Salinity — Annual mean sea surface … Wikipedia
Gaia hypothesis — The study of planetary habitability is partly based upon extrapolation from knowledge of the Earth s conditions, as the Earth is the only planet currently known to harbour life. The Gaia hypothesis, also known as Gaia theory or Gaia principle,… … Wikipedia
hydrosphere — /huy dreuh sfear /, n. the water on or surrounding the surface of the globe, including the water of the oceans and the water in the atmosphere. [1885 90; HYDRO 1 + SPHERE] * * * Discontinuous layer of water at or near the Earth s surface. It… … Universalium
biosphere — biospheric /buy euh sfer ik/, adj. /buy euh sfear /, n. 1. the part of the earth s crust, waters, and atmosphere that supports life. 2. the ecosystem comprising the entire earth and the living organisms that inhabit it. [1895 1900; < G Biosphäre; … Universalium
Earth Sciences — ▪ 2009 Introduction Geology and Geochemistry The theme of the 33rd International Geological Congress, which was held in Norway in August 2008, was “Earth System Science: Foundation for Sustainable Development.” It was attended by nearly… … Universalium
inland water ecosystem — ▪ biology Introduction complex of living organisms in free water on continental landmasses. Inland waters represent parts of the biosphere within which marked biological diversity, complex biogeochemical pathways, and an array of… … Universalium
Atlantic Ocean — an ocean bounded by North America and South America in the Western Hemisphere and by Europe and Africa in the Eastern Hemisphere. ab. 31,530,000 sq. mi. (81,663,000 sq. km); with connecting seas ab. 41,000,000 sq. mi. (106,100,000 sq. km);… … Universalium
river — river1 riverless, adj. riverlike, adj. /riv euhr/, n. 1. a natural stream of water of fairly large size flowing in a definite course or channel or series of diverging and converging channels. 2. a similar stream of something other than water: a… … Universalium
Mediterranean Sea — a sea surrounded by Africa, Europe, and Asia. 2400 mi. (3865 km) long; 1,145,000 sq. mi. (2,965,550 sq. km); greatest known depth 14,436 ft. (4400 m). Also called Mediterranean. * * * Inland sea enclosed by Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its west east … Universalium
Deep sea communities — giant tubeworm Deep sea communities currently remain largely unexplored, due the technological and logististical challenges and expense involved in visiting these remote biomes. Because of the unique challenges (particularly the high barometric… … Wikipedia
sedimentary rock — Rock formed at or near the Earth s surface by the accumulation and lithification of fragments of preexisting rocks or by precipitation from solution at normal surface temperatures. Sedimentary rocks can be formed only where sediments are… … Universalium