Cosmology, Earth Systems, and Resources Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering cosmology, Earth systems, rock and mineral science, energy resources, and water resources based on the provided notes.

Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

The process in the early universe (within the first minutes after the Big Bang) forming light elements such as hydrogen, helium, and lithium through nuclear reactions.

Light elements (H, He, Li)

The lightest elements formed during Big Bang Nucleosynthesis.

Nucleosynthesis

Formation of new atomic nuclei from pre-existing protons and neutrons, occurring in the Big Bang and in stars via fusion, fission, and radioactive decay.

Stellar Formation and Evolution

The life cycle of stars, including formation, evolution, and the creation of heavier elements up to iron.

Supernova

A powerful stellar explosion that produces elements heavier than iron and marks the end of a massive star’s life or a runaway fusion in a white dwarf.

Big Bang Theory

Theory explaining the origin of the universe and elemental formation through various nuclear reactions; evidenced by H and He abundances.

Singularity

A point where density or spacetime curvature becomes infinite, a concept in some models of the universe and black holes.

Inflation

Theory of rapid exponential expansion of space in the very early universe.

Recombination

Epoch when free electrons and protons combined to form neutral hydrogen, making the universe transparent.

Redshift

Stretched wavelengths of light due to the expansion of space, causing light to shift toward the red end of the spectrum.

Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB)

Microwave radiation filling space from the early universe, a relic of the recombination era.

Atom

The basic unit of an element, consisting of a nucleus of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons.

Atomic Number (Z)

Number of protons in an atom; in a neutral atom, equal to the number of electrons.

Atomic Mass (A)

Total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Isotope

Atoms with the same atomic number but different atomic masses.

Protium

The most common hydrogen isotope: 1 proton, 0 neutrons.

Deuterium

Hydrogen isotope with 1 proton and 1 neutron.

Tritium

Hydrogen isotope with 1 proton and 2 neutrons.

Ions

Positively or negatively charged particles with the same number of protons but different numbers of electrons.

Geosphere

The solid Earth, including rocks, minerals, landforms, and interior processes.

Hydrosphere

All the water on Earth in liquid, solid, and gaseous forms, including atmospheric water vapor.

Biosphere

All living organisms on Earth and their environments.

Atmosphere

Layer of gases surrounding Earth, primarily nitrogen and oxygen, regulating life and climate.

Lithosphere

The solid outer shell of the Earth including crust and upper mantle.

Earth System Science

Study of interactions among Earth’s spheres and processes to understand the planet as a complex system.

Energy and Matter Flow

Concept that solar energy drives atmospheric and surface processes; matter cycles among spheres (water, rock, carbon cycles).

Closed System (Earth)

Idea that Earth exchanges energy with space but matter is largely conserved within; energy in, some energy returned to space.

Rock Cycle

Cyclic transformation of rocks among igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic forms via cooling, weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, cementation, and metamorphism.

Igneous Rocks

Rocks formed by solidification of magma, either underground (intrusive) or on the surface (extrusive).

Intrusive Rock

Igneous rock formed when magma crystallizes below the surface.

Extrusive Rock

Igneous rock formed when lava erupts onto the surface and cools rapidly.

Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed by compaction and cementation of sediments deposited at the Earth's surface; typically layered.

Erosion

Process of wearing away and removal of rock by weathering and transport.

Deposition

Process of sediments settling from a transporting medium, forming layers.

Compaction

Densification of sediments due to weight of overlying material.

Cementation

Binding of sediment grains by minerals precipitating from groundwater.

Lithification

Process of turning loose sediments into solid rock via compaction and cementation.

Conglomerate

Coarse-grained sedimentary rock with rounded fragments.

Sandstone

Sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized particles.

Shale

Fine-grained, layered sedimentary rock.

Limestone

Sedimentary rock mainly of carbonate minerals (calcite/aragonite).

Gypsum

Sulfate mineral formed from evaporites.

Fossiliferous Marl

Sedimentary rock containing fossils and carbonate.

Mineral

Naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystal structure.

Silicate

Rock-forming minerals made of silicate groups; the largest and most important class.

Carbonate

Minerals containing carbonate groups; major types include limestone and dolostone.

Iron-bearing

Minerals or rocks with significant iron content.

Ferrous Minerals

Iron-bearing minerals that are magnetic and can serve as ore sources.

Magnetite

Iron oxide mineral with very high iron content (up to ~70%).

Hematite

Iron oxide mineral important as an iron ore; high iron content but typically less than magnetite.

Copper Ore

Ore containing copper, widely used for electrical, construction, and industrial purposes.

Non-Ferrous Minerals

Minerals that do not contain iron; not magnetic and often more resistant to corrosion.

Non-Metallic Minerals

Minerals that do not contain metallic elements.

Metamorphic Minerals

minerals formed by metamorphism under high temperature and pressure (e.g., talc, garnet, staurolite, corundum).

Metamorphic Rocks

Rocks formed by transformation of preexisting rocks under heat, pressure, and fluids; may show new minerals, textures, or banding.

Biogas

Renewable energy produced by anaerobic digestion of organic matter.

Geothermal Energy

Energy harvested from heat inside the Earth.

Hydrothermal/Hypothermal Energy

Energy from hot groundwater or seawater in contact with hot rocks; used as a heat source.

Batteries

Electrochemical cells storing chemical energy, either disposable or rechargeable.

Solar Cells

Devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Power Plant Electricity Generation

Plants that generate electricity by converting energy from fuels or heat into electrical energy via turbines and generators.

Surface Water

Water on the Earth's surface, including rivers, lakes, and streams.

Ground Water

Water stored underground in aquifers.

Rain Water

Water collected from precipitation.

Frozen Water (Ice)

Solid water in glaciers, ice caps, and polar regions.

Desalinated Water

Water purified to remove salt from seawater or brackish water for drinking or irrigation.

Water Conservation & Management

Practices like rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation, and water recycling to preserve water resources.

Water Pollution

Contamination of water bodies by chemicals, plastics, sewage, or other pollutants.

Water Scarcity

Condition of having insufficient water resources to meet demands.

Evaporation

Process by which liquid water becomes water vapor due to heat.

Transpiration

Water absorbed by plant roots and released as vapor from the leaves.

Condensation

Water vapor cooling to form liquid droplets, forming clouds.

Precipitation

Water released from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Infiltration

Water seeping into soil and moving down to replenish groundwater.

Dew

Tiny droplets formed by condensation on cool surfaces.

Surface Runoff

Water flowing over the land into streams and rivers.

Oceans

The vast bodies of saltwater covering many of Earth’s surfaces; major components of the hydrosphere.

Troposphere

Lowest atmospheric layer where weather occurs; where we live.

Stratosphere

Atmospheric layer containing the ozone layer; temperature generally increases with altitude.

Mesosphere

Atmospheric layer where most meteors burn up.

Thermosphere

Atmospheric layer where satellites orbit; contacts with high-energy solar radiation.

Atmospheric Circulation

Global movement of air that redistributes heat and moisture around the planet.

Hydrological Cycle

Continual movement of water among atmosphere, surface, and subsurface, driven by solar energy.