Unit 7: Investigating Climate Change

What is the Water Cycle?

• The process of photosynthesis in plants.

• The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth’s surface.

• The cycle of seasons throughout the year.

• The process of water filtration in nature.

Atmosphere

• The layer of gases that surrounds the Earth.

• A solid layer beneath the Earth's surface.

• The region of space beyond the Earth's atmosphere.

• A type of weather phenomenon.

Natural Events

• An occurrence with no influence due to human impact.

• A phenomenon caused by human activities.

• An event that can be predicted with certainty.

• A situation that requires human intervention.

Deforestation

• Human destruction of natural forested areas.

• The process of planting trees in urban areas.

• A method of sustainable agriculture.

• The conversion of forests into agricultural land.

Meteor

• A small body of matter from outer space that enters the earth's atmosphere, becoming incandescent as a result of friction and appearing as a streak of light.

• A large celestial body that orbits the sun and is made up of gas and dust.

• A type of star that has exploded and is no longer visible.

• A solid object that is found on the surface of the moon.

Hydrosphere

• The total amount of water on a planet, including water on the surface, underground, and in the air.

• The layer of gases surrounding a planet.

• The solid outer part of a planet.

• The region of space beyond the planet's atmosphere.

Biosphere

• The part of Earth that supports life, including all ecosystems and living organisms.

• The layer of gases surrounding the Earth.

• The region of the Earth where tectonic plates meet.

• The area of the Earth that is covered by water.

Photosynthesis

• Process where plants convert sunlight into heat energy.

• Process where plants, algae, and certain bacteria use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and glucose.

• Process where plants absorb nutrients from the soil.

• Process where plants release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Carbon Cycle

• The process in which carbon atoms are cycled between abiotic and biotic factors on Earth.

• A method of storing carbon in fossil fuels.

• The conversion of carbon dioxide into oxygen by plants.

• The release of carbon into the atmosphere from volcanic eruptions.

Greenhouse Gases

• Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and re-radiate back to Earth’s surface.

• Gases that cool the atmosphere and reflect sunlight back into space.

• Gases that are produced by burning fossil fuels and contribute to air pollution.

• Gases that are used in refrigeration and do not affect the atmosphere.