Earth Systems (A): STUDY: Vocabulary

Vocabulary

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Archipelago: group of islands.

Atmosphere: parts of the Earth in above the geosphere.

Biosphere: parts of the Earth where living organisms exist; the sum of all ecosystems.

Cinder Cone Volcano: volcano built by explosive eruptions of tephra and pyroclastics

Composite Volcano: volcano built by alternating explosive eruptions that deposit tephra and gentle eruptions that lay down basaltic lava

Condensation Nuclei: small particles of smoke, dust, and ash around which water droplets collect.

Geosphere: parts of the Earth where rocks and soil are present.

Hydrosphere: parts of the Earth where water is present.

Lahar: mud flows associated with volcanic eruptions, often triggered by heavy rains.

Leeward: side of a mountain that faces opposite any incoming weather.

Shield Volcano: volcano with gently sloping sides; built by quiet eruptions of basaltic magma

Volcanism: relating to volcanoes.

Windward: side of a mountain that faces incoming weather.