INTRO TO EARTH SCIENCE

4 Branches of Science Biology – the study of living things Chemistry – the study of composition of matter Physics – the study of forces, motion, matter, and energy Earth Science – the study of Earth and it’s surroundings

Earth science has several branches: Geology – study of forces that have shaped Earth Oceanography – study everything from chemistry of ocean water to ocean floor and marine organisms Meteorology – study of conditions in the atmosphere   Astronomy - focus on solar system, stars and galaxies Environmental science – study Earth’s environment and resources

MAPPING

Determining Location Using Maps Latitude – the distance North and South of the equator measured in degrees. The lines themselves run East to West (left to right) – think lat = flat lines Longitude – the distance East and West of the Prime Meridian (Divides the Earth in-half through Greenwich, England) measured in degrees. The lines themselves run North to South (top to bottom) – think long and tall

How To Read Locations Specific locations are read degrees, minutes, seconds. Example: AC Reynolds High School is 35°- 32'52'' N Latitude and 82°-28'38'' W Longitude Remember, minutes and seconds only go up to 60 seconds

Topographic Maps Topographic Maps - Show elevation of Earth’s surface by using contour lines Contour lines – tells the difference in elevation between adjacent lines. Every position along the same contour line is at the same elevation.

Notes About Contour Lines Lines never cross “V” shaped lines point upstream Lines close together show steep elevation Lines farthest apart show flat land Contour lines always close to form a complete circle