S.S Unit 2

Definitions

100

Plate tectonics

a theory explaining the structure of the earth's crust and many associated phenomena as resulting from the interaction of rigid lithospheric plates which move slowly over the underlying mantle.

200

Erosion 

the process of eroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents.

300

Climate

the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.

400

Biome 

a large geographical area with a distinct climate, vegetation, and animal life

500

Ecosystem

a community of living organisms interacting with their non-living physical environment within a particular area.

Definition cont.

100

Renewable Resource

 a natural resource that can be replenished naturally over time, and is not depleted when used.

200

Nonrenewable Resource

a natural resource that is used up faster than it can be replaced

300

Deforestation

the process of clearing or thinning forests for human use, such as agriculture, mining, or urban development

400

Reforestation

the process of replanting an area with trees.

500

Fossil Fuels

a natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.

Climate zones

100

extremely cold; near the poles, permafrost. 

Polar 

200

All four seasons.

Temperate

300

Desert areas, less than 10 in. of rain each year.

Dry

400

Near the equator, humid, rainforests.

Tropical

500

High mountains.

Highlands 

The 3 Rs

100

Use less water.

reduce

200

Making old tires into a flower pot.

reuse 

300

Making  sure the paper gets into the recycling bin and not the trash.

Recycle