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Earth Systems Vocab
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Open System | A system in which both energy and matter are exchanged. |
| System | A complex whole formed from related parts. |
| Energy budget | The transfer of energy between Earth’s spheres. |
| Geosphere | The mostly solid part of Earth. |
| Internal energy source | Energy source is the heat generated by radioactive decay within Earth. |
| Hydrosphere | The Earth System that includes all of the water on Earth. |
| Biosphere | The sphere that includes all living organisms. |
| Closed System | A system in which energy, but not matter, are exchanged with its surroundings. |
| External Energy | Energy sources that come from outside Earth’s spheres. |
| Conduction | The transfer of heat through matter by molecular activity (touch). |
| Convection | The transfer of heat by movement or circulation within a fluid (liquid or gas). |
| Radiation | The transfer of energy (heat) through space by electromagnet waves that travel in all directions. |
| Atmosphere | All of the air that surrounds Earth. |