Topic 1, 2, & 3
The process by which atoms are arranged to form a material with a crystal structure
Crystallization
The type of weathering in which rock is physically broken into smaller pieces
Mechanical Weathering
Pollutants that are released into the air
Emissions
The transfer of thermal energy by the movement of a fluid
Convection
A ball of hot gas, primarily hydrogen and helium, that undergoes nuclear fusion
Star
The relatively thin layer of gases that forms Earth’s outermost layer
Atmosphere
A break in Earth’s crust along which rocks move
Fault
The contamination of Earth’s land, water, and air
Pollutant
The average annual conditions of temperature, precipitation, winds, and clouds in an area
Climate
A pattern or grouping of stars that suggest the outline of a figure or object
Constellation
The change of state from a gas to a liquid
Condensation
An undersea mountain chain where new ocean floor is produced; a divergent plate boundary under the ocean
Mid-Ocean Ridge
A specific, identifiable pollution source
Point Source
A gradual increase in the Earth’s average temperature
Global Warming
A streak of light produced when a small piece of rock or ice known as a meteoroid, burns up as it enters Earth’s atmosphere
Meteor
The temperature at which condensation begins
Dew Point
The movement of weathered particles of rock and soil
Erosion
A record of the geologic events and life forms in Earth’s history
Geological Time Scale
The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves
Radiation
The scientific law that states that every object in the universe attracts every other object
Law of universal gravitation
The percentage of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum amount of water vapor that air can contain at a particular temperature
Relative Humidity
Using the heat from the earth’s crust to warm and/or generate electricity
Geothermal Energy
The geologic principle that states that in horizontal layers of sedimentary rock, each layer is older than the layer above it and younger than the layer below it
law of superposition
The trapping of heat near a planet’s surface by certain gases in the planet’s atmosphere
Greenhouse Effect
Unit of measurement scientists use to measure distance in space
Astronomical Unit (AU)