Ch. 4
layer of gasses that surrounds Earth
atmosphere
upper part of the mantle and the crust
lithosphere
long term pattern of weather
climate
water that falls to Earth in the form of rain, sleet, snow, or hail
precipitation
climate pattern that occurs due to large increase in surface temps in parts of the Pacific Ocean
El Nino
part of the planet that supports life
biosphere
landform
category of physical featureson Earth's surface as defined by location, formation, and shape.
area of very low rainfall, typically less than 20 inches of rain annually
desert
type of grassland that is mostly treeless plain
savanna
Opposite of El Nino
La Nina
erosion
gradual loss of soil or rock over time due to wind, water, or natural movement
plate tectonics
scientific theory that examines how Earth's landforms are a result of subterranean movement
prolonged period with very little rainfall
drought
area with many trees characterized by a warm and very wet climate
tropical rainforest
What two continents are mostly effected by El Nino
South America and Asia
layers of rocks and minerals that make up the planet
geosphere
wide, flat surface raised above the surrouding land
plateau
variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem
biodiversity
geographic area where animals, plants and all other living things exist toghether in a unique enviroment
ecosystem
place where Charles Darwin did most of his research
Galapagos Islands
Hydrosphere
Earth's system of water
Water Cycle
continous circulation of water as it transforms into different states while moving on, above and below Earth's surface
region that consists of particular types of plant and animal life, soil, and climate conditions
biome
area with a dry climate, made up of mostly grasses and trees
grassland
Who is the best 8th grade Social Studies/PE Teacher?
Bennett