frozen equilibrium flow
1Punctuated equilibrium — is a theory of evolutionary biology which states that most sexually reproducing populations experience little change for most of their geological history, and that when phenotypic evolution does occur, it is localized in rare, rapid events of… …
2Atmospheric reentry — refers to the movement of human made or natural objects as they enter the atmosphere of a planet from outer space, in the case of Earth from an altitude above the edge of space. This article primarily addresses the process of controlled reentry… …
3climate — /kluy mit/, n. 1. the composite or generally prevailing weather conditions of a region, as temperature, air pressure, humidity, precipitation, sunshine, cloudiness, and winds, throughout the year, averaged over a series of years. 2. a region or… …
4hydrosphere — /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… …
5permafrost — /perr meuh frawst , frost /, n. (in arctic or subarctic regions) perennially frozen subsoil. Also called pergelisol. [1943; PERMA(NENT) + FROST] * * * Perennially frozen earth, with a temperature below 32 °F (0 °C) continuously for two years or… …
6Cryosphere — Overview of the Cryosphere and its larger components, from the UN Environment Programme Global Outlook for Ice and Snow. The cryosphere (from the Greek κρύος cryos cold , frost or ice ) is the term which collectively describes the portions of the …
7Retreat of glaciers since 1850 — The retreat of glaciers since 1850, worldwide and rapid, affects the availability of fresh water for irrigation and domestic use, mountain recreation, animals and plants that depend on glacier melt, and in the longer term, the level of the oceans …
8glacier — glaciered, adj. /glay sheuhr/, n. an extended mass of ice formed from snow falling and accumulating over the years and moving very slowly, either descending from high mountains, as in valley glaciers, or moving outward from centers of… …
9geomagnetic field — Magnetic field associated with the Earth. It is essentially dipolar (i.e., it has two poles, the northern and southern magnetic poles) on the Earth s surface. Away from the surface, the field becomes distorted. Most geomagnetists explain the… …
10Earth 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… …
