Vocabulary Word Definition Picture

Thermal Energy

The total kinetic (motion) energy of tiny particles that make up matter. The faster the particles move, the warmer the matter becomes.

Atmosphere

The whole mass of air surrounding Earth made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and other trace gases.

Wind

A natural movement of air sometimes with considerable force from an area of high density and pressure to an area of low density and pressure.

Air Pressure

The force exerted by the atmosphere on Earth’s surface by the weight of the air above the surface.

The Sun’s Energy – Read pages 129-133

Vocabulary Word Definition Picture

Convection

Heat transfer caused by the rising of hotter, less dense fluids and the falling of cooler, more dense fluids.

Coriolis Effect

The apparent deflection of moving air, as seen by an observer on Earth, is a result of Earth's rotation.

Ocean Currents

A directional movement of ocean water; surface currents result from steady winds over the ocean surface; deep currents result from density variations due to temperature and salinity differences.

Anemometer

A scientific tool used to measure wind speed.

The Sun’s Energy – Read pages 129-133

Vocabulary Word Definition Picture

Solar Radiation

The electromagnetic energy emittedfrom the Sun.

The Sun’s Energy – Read pages 129-133