Unit 1 Flashcards
the branch of science dealing with the physical constitution of the earth and its atmosphere.
Earth Science
an interdisciplinary field that integrates areas of life, physical and earth science to study and address problems facing the environment and to implement science-based solutions.”
Environmental Science
What makes environmental science different and why study it
When you study environmental science, you commit to learning about subjects like the understanding of earth processes, evaluating alternative energy sources, the effects of climate change, and controlling pollution.Mar 27, 2019
Describe general processes of the scientific method
Observation, Hypothesis, Experiment, Draw Conclusions
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment.
Scientific Theory
a statement that describes an observable occurrence in nature that appears to always be true
Scientific law
The earth is not a perfect sphere
What are the compositional layers of earth
Crust, mantle, core
Structural layers
Lithosphere, Asthenosphere, Mesosphere, Outer core, Inner core
the rigid outer part of the earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.
Lithosphere
the upper layer of the earth’s mantle, below the lithosphere, in which there is relatively low resistance to plastic flow and convection is thought to occur.
Asthenosphere,
the third layer in Earth’s atmosphere. It’s the coldest layer at about 130 degrees below zero and is where most meteors, or space rocks and metal, burn up before they hit the ground.
Mesosphere
consist primarily of iron and nickel. They’re extremely hot, with temperatures ranging from 7200–9000℉ (4000–5000℃). The inner core is under intense pressure, which keeps it solid despite high temperatures. Outer Core: The outer core, which is liquid, is about 1300 miles (2092 km) thick.
outer and inner core
What is the difference between weight and mass
Mass is a fundamental measurement of how much matter an object contains. Weight is a measurement of the gravitational force on an object
What is an earth system
Earth´s interacting physical, chemical, and biological processes.
Identify open and closed systems
A closed system is a system in which only energy is transferred with its surroundings. An open system, however, is a system in which both energy and matter can transfer. The earth is a closed system because only energy is naturally transferred outside the atmosphere.
What are the 4 main spheres on Earth?
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Geosphere
Biosphere
1st and 2nd laws of Thermodynamics
Why are they important?
1st: energy is transferred between systems but never created or destroyed
2nd: as energy transfers from system to system it becomes less organized with time
Describe each earth cycle and why they are important
the rock cycle, the food chain, the carbon cycle, the nitrogen cycle, the water cycle and energy cycles.
toxins from an algal bloom got into the drinking water systems of Toledo, Ohio.
Toledo Water crisis
What is ecology
the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.
imaginary lines that divide the Earth
parallels
imaginary north–south line on the Earth’s surface that connects both geographic pole.ongitude of 40° E or 40° W.
meridians
Identify the reference points for each latitude and longitude
The primary reference line of latitude is the Equator, and the primary reference line of longitude is the Prime Meridian
Identify what is a great circle and why they are useful
A great circle has the same circumference, or outer boundary, and the same center point as its sphere
Recognize that earth has both geographic and magnetic poles and describe how these can be used to determine location
Magnetic poles are located where the magnetic lines of attraction enter Earth.
What is magnetic declination?
the angle between magnetic north and true north.
What is cartography?
the science or practice of drawing maps.
Identify the three main categories of map projections
cylindrical, conic, and azimuthal
What is topography?
a detailed description or representation on a map of the natural and artificial features of an area.
How is elevation measured?
an altimeter and a digital elevation model. Elevations are usually measured in meters or feet
Describe what is a geologic map
shows the distribution of materials at or near the Earth’s surface.
What information is conveyed with a soil map?
provides essential information for land use planning, soil conservation, and agricultural management.
