ocean crust
most dense (heaviest) part of earths outermost layer
continental crust
forms the landmasses of the earths outermost layer, lower density than rest of layer
magnetosphere
magnetic field surrounding a planet, which deflects much of the solar wind, allowing a small portion to reach atmosphere
atmosphere
A mixture of gases that surrounds a planet or moon.
hydrosphere
All the water at and near the surface of the earth, 97% of which is in oceans
solar radiation
The transfer of radiant energy from the sun; made up of visible light as well as infrared and other types of radiation
convection
the transfer of heat as a result of a mixing of a liquid or a gas
nitrogen cycle
The transfer of nitrogen from the atmosphere to the soil, to living organisms, and back to the atmosphere
carbon cycle
CO2 -> Absorbed by leaf -> Primary consumer eats leaf -> Higher consumer eats primary -> They die and decomposers eat the CO2.
phosphorous cycle
Not found in the atmosphere. Most is stored in rocks.Water and wind break down the rocks and release the phosphorous. Plants get it from soil. Animals get it form eating plants or other animals and use it in their DNA
carrying capacity
Largest number of individuals of a population that a environment can support
coronal mass ejection CME
a large explosion of matter and energy from the Sun
sunspot
Cooler dark regions on the sun created by intense magnetic activity.
mesosphere
strong lower part of the mantle
mantle
the layer of rock between the Earth's crust and core
crust
The layer of rock that forms Earth's outer surface
lithosphere
the rigid outer layer of Earth, including the crust and upper mantle
producer
an organism that makes its own food
consumer
An organism that eats other organisms
food web
diagram showing feeding relationships in an ecosystem
decomposer
An organism that breaks down wastes and dead organisms
aethenosphere
earth's plastic like layer under the lithosphere