Earth Systems Vocabulary

Hydrosphere

• the Earth system that contains all of the water on Earth

• the layer of gases surrounding the planet

• the solid outer layer of the Earth

• the region of the Earth where life exists

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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 region characterized by extreme temperatures and minimal vegetation

Water Cycle

• the dynamic movement of water on, below, and above Earth's surface

• the process of water freezing into ice

• the evaporation of water from plants

• the collection of water in rivers and lakes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Reservoir

• a place where water collects

• a type of fish

• a large building for storage

• a method of irrigation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

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 clouds gather and rain falls

• a phenomenon where mountains block the passage of rain-producing weather systems

• a type of cloud formation that occurs at high altitudes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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 air surrounding the Earth

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Geologic

• relating to Earth's rocky inner and outer features

• pertaining to the study of ancient civilizations

• associated with the movement of tectonic plates

• involving the analysis of atmospheric conditions

Air Mass

• a large body of air with similar temperature, air pressure, and moisture throughout

• a small pocket of air that varies in temperature and humidity

• a weather phenomenon that occurs during thunderstorms

• a type of cloud formation that indicates rain

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Deposition

• the process of eroding rocks

• the dropping of sediment in a new location

• the movement of water in a river

• the formation of new landforms

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Fresh Water

• naturally occurring water that contains little or no salt

• water that is high in salt content

• water that is found in oceans and seas

• water that is contaminated with pollutants