Earth Science Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts in Earth Science, including the origin of the universe, Earth's systems, planets, atmosphere, and biosphere.

Earth Science

The study of the Earth and its neighbors in space, including geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy.

Big Bang Theory

The theory that the Universe originated from a very small, infinitely hot mass that exploded approximately 13.8 billion years ago.

Edwin Hubble

American astronomer who discovered that distant stars and galaxies are receding from Earth in every direction, with velocities increasing proportionally with distance.

Universe

All space and time, and all the matter and energy in it, composed of baryonic matter, cold dark matter, and dark energy.

Solar System

The Sun, eight planets, dwarf planets, satellites, asteroids, comets, and interplanetary dust.

Asteroid Belt

Lies between Mars and Jupiter; consists of remnants of a failed planet.

Earth System

The planet's interacting physical, chemical, and biological processes.

Lithosphere

The outer solid part of the Earth, including the crust and uppermost mantle.

Atmosphere

The gaseous layer surrounding the Earth and held to its surface by gravity.

Hydrosphere

Parts of the Earth system composed of water in its liquid, gaseous (vapor), and solid (ice) phases.

Biosphere

Contains all living organisms

Tectonic Activity

Describes the interaction of huge slabs of lithosphere called tectonic plates.

Sedimentary Rocks

Formed via weathering and transport of existing rocks, and then deposition, cementation, and compaction.

Igneous Rocks

Formed by cooling and crystallization of molten rock.

Metamorphic Rocks

Formed when heat or pressure is applied to other rocks.

Rocky Planets

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars; made of materials with high melting points.

Gas Giants

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune; composed predominantly of gases.

Habitable Zone

The distance Earth orbits the Sun which it is just right for liquid water to exist.

Troposphere

The layer of the atmosphere closest to Earth's surface where condensation and clouds occur.

Stratosphere

The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, containing the ozone layer.

Mesosphere

The coldest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where meteors burn up.

Thermosphere

A layer of Earth's atmosphere where space shuttles flew and auroras occur

Exosphere

Highest layer of atmosphere where it merges into outer space.

Climate

The average weather conditions in a place over 30 years or more.

Weather

A specific weather event that happens over a few hours, days, or weeks.

Greenhouse Effect

Process that occurs when gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap the Sun’s heat.

Global Warming

The warming of the Earth's surface due to human contributions to greenhouse gases.

Solar Energy

Drives the hydrologic cycle.

Albay Biosphere Reserve

Located at the southern end of Luzon Island, Philippines

Palawan Biosphere Reserve

Home to over 50 ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines.

Puerto Galera Biosphere Reserve

Situated on Mindoro Island, Philippines.