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Earth Systems Vocab
9th Grade Core Vocab
64
Science
9th Grade
04/20/2011

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Term
Astronomy
Definition
The study of matter found in space. It includes the locations and information about stars, planets, satellites (moons), comets, meteors, and other natural objects.
Term
Big bang theory
Definition
The scientific theory that the universe began from a large explosion of very dense and hot matter over 13 billion years ago.
Term
Blue shift
Definition
A change in the observed spectral lines towards the blue end of the spectrum. Any star showing a blue shift is moving towards Earth.
Term
Heavy element
Definition
During the process of fusion in stars, atoms of hydrogen combine with other hydrogen atoms or different elements to form heavier elements.
Term
Mass
Definition
The amount of matter that exists in an object.
Term
Nuclear fusion
Definition
The reaction which occurs in stars. Through the combining of atoms of elements, such as hydrogen, a heavier element is created along with the release of a large amount of energy.
Term
Red shift
Definition
A change in the observed spectral lines towards the red end of the spectrum. Any star showing a red shift is moving away from Earth.
Term
Theory
Definition
The statement that an explanation of events based on a hypothesis is accurate for what occurs in nature.
Term
Universe
Definition
All of the matter and energy that exists in space.
Term
Abiotic
Definition
The non-living parts of the environment.
Term
Aesthetic
Definition
A personal determination of whether something appears to be pleasing or not.
Term
Atmosphere
Definition
The layer of gases that surround Earth.
Term
Biomass
Definition
A reference to the amount of living material in an area.
Term
Biodiversity
Definition
The number and kinds of different organisms that live in a geographic area.
Term
Biome
Definition
A major global living community, characterized by the dominant form of plant and the climate. Examples include the desert or a grassland.
Term
Biotic
Definition
A reference to anything having to do with a living organism.
Term
Economic
Definition
A reference to the production and development of material wealth of a group or country.
Term
Ecosystem
Definition
The living parts of a community working together with the non-living parts.
Term
Ethical
Definition
Making a choice based on personal principles.
Term
Extinction
Definition
The process of a species being eliminated from Earth.
Term
Photosynthesis
Definition
The process of plants using carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of light energy, to store energy in the form of carbohydrate and emit oxygen.
Term
Social
Definition
The act of living together in an organized group or community.
Term
Species
Definition
A group of similar organisms which are capable of interbreeding and producing offspring which are similar to the parent organisms.
Term
Stellar
Definition
Referring to the stars of the universe.
Term
System
Definition
The parts of the environment, including organisms and abiotic factors, which interact together.
Term
Biosphere
Definition
The part of Earth which is capable of supporting life
Term
Climate
Definition
The weather conditions that prevail in a region.
Term
Convection current
Definition
An area between Earth's core and mantle where material moves in a circular pattern. Two currents either come together and push up at the surface, or they pull down at the surface. Both currents change the structure of Earth's surface.
Term
Convergent
Definition
The action of plates coming together where convection currents go down from Earth's surface.
Term
Divergent
Definition
The action of plates moving apart where convection currents rise from beneath Earth's surface.
Term
Fault
Definition
The location of a variation on Earth's surface due to shifting or dislodging of Earth's crust as the result of earthquake activity.
Term
Geosphere
Definition
The solid part of Earth
Term
Hot spot
Definition
An area of volcanic activity that does not occur at a plate boundary. A hot spot occurs where magma is found near a thin crust area and is able to exit to the surface.
Term
Hydrosphere
Definition
The water portion of Earth.
Term
Hypothesis
Definition
A proposed explanation for a science problem that can be tested by investigation.
Term
Plate
Definition
One of the sections of Earth's lithosphere which moves in relation to other sections.
Term
Plate tectonics
Definition
The dynamics of the movement of sections of Earth's lithosphere. It is used to explain earthquakes, volcanoes, continental drift, and mountain building.
Term
Sea-floor spreading
Definition
The process of creating new oceanic crust as magma comes out at mid-ocean ridges. Older crust is moved to the side when the new crust is created.
Term
Transform
Definition
The statement that an explanation of events based on a hypothesis is accurate for what occurs in nature.
Term
Volcanic eruption
Definition
The sudden occurrence or discharge of magma or steam and exploded volcanic materials.
Term
Weather
Definition
The current state of the atmosphere in a given location with respect to temperature, moisture, wind speed, and barometric pressure.
Term
Biological dynamics
Definition
Changes in ecosystems are based on the numbers, characteristics and behaviors of the organisms in that ecosystem.
Term
Geologic time
Definition
A reference to the time period from the beginning of Earth to the present.
Term
Glacier
Definition
A large mass of ice slowly flowing over a land mass. It forms in an area where snowfall exceeds melting.
Term
Groundwater
Definition
Water found under Earth's surface. This water usually is the source for wells and springs.
Term
Reservoir
Definition
A large area where water is stored. Examples include a lake, glacier, ocean, and in the clouds.
Term
Salinity
Definition
A reference to the presence of salts in a solution.
Term
Tide
Definition
A regular change in the surface level of oceans caused by the gravitational force of the sun and moon.
Term
Carbon cycle
Definition
All of the processes (photosynthesis, decomposition, and respiration) by which the element carbon in its different compounds circulates between living and non-living parts of its environment.
Term
Decomposer
Definition
An organism such as a bacteria or fungus that breaks down dead plant and animal material, returning the components to the ecosystem.
Term
Depletion
Definition
The use of a natural resource faster than it can be replenished.
Term
Fossil fuel
Definition
A product formed from the decay of plant or animal materials from a previous geologic time. Examples include petroleum and coal.
Term
Lithosphere
Definition
Earth's outer layer, made of the crust and outer layer of the mantle.
Term
Matter
Definition
Anything that takes up space and has mass.
Term
Nitrogen cycle
Definition
The series of events where atmospheric nitrogen is converted into compounds used by organisms and released back to the atmosphere by decomposition.
Term
Ozone layer
Definition
An upper region of the atmosphere which absorbs much of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Term
Absorbed
Definition
To be taken in, as in Earth's surface absorbed the heat energy from the Sun.
Term
Coriolis effect
Definition
The observed fact that objects above Earth move to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.
Term
Energy
Definition
The ability to do work.
Term
Greenhouse gas
Definition
The process whereby energy from the sun is trapped by an atmosphere which increases the temperature.
Term
Meteorology
Definition
The branch of science that studies the atmosphere and weather
Term
Radiation
Definition
The process of energy being transmitted in the form of rays or waves.
Term
Reflected
Definition
When a wave hits an object, it moves in another direction.
Term
Topography
Definition
A graphic representation of Earth's surface showing locations and elevations.

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Updated October 27, 2004 by: Glen Westbroek

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