Earth Systems

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systems
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Terms in this set (21)
systems
A group of processes and parts that interact in a connected way.
Earth system
Earth's four major systems- atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere- that move energy and materials to create the world as we know it.
Geo-
prefix meaning "the earth"
Atmo-
prefix meaning air
Bio-
prefix meaning life
Hydro-
prefix meaning water
Drought
A prolonged dry period in the natural climate cycle that can occur anywhere in the world. It is characterized by the lack of precipitation, resulting in a water shortage.
-sphere
root word referring to the Earth
Model
Scientists use these in order to explain complex phenomena that are hard to visualize.
Condensation
The change of state from a gas to a liquid
EvaporationThe change of state from a liquid to a gasPrecipitationAny form of water that falls from clouds and reaches Earth's surface.TerrariumAn enclosure, usually transparent, with a layer of dirt in the bottom in which plants are kept indoors.Geosphereall the rocks, soils, sediment that make up Earth's land.AtmosphereAll the gases that surround Earth.HydrosphereAll the oceans, rivers, lakes and water on Earth.Biosphereall the living things on Earth.Water cycleThe continuous process by which water moves from Earth's surface to the atmosphere and backGroundwaterWater that exists under Earth's surfaceSurface waterWater that collects on the surface of the groundRunoffPrecipitation that neither absorbs into the ground nor evaporates into the air. It flows into places where water collects.