Key Concepts in Earth and Environmental Science

Hypothesis

An educated guess

independent variable

variable that is manipulated

Control

In an experiment, the standard that is used for comparison

conclusion

A summary based on evidence or facts

Metric Conversions

use Kilo Hecto Deka Base Deci Centi Mili

hardness (mineral)

a mineral's ability to resist being scratched

Types of minerals

major and trace

burning of fossil fuels

releases more CO2

Renewable/Non Renewable Energy Sources

Will never run out / they will run out eventually / all energy generate electricity

types of rocks

igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic

igneous rock

a type of rock that forms from the cooling of molten rock at or below the surface

sedimentary rock

A type of rock that forms when particles from other rocks or the remains of plants and animals are pressed and cemented together

metamorphic rock

A type of rock that forms from an existing rock that is changed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions.

Classification of rocks

Based on how they formed

Different layers of the earth

crust, mantle, outer core, inner core

Weathering

The breaking down of rocks and other materials on the Earth's surface.

plate boundaries

the edges of tectonic plates.

soil

The loose, weathered material on Earth's surface in which plants can grow.

soil triangle

a graphic explanation of the proportions of sand, silt, and clay in soil

What makes up soil

sand, silt, clay

water cycle

The continuous process by which water moves from Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back

water table

The upper level of the saturated zone of groundwater

Aquifer

A body of rock or sediment that stores groundwater and allows the flow of groundwater.

Infiltration

the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil

number of river basins in NC

17

tides

the regular rise and fall of the ocean's surface influenced by the moon's gravity pulling on earth

Layers of the atmosphere

troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere

Types of clouds

cirrus, cumulus, stratus

parts of the sun

- core (fusion, hydrogen gas -->helium gas), solar energy

- photosphere (surface of sun, sunspots)

- chromosphere (red portion, solar flares)

- corona (transparent area of sun, see in total eclipse)

greenhouse effect

Natural situation in which heat is retained in Earth's atmosphere by carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and other gases

types of climate

Tropical, dry, temperate, continental, polar

causes of the seasons

The tilt of the Earth's axis

phases of the moon

the progression of changes in the moon's appearance during the month

types of biomes

Tropical rainforest, deciduous forest, grassland, taiga, desert, tundra

heliocentric

Based on the belief that the sun is the center of the universe

geocentric

A model of the universe in which Earth is at the center of the revolving planets and stars.

Latitude and Longitude

lines on globes and maps that provide information to help you easily locate places on the Earth