Introduction to Earth's Systems

Front

System Noun

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[sis-tuhm]

Back

System

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A group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent parts that form a complex and unified whole.

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Example: A network system connects devices like computers and printers through a router, showing how parts work together.

Front

Geosphere Noun

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[jee-oh-sfeer]

Back

Geosphere

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The solid part of the Earth, consisting of the crust and outer mantle, made of rock and metal.

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Example: The image shows the geosphere's layers, including the crust and mantle, which are solid parts of the Earth.

Front

Atmosphere Noun

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[at-muhs-feer]

Back

Atmosphere

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The envelope of gases surrounding the Earth or another planet, forming its outermost layer.

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Example: The image shows Earth's atmosphere layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.

Front

Hydrosphere Noun

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[hahy-druh-sfeer]

Back

Hydrosphere

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All the waters on the Earth's surface, such as lakes and seas, including water over the surface.

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Example: The image shows the hydrosphere, including clouds, rain, and surface water, explaining how water moves and changes state on Earth.

Front

Cryosphere Noun

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[krahy-uh-sfeer]

Back

Cryosphere

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The frozen water component of the Earth system, including all ice, snow, glaciers, and frozen ground.

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Example: The image shows parts of the cryosphere like glaciers, ice sheets, and permafrost, illustrating Earth's frozen water.

Front

Biosphere Noun

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[bahy-uh-sfeer]

Back

Biosphere

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The regions of the surface, atmosphere, and hydrosphere of the Earth occupied by living organisms.

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Example: The image shows how the biosphere includes air, water, and land where living organisms exist.

Front

Energy Noun

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[en-er-jee]

Back

Energy

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The capacity or power to do work, such as the capacity to move an object by applying force.

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Example: A car moving up and down a hill shows energy transfer as it gains and loses potential energy.

Front

Magma Noun

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[mag-muh]

Back

Magma

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Hot, fluid or semi-fluid material below or within the Earth's crust from which igneous rock is formed.

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Example: Magma is shown beneath the Earth's crust, rising through a vent to erupt as lava and ash.

Front

Feedback Noun

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[feed-bak]

Back

Feedback

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A process where the output of an action is used as input to modify or influence future actions.

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Example: The image shows a feedback cycle with steps like setting goals and taking action, illustrating how feedback influences future actions.

Front

Topography Noun

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[tuh-pog-ruh-fee]

Back

Topography

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The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area, describing the shape of the land.

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Example: The image shows how contour lines represent elevation on a map, helping to visualize the shape of the land.