of breaking down rocks through

chemical reactions, resulting in changes to their

mineral composition and often leading to the

formation of soil.

Carbon sink

A natural reservoir that stores carbon-containing chemical compounds for an indefinite period, helping to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Carbon reservoir

A natural or artificial storage location for carbon

compounds, such as forests, soils, and oceans,

which play a crucial role in the carbon cycle.

Carbon dioxide 

A colorless gas produced by respiration and

combustion, essential for photosynthesis in

plants.

Carbon cycle

The series of processes by which carbon

compounds are interconverted in the

environment, including photosynthesis,

respiration, and decomposition.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems, comprising all

living organisms and their interactions with the

environment, essential for maintaining life on

Earth.

Biomass

The total mass of living matter in a given area or

volume, often used as a measure of energy

production in ecosystems.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth,

essential for weather, climate, and sustaining

life by providing oxygen and protecting from

harmful solar radiation.

Anthropogenic

Resulting from human activity, often referring to environmental changes or impacts.

Adhesion and cohesion 

Properties of water that allow it to stick to other substances (adhesion) and to itself (cohesion), crucial for various biological processes.

Acid rain

Precipitation with high levels of sulfuric and nitric acids that can lead to chemical weathering of rocks.