What is Earth Science? Important Vocabulary: Geo- – Earth Astro- – outer space -ology, -ography, -onomy – the study of…

The Branches of Earth Science Definition Earth Science Any area of science that deals with the composition, structure, and occurrences of Earth. Geology The study of nature, formation, origin, and development of Earth’s crust and its layers. Oceanography The study of the biology, chemical composition, and structure of the oceans. Meteorology The study of Earth’s atmosphere (weather). Astronomy The study of outer space.

The Hydrosphere The hydrosphere includes all the water found on Earth. Water only occurs on Earth in large amounts. Water continually moves. Salt water includes 97% of Earth’s water, the other 3% is from groundwater, glaciers, streams, rivers, lakes, etc.

The Atmosphere The atmosphere includes all the gases that surround Earth. The gases provide animals and plants with the gases needed for life. Most of the gases occupy the area directly above Earth’s crust (not farther out in space). The atmosphere protects us from the sun’s heat and radiation. The atmosphere causes the weather and climate through energy exchanges from space, Earth, and the atmosphere.

The geosphere The geosphere contains the core, the mantle, and the crust of Earth. The crust is the outer edge of Earth and it does not have the same composition and thickness throughout Earth. The mantle contains some molten (melted) material and can flow while other areas of Earth cannot. The core contains the heavy, dense materials of Earth.

The biosphere The biosphere contains all living things on Earth. The biosphere extends from the ocean floor to the atmosphere. Reactions with the environment help animals and plants maintain and alter their physical environment. All of Earth’s sphere interact with each other constantly.