The World Ocean System Flashcards
pale blue dot
the name given to the blue speck of Earth as seen from outer space
world ocean
all of the waters contained within the ocean basins
oceanographers
the people, robots, and animals engaged in the scientific study of the ocean
principle of unity
the idea that there is but one ocean on Earth, the world ocean
oceanography
the scientific study of the world ocean
geological oceanography
the scientific study of the geological properties and processes in the world ocean
chemical oceanography
the scientific study of the chemical properties and processes in the world ocean
physical oceanography
the scientific study of the physical properties and processes in the world ocean
biological oceanography
the scientific study of the biological properties and processes in the world ocean
interdisciplinary science
a science that integrates multiple scientific disciplines to solve scientific problems
ecosystem services
the economic, ecological, restorative, and cultural benefits provided by ecosystems to humans
Earth system
the various interdependent, interconnected systems that collectively regulate Earth
system
an assemblage of parts and processes working together
emergent properties
the higher-order properties of a system not apparent from studying its parts alone
heliosphere
the Sun and solar system
atmosphere
the gases surrounding Earth
geosphere
the solid Earth
cryosphere
the frozen parts of Earth
biosphere
the Earth’s living systems
hydrosphere
Earth’s waters
anthroposphere
the human system
conceptual model
a mental picture, often in visual form, of how we think something works
global warming
the increase in Earth’s average temperature since 1850
climate change
the change in average weather patterns over geologic time
weather
the instantaneous state of the atmosphere at a particular location
climate
the long-term average of weather conditions at a given location or globally
global climate
the average weather conditions for the entire planet
global climate change
the change in Earth’s climate over geologic time
science literacy
the knowledge and understanding of science required to make personal and societal decisions based on scientific evidence
