Chapter 1 Natural Science

3. interior parts of the continents.
4. the study of how the Earth’s subsystems interact.
8. the solid portion of the Earth.
9. the weak rocks below the lithosphere.
10. lies between the continental margin and the oceanic ridge system. Comprises 30% of Earth’s surface.
15. the portion of the sea floor adjacent to major land masses.
21. the water portion of Earth.
23. the span of time since the Earth was formed (4.6 billion years).
27. the dense inner sphere of the Earth.
28. the process of acquiring and testing knowledge. It moves people closer to a correct understanding.
32. includes the hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. The belief that Earth acts as a system of interacting parts.
33. the study of Earth’s place in the universe.
34. a steep drop-off that extends from the outer edge of the continental shelf.
35. a large, flat area on the ocean floor.
37. a well-tested and widely accepted explanation for a phenomenon that happens in science.

1. oceanography, geology, meteorology, and astronomy are all found in this subject.
2. the other division of Earth’s surface. The land component of the Earth’s surface.
5. one of the two principal divisions of Earth’s surface. The flooded portions of Earth.
6. divergent plate boundaries where the new sea floor is created.
7. the gaseous envelope of the Earth.
11. the description of the formation of the solar system.
12. a thick layer of Earth that is located below the crust.
13. it has two subdivisions. It examines the Earth’s materials and it examines the Earth’s history.
14. a continental area that is covered by flat sediments.
16. the study of Earth’s oceans and bodies of water.
17. narrow parts at the bottom of the ocean.
18. a scientist’s first explanation for an observation that they make. It must be tested with field investigations and lab work.
19. a large system of mountains.
20. submerged volcanic structures along the ocean floor.
22. a large, stable area of the Earth’s crust.
24. the rigid outer layer of Earth. Includes the crust and upper mantle.
25. a gently sloping surface that is located at the base of the continental slope.
26. very flat and close to the shoreline.
29. the thin layer of the Earth, which makes up the Earth’s surface.
30. the study of Earth’s weather and climate.
31. the totality of life on Earth.
36. a group of interacting parts that form a whole.