Earth Science and Physics Concepts

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atmosphere

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thin envelope of gases that surrounds Earth

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biodiversity

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The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

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Biosphere

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The components of Earth that include all living things.

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Cementation

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A sedimentary rock-forming process in which sediment grains are held together by natural cements that are produced when water moves through rock and soil.

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Compaction

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The process that forms sedimentary rocks when layers of sediments are compressed by the weight of the layers above them.

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continental crust

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The relatively thick part of the Earth's crust that forms the large landmasses. It is generally older and more complex than the oceanic crust, consisting of granitic, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

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crust

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The outermost layer of the Earth, a layer of solid rock that includes both dry land and the ocean floor.

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Deposition

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The laying down of sediment carried by wind, flowing water, the sea, or ice.

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Ecosystem

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All living and nonliving things and all their interactions in an area.

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Erosion

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The geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind or water.