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Chapter 1 Vocabulary

Terms in this set (20)

Earth Science
Any of several sciences, such as geology, oceanography, and meteorology, and astronomy. The study of the origin, composition, and physical features of the Earth.
Geology
The scientific study of the origin of the Earth along with its rocks, minerals, land forms, and life forms, and of the processes that have affected them over the course of the Earth's history.
Oceanography
The scientific study of oceans, the life that inhabits them, and their physical characteristics, including the depth and the topography and composition of the ocean floors.
Meteorology
The scientific study of the atmosphere and of atmospheric conditions, especially as they relate to weather and weather forecasting.
Astronomy
The scientific study of the universe and the objects in it, including stars, planets, and galaxies.
Hydrosphere
All of the Earth's water, including surface water, groundwater, snowcover, ice, and water in the atmosphere, including water vapor.
Atmosphere
The mixture of gases surrounding the Earth or other celestial body, held in place by gravity. It forms distinct layers at different heights.
Geosphere
The solid part of the earth consisting of the crust and outer mantle.
Biosphere
The parts of the land, sea, and atmosphere in which organisms are able to live.
All the Earth's ecosystems considered as a single, self-sustaining unit.
Core
The central or innermost portion of the Earth, lying below the mantle and probably consisting of iron and nickel. It is divided into a liquid outer core.
Mantle
The layer of the Earth between the crust and the core. Consists mainly of magnesium-iron silicate minerals. The upper mantle is the source of magma and volcanic lava.
Crust
The solid, outermost layer of the Earth, lying above the mantle. The crust that includes continental crust and the crust that is called oceanic.
Latitude
The measurement, in degrees, of a place's distance north or south of the equator.
Longitude
A measurement, in degrees, of a place's distance east or west of the prime meridian, which runs through Greenwich, England.
Topographic Map
A map showing the relief features of the earth's surface, by means of contour lines to show changes in elevation.
Contour Line
A line on a map joining points of equal elevation above a given level.
Contour Interval
Any of the spaces between the lines on a topographic map or globe; the difference in elevation such an interval represents.
System
Any assemblage or combination of things or parts forming a complex or unitary whole.
Hypothesis
A statement that explains or makes generalizations about a set of facts or principles, usually forming a basis for possible experiments to confirm its viability.
Theory
A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena. Most theories that are accepted have been repeatedly tested by experiments.
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