Earth Science Vocabulary
This term refers to the day-to-day state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, such as today's temperature or rainfall.
What is weather?
Held in place by gravity, this blanket of gases surrounds a planet and protects life on Earth.
What is the atmosphere?
8Unlike daily weather, this measures the average atmospheric conditions in a region over a long period, typically 30 years or more.
What is climate?
This process describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below Earth's surface.
What is the hydrologic cycle?
Earthquakes and mountain building are explained by this geological theory, which states Earth's outer crust is broken into giant moving slabs.
What is plate tectonics?
This type of rock is created when molten lava cools and solidifies on Earth's surface or underground.
What is igneous rock?
Sandstone and limestone are examples of this rock type, which forms from compressed layers of deposited material.
What is sedimentary rock?
Existing rocks that undergo intense heat, pressure, or chemical alteration deep underground transform into this rock type.
What is metamorphic rock?
This term encompasses all the water on a planet, including oceans, rivers, glaciers, and groundwater.
What is the hydrosphere?
This natural phenomenon occurs when atmospheric gases trap heat radiating from Earth's surface, keeping the planet warm enough to sustain life.
What is the greenhouse effect?