Earth's Spheres & Their Interactions

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major spheres of the Earth (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere, cryosphere) and key stages of the water cycle.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Hydrosphere

All water on Earth (oceans, lakes, rivers, glaciers, groundwater, water vapor).

Geosphere

Rocks, soil, minerals, and Earth's landforms.

Biosphere

All living things (plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms).

Cryosphere

All frozen water (ice caps, glaciers, sea ice, snow).

The Sun

The energy source that drives the water cycle.

Evaporation

The water cycle process where heat from the sun turns liquid water into water vapor that rises into the atmosphere.

Condensation

A phase in the water cycle following evaporation where water vapor in the atmosphere cools and forms clouds.

Precipitation

A step in the water cycle where water falls from the atmosphere back to Earth.

Infiltration

The process in the water cycle where water on the surface seeps down into the soil to replenish groundwater.

Run off

Water in the water cycle that travels over the land surface instead of soaking into the soil.

Groundwater

Water present under Earth's surface, supplied by infiltration and stored in the geosphere.