atmosphere
what does atmosphere mean
this is the layer of gases that surrounds the earth
what is the hydrosphere
this sphere includes all of earths water
what is geosphere
this sphere is made of solid rock, soil, and minerals
what is biosphere
this sphere includes all living things on earth
what is the water cycle
the continuous movement of water between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere
what is nitrogen
this gas makes up about 78% of the earths atmosphere
what is evaporation
this process turns liquid water into water vapor
what is the crust
this is the thin outer layer of the earth
what is oxygen
plants release this gas into the atmosphere during photosynthesis
what are the hydrosphere and atmosphere
when plants take water from the soil and release it as vapor into the air, they connect these two spheres
what is troposphere
this is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where the weather occurs
what is precipitation
water that falls from clouds as rain, snow, or hail is called this
what is weathering
breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces by wind, water, or ice
what is a habitat
an organism's natural home or environment
what are the four spheres
a volcanic eruption releases ash and gases into the air and can kill plants and animals this event affects all four of these
what is carbon dioxide
plants take this gas from the atmosphere during photosynthesis
what are glaciers/ ice caps
most of earths fresh water is stored here
what is the rock cycle
the continuous process that changes rocks from one type to another
what is photosynthesis
the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make food
what is the biosphere
soil provides nutrients, water is absorbed by roots, carbon dioxide is used for food, and the plant itself is part of this sphere