Earth Science Vocabulary part 1

Front

Atmosphere

Back

The layer of gases surrounding Earth, held in place by gravity, that is essential for life and regulates temperature and weather.

Front

Crust

Back

The outermost layer of Earth, consisting of solid rock that forms the land and ocean floors.

Front

Earthquake

Back

A sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates or volcanic activity.

Front

Epicenter

Back

The point on Earth's surface directly above the location where an earthquake originates, known as the focus.

Front

Fault

Back

A fracture in Earth's crust along which movement has occurred, often causing earthquakes.

Front

Geoscience

Back

The study of Earth, including its structure, processes and history.

Front

Hydrosphere

Back

The combined mass of water found on, under, and above the surface of a planet, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and glaciers.

Front

Inner Core

Back

The solid, innermost layer of Earth, composed mainly of iron and nickel, and is extremely hot and under high pressure.

Front

Latitude

Back

The geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on Earth's surface, measured in degrees from the equator.

Front

Longitude

Back

The geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on Earth's surface, measured in degrees from the Prime Meridian.