| A | B |
|---|
| Model | Simplified representation of an object. |
| System | Naturally occurring group of objects or phenomena that share matter and energy |
| Earth system science | Study of earth material sand processes subdivided into a group of four interconnected spheres of activity. |
| Closed system | A system in which energy can enter or leave |
| Open system | system in which there is a free exchange of both energy and matter. |
| Atmosphere | Gaseous envelope of air surrounding earth. |
| Geosphere | rocks, mountains, lithospheric plates, and other physical features of earth. EXCEPT water. |
| Hydrosphere | all water in the earth system gaseous. |
| biosphere | all living organisms in the earth system and their environments. |
| Carbon cycle | Biogeochemical circulation of carbon through the earth system. |
| Cycle | physical or chemical processing of earth materials that repeats over time. |
| Energy cycle | The movement of energy into and out of the earth system. |
| Evapotranspiration | rapid cycling of water vapor into the atmosphere by evaporation from earths surface or transpiration from plant leaves |
| Evidence | Material or data from which conclusions can be drawn and by which proof can be esablished. |
| Geothermal energy | heat energy that originates from within earth drives the movement of earths tectonic plates |
| Solar energy | Energy emitted by the sun. |
| Tidal energy | energy created by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon on earths oceans |
| Technology | Application of scientific discoveries to meet human objectives. |
| Water cycle | Continuous circulation of water through the hydroshere as solid, liquid, or gas. |
| Hypothesis | Tentative explanation for an observation or phenomenon |
| Scientific inquiry | Investigation of natural phenomenon by observing, asking questions, forming a hypothesis, gathering data, testing the hypothesis, and sharing what has been learned. |
| Peer review | process by which ones work or research is reviewed by experts in the field to evaluate the validity of the work. |
| Theory | Explanation or model based on observation |
| Law | Generalized statement about how the natural world behaves under certain conditions and for which no exceptions have ever been found. |
