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Module E
Earth's Water and Atmosphere
Term | Definition |
---|---|
conduction | The transfer of heat from a warmer substance to a cooler substance through direct contact. |
Coriolis Effect | The effect that Earth's rotation has on the path of air and water moving at or above its surface, causing the fluid's path to curve. |
radiation | The transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves. |
density | How tightly packed the molecules of a substance are in a given space. |
convection | The transfer of heat in a fluid or gas through currents. |
ocean current | The flow of water within the ocean that moves in a regular pattern. |
surface current | The horizontal movement of water in a regular pattern at the ocean's surface. |
continental deflection | The change in the direction of currents as they meet continents. |
gyres | the huge circular patterns that surface currents flow in. |
sublimation | the process of solid water changing directly to water vapor without first becoming a liquid. |
transpiration | the release of water vapor into the air by plants. |
evaporation | the process in which liquid water gains enough energy to escape the liquid's surface and form water vapor. |
condensation | the process of a gas becoming a liquid |
precipitation | any form of water that falls to Earth from clouds |
deposition | the process of water vapor changing state directly from gas to a solid |
runoff | water that flows downhill across Earth's surface into wetlands, rivers, or lakes |