Earth Science Notes

Earth Science is the study of Earth and Space; (Includes the study of) –Transfer of energy in the atmosphere, –Evolution of landforms, –Patterns of change in weather, –Scale and structure of stars, –Interactions between water, atmosphere, and land. Earth Science can be divided into four areas of study: –Geology, Meteorology, Astronomy, & Oceanography

Meteorology

Meteorology is the study of weather and forces and the processes that cause it; (Includes the study of) –Storm Patterns –Climates –Daily weather

Geology

Geology is the Study of Earth, its matter, and the processes that form and change earth; (includes the study of) –Volcanoes –Earthquakes –Maps –Fossils –Mountains –Land-Use

Astronomy

Astronomy is the study of objects in space including stars, planets, & comets. (Includes the study of) –Describing positions of stars and planets –Use powerful radio telescopes to observe objects in space.

Oceanography

Oceanography is the study of Earths oceans. (Includes research & the study of) –Physical and chemical properties of ocean water, –Processes within oceans such as currents & waves, –Human effect on oceans & processes.

Earth’s Systems Lithosphere-the outer, solid shell of the earth; a.k.a. “the crust” Continental Crust (Granite) Oceanic Crust (Basalt)

Earth’s Systems Hydrosphere-the liquid portion of the earth; All the lakes, rivers, oceans, glaciers, moisture in the air, etc.

Earth’s Systems Atmosphere-the region above the crust composed of gases; extends to the edge of space

Earth’s Systems Biosphere-all of the organisms on earth and the environment in which they live