1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
Earth Science Vocabulary
Weathering: process by which exposed rock is broken down by rain, ice, wind, or other
elements of weather.
Erosion: the movement of weathered material by wind, water, or ice
Deposition: process by which weathered and eroded material is deposited by wind, water, and
ice
Landform: a physical structure on Earth that occurs naturally.
Sedimentary rock: a type of rock formed when layers of sediment are pressed together and
harden over time.
Sediment: small particles of rock, soil, sand, or shell deposited by water, wind, or ice
Delta: soil which is deposited at the mouth of a river, usually in a triangular shape
Canyon: a valley between steep cliff sides formed by running water, such as a river or stream
Sand dune: a hill of sand created by wind
Stalactite: an icicle shaped mineral deposit hanging from the roof of a cave from dripping
mineral-rich water.
Stalagmite: A cone shaped mineral deposit built up on a cavern floor from dripping mineral rich
water.
Decompose: to become broken down into components or; to decay
Fossil fuels: a non-renewable resource formed from the remains of prehistoric plants and
animals.
Coal: a fossil fuel used for energy which was formed from decomposed plant material.
Petroleum: a liquid fossil fuel also known as oil formed from the remains of ancient plants and
animals.
Natural gas: a fossil fuel used for energy which was formed, through heat and pressure, from
the remains of ancient plants and animals.
Fossil: impression, track, remains, or other evidence of ancient organisms formed in
sedimentary rocks.
Organic: obtained from living matter
Prehistoric: the time or period before recorded history
Alternative Energy: energy resources useful to man that are considered alternatives or
supplements to nonrenewable resources such as coal, oil, or natural gas.
Biofuels: fuel generated through biomass
Biomass: renewable organic matter that contains stored energy
Geothermal Energy: energy formed from heat found deep inside the Earth’s surface
Hydroelectric Energy: energy generated for heat and electricity using the power of falling water
moving through a dam
Wind energy: energy generated from the movement of air
Solar Energy: energy from the sun in the form of heat and light
Cementation: the process of bind and hardening of sediments into hard rock
Compaction: process by which overlying pressure from rocks and soil reduces the size or
volume of sediments
Nonrenewable resources: natural resources that are used up at a rate faster than they can be
replaced.
Geology: a science that studies rocks, layers of soil, etc., in order to learn about the history of
the Earth and its life
Conservation: a careful preservation and protection of something