Intro to Earth Science Terms

Atmosphere

• The layer of water surrounding the Earth.

• The envelope of gases surrounding the Earth or another planet.

• The solid surface of the Earth.

• The magnetic field protecting the Earth from solar winds.

Geosphere

• The solid part of the Earth consisting of the crust and outer mantle.

• The gaseous layer surrounding the Earth.

• The liquid layer of the Earth beneath the crust.

• The layer of the Earth that supports life.

Experiment

• A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.

• A random guess made to solve a problem.

• A method of observation without any testing.

• A theoretical approach to understanding phenomena.

Oceanography

• The study of the physical and biological aspects of the ocean.

• The exploration of ocean currents and tides.

• The analysis of marine life in freshwater bodies.

• The examination of coastal landforms and their evolution.

Observations

• The act of ignoring details to focus on the big picture.

• The action or process of observing something or someone carefully in order to gain information.

• A method of making decisions without any data.

• The process of analyzing past events to predict future outcomes.

Variable

• An element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change.

• A fixed quantity that does not change.

• A constant that remains the same throughout an experiment.

• A measurement that is always accurate.

Evidence

• The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.

• A personal belief that is not supported by facts.

• A collection of opinions from various sources.

• A hypothesis that has not been tested.

Meteorology

• The study of celestial bodies and their movements.

• The science that deals with the phenomena of the atmosphere, especially weather and weather conditions.

• The branch of science concerned with the study of living organisms.

• The study of the Earth's physical structure and substance.

Astronomy

• The study of celestial objects, space, and the universe as a whole.

• The study of weather patterns and atmospheric phenomena.

• The study of ancient civilizations and their cultures.

• The study of living organisms and their interactions.

Scientific Law

• A theory that explains a phenomenon in nature.

• A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspect of the world.

• An untested hypothesis that requires further investigation.

• A conclusion drawn from a single experiment.