Matter is anything that has mass (the amount of material in an object) and takes up space. On the earth, where gravity is present, we weigh an object to determine its mass.

In the context of the environment, the term "matter" can refer to any substance that has mass and occupies space. Matter can be found in various forms, including solid, liquid, and gas, and it is made up of atoms and molecules.

In the context of the environment, matter can include a wide range of substances, including natural substances such as water, air, and soil, as well as human-made substances such as plastics, metals, and chemicals.

Here are a few examples of how "matter" might be used in the context of the environment:

• Water is an essential form of matter that is essential for life on Earth. It is found in various forms, including rivers, lakes and oceans, and it plays a critical role in many environmental processes.

• Air is another important form of matter in the environment. It is made up of various gases, including oxygen and nitrogen, and it is vital for supporting life on Earth.

• Soil is a type of matter that is composed of organic and inorganic materials, and it is an important resource for plants and other organisms. Soil can also play a role in environmental processes such as water filtration and carbon sequestration.