Earth Systems Vocabulary

Erosion

• the movement of sediment

• the process of photosynthesis

• the formation of rocks

• the cycle of water

Groundwater

• water stored in the spaces between materials beneath Earth's surface

• water that flows on the surface of the Earth

• water vapor present in the atmosphere

• water found in oceans and seas

Soil

• the top layer of Earth's land that often has a mix of organic and inorganic material

• a type of rock found deep underground

• a liquid that nourishes plants

• a layer of ice that covers the ground

Deposition

• the process of eroding soil and rock

• the dropping of sediment in a new location

• the movement of water through soil

• the formation of new landforms

Geosphere

• the Earth system that contains all the rocky layers of Earth

• the layer of gases surrounding the Earth

• the liquid layer of the Earth that includes oceans

• the part of the Earth that supports life

Weathering

• the process of breaking down rock into smaller pieces

• the process of forming new rocks from minerals

• the process of transporting sediments to new locations

• the process of eroding landforms by wind and water

Biome

• a large region on Earth with a specific climate that contains certain species

• a small area with diverse plant life

• a type of animal habitat found in urban areas

• a geological formation with unique rock structures

Salt Water

• water that contains dissolved salt

• pure water without any minerals

• water that is safe for drinking

• water that is used for irrigation

Rain Shadow

• a dry region on one side of a mountain that results from precipitation on the other side of the mountain removing moisture from clouds

• a wet area on the windward side of a mountain where rain is abundant

• a phenomenon where clouds form due to high temperatures

• a type of cloud formation that occurs during winter months

Reservoir

• a place where water collects

• a type of fish

• a large building for storage

• a method of irrigation