Earth Science Chapter 1

Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

A group of satellites that travels around the earth which can be used to tell exact locations on the earth.

Geologic Map

A map representing the rock formations exposed at Earth's surface.

Topographic Map

A map that shows the shape of surface features and their elevations by use of contours.

Atmosphere

A mixture of gases that surrounds Earth.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for an observation.

Scientific Method

A research method whereby a problem is identified, a hypothesis stated, and the hypothesis is tested.

Theory

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.

Hydrosphere

All the water on the surface of Earth and underground, including ice and water vapor.

System

Any size group of interacting parts that form a complex whole, usually including energy and matter.

Longitude

Distance east or west of the prime meridian, measured in degrees.

Latitude

Distance north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees.

Constructive Forces

Forces that shape the Earths surface by building up mountains and land masses.

Destructive Forces

Forces that slowly wear away mountains and other features on earth's surface.

Contour Lines

Lines that connect points of equal elevation.

Mercator Projection

Shows directions between places accurately on a rectangular map but distorts the size of continents, especially near the poles.

Physical Geology

Study of the Earth's composition, structure, and the processes that shape it.

Inner Planets

The 4 small, rocky planets closest to the sun.

Nebular Hypothesis

The basic idea that the Sun and planets formed from the same cloud of gas and dust in interstellar space.

Historical Geology

The branch of geology that seeks an understanding of the origin and development of earth.

Oceanography

The branch of science dealing with physical and biological aspects of the oceans.

Meteorology

The earth science dealing with phenomena of the atmosphere (especially weather).

Outer Planets

The four large, gaseous planets farthest from the sun.

Geosphere

The mostly solid, rocky part of the Earth; extends from the center of the core to the surface of the crust.

Biosphere

The part of the earth where life exists.

Astronomy

The science that deals with the universe beyond the Earth. It describes the nature, position, and motion of the stars, planets, and other objects in the skies, and their relation to the Earth.

Earth Science

The study of earth and space; includes geology, meteorology, astronomy, and oceanography.

Plate Tectonics

The theory that explains how large pieces of the lithosphere, called plates, move and change shape.

Scale

The way size on a map or model compares with the size of the thing it stands for.

Nonrenewable Resources

Usable materials that are formed through processes that take millions of years for significant deposits to accumulate.

Renewable Resources

Usable materials that can be replenished in a relatively short period of time.