Earth and Environmental Science Key Concepts

A collection of vocabulary terms from the Earth and Environmental Science lecture notes, aimed at helping students prepare for exams.

Big Bang Theory

The leading explanation for the origin of the universe; states the universe began as a hot, dense state and has been expanding ever since.

Protostar

A stage in the life cycle of a star, where gas and dust cloud condense under gravity.

Tectonic Plates

The large slabs of solid rock that make up the Earth's outer shell, which glide over the mantle.

Global Warming

The increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases.

Plate Tectonics

The theory that describes the large-scale movements of the Earth's plates and their associated interactions.

Eclipse

An event where one celestial body moves into the shadow of another celestial body; includes solar and lunar eclipses.

Weathering

The breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on the Earth's surface.

Erosion

The process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface and transported elsewhere.

Ozone Layer

A region of Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) and protects life by filtering harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Climate Change

Refers to the long-term shift in Earth's average temperatures and weather patterns.

Natural Hazards

Severe and extreme weather events like earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions that can cause significant damage or harm.

Convection Currents

Circular movements of fluid caused by uneven heating; helps to drive plate tectonics.

Volcanic Eruption

The release of magma, gas, and other materials from a volcano.

Relative Dating

Determining the age of fossils or rock layers based on their position within sedimentary layers.

Numerical Dating

Technique used to determine the actual age of fossils based on the decay of radioactive isotopes.

Atmospheric Layers

The different layers of Earth's atmosphere, including troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.

Coriolis Effect

The influence of Earth's rotation on the direction of winds and ocean currents.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect; includes CO2, methane, and CFCs.

Typhoon Formation

The process by which warm, moist air rises over tropical waters, leading to the development of a storm.

Rock Cycle

The continuous process through which rocks are created, changed, destroyed, and recreated.