Geoscience Concepts and History

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the Earth's structure, historical scientific thought processes, measurements, and water resources.

Sphéricité

The condition of being spherical; in the context of Earth, it refers to its nearly spherical shape due to gravitational forces.

Distance à l'horizon

The maximum distance one can see from a certain height; it increases with altitude.

Ératosthène

The ancient Greek mathematician who calculated the Earth's circumference with remarkable accuracy.

Triangulation

A method used to calculate distances by measuring angles and sides of triangles.

Mètre étalon

A unit of measure historically defined as one ten-millionth of the quarter-meridian length.

Héliocentrisme

The astronomical model in which the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun, contrary to the geocentric model.

Mortalité de la Lune

The phenomenon that allows the same face of the Moon to be visible from Earth due to synchronous rotation.

Zone d'habitabilité

The region around a star where conditions might be suitable for liquid water, thus potentially supporting life.

Eaux douces

Freshwater resources that are limited and necessary for human consumption and ecosystems.

Stress hydrique

A condition in which the available fresh water is insufficient to meet the demands of a population.