Introduction to Earth Science The Study of Earth Science

Big Ideas of Earth Science Earth Science is the study of the earth. This includes the following 3 big ideas. The Structure of the Earth System. Earth’s History Earth in the Solar system

The Structure of the Earth System The earth is divided into 4 parts or spheres. Lithosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere Biosphere The four parts make up the Earth System

Earth System A system is a group of parts that work together as a whole. A change in one part of the system affects all the other parts of the system. Ex. Matter and Energy are constantly moving from one part to another. Matter makes up everything. Energy is the ability to do work or cause change.

Earth’s History The Earth is really old. No Older.

Earth’s Age and Appearance 4.6 Billion Years Old The Earths appearance has been changed over time due to two types of forces. Constructive forces shape Earth’s surface by building up mountains and landmasses. Destructive forces slowly wear away mountains and landmasses.

Earth in the Solar System The Earth has been impacted by the solar system. It bears the markings in craters and the tides that move the oceans up and down. The Earth is composed of the same dust and particles as its other space friends. Studying them can teach us about the our own planet.

The Branches of Earth Science Geology Oceanography Meteorology Astronomy Environmental Science

Geology Geology is the study of the solid Earth. Geologists study the forces that have shaped Earth throughout its long history. Geologists study the chemical and physical characteristics of rock.

Oceanography Oceanography is the study of Earth’s oceans. Oceanographers study everything from the chemistry of ocean water to the shape of the ocean floor to living things in the ocean’s depths.

Meteorology Meteorology is the study of Earth’s atmosphere. Meteorologist are scientists who gather information about conditions in the atmosphere from around the world. They use the information they gather to predict weather and study climate change.

Astronomy Astronomy is the study of the universe beyond Earth. Astronomers observe stars and galaxies in an effort to understand the universe and its history.

Environmental Science Environmental scientists study Earth’s environment and resources. They try to determine the effects of human activities on the Earth, and try to solve problems like polution.

Models in Earth Science A lot of the work in lab will be done making models. Models are very important because they represent complex objects or processes that we can’t see in real life. Models are often used to test hypotheses in experiments that are done on the small scale. Models help illustrate and show information in a way that is often easier to understand.

Which Branch of Science? Weather man Rock collector Astronaut Marine Biologist EPA (environmental protection agency)