Ecology and Environmental Science Terms

Front

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth.

Back

Atmosphere

Front

All the water on the Earth's surface.

Back

Hydrosphere

Front

The solid part of the Earth, including rocks and soil.

Back

Geosphere

Front

The state of the atmosphere at a specific time.

Back

Weather

Front

The long-term average of weather patterns.

Back

Climate

Front

The warming of Earth due to trapped heat.

Back

Greenhouse effect

Front

Large ecological areas with distinct climates and organisms.

Back

Biomes

Front

The upper layer of a forest formed by tree crowns.

Back

Canopy

Front

The layer of vegetation beneath the forest canopy.

Back

Understory

Front

Decomposed organic matter in soil.

Back

Humus