Earth Science: Earth Systems and Mapping Vocabulary

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering Earth's spheres, atmospheric conditions, geological cycles, and map-reading concepts.

Biosphere

The Earth system that contains all living things.

Atmosphere

A thin layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Hydrosphere

The system containing all of Earth's water.

Mineral

A solid that is naturally occurring, inorganic, and has a crystal structure and definite chemical composition.

Weather

The short-term atmospheric conditions of a certain place at a certain time.

Climate

The long-term average weather conditions that occur in a particular region.

Rock cycle

The series of processes that change one type of rock into another type of rock.

Evaporation

The process of a liquid changing to a gas.

Condensation

The process by which a gas changes to a liquid.

Precipitation

Water, in liquid or solid form, that falls from the atmosphere.

Geosphere

The solid part of Earth.

Map view

A map drawn as if you were looking down on an area from above Earth's surface.

Legend

A key that lists all the symbols used on a map.

Map scale

The relationship between a distance on a map and the actual distance on Earth's surface.

Longitude

The distance in degrees east or west of the prime meridian.

Latitude

The distance in degrees north or south of the equator.

Time zone

The area on Earth's surface between two meridians where people use the same time.