Introduction to Earth Science Mr. Ross Brown Brooklyn School for Law and Technology

Aim: What are the many areas of Earth Science? 14 Sept 2016 Do now: What are the different Sciences we will study in class this year? Earth Science: the study of the Earth and the universe around it.

Geology The study of the origin, history, and structure of the solid Earth and the processes that shape it.

Geology, cont. Some jobs for geologists: Petrologist and Mineralogist: look for minerals and oil deposits Seismologist: study and forecast earthquakes and volcanoes Paleontologist: study the fossil record to understand the history of the Earth

Oceanography The study of the world’s oceans Oceans cover 71% of the Earth's surface & contain 97% of the planet's water, yet over 95% of the underwater world is unexplored.* * www.noaa.gov/ocean.html

Oceanography, cont. Oceanographers study many things: On research ships studying water quality Some study waves, tides, or currents Some study the ocean floor to understand the Earth’s history or to find resources Some study marine plants and animals

Meteorology The study of the Earth’s atmosphere Atmosphere: thick blanket of gases surrounding the Earth

Atmosphere

Meteorology, cont. Careers for Meteorologists: Using technology (satellites, radar) to study variations in atmospheric conditions that produce weather. Some measure & collect weather data Some use these data to prepare weather maps Some use these maps to forecast weather

Meteorology, cont.

Astronomy The study of the universe beyond Earth Astronomy dates back thousands of years Astronomers use land- and space-based telescopes, satellites, space probes They study the Moon, planets, stars, galaxies, and the whole universe

Astronomy, cont.

Homework #1 14 Sept 2016 What are the 4 main branches of Earth Science? What is Ecology? What is an Ecosystem?

Aim: What parts of the Earth will we be studying this year? 15 Sept 2016 Do now: How are the different regions of the Earth different? What words do we use to describe these differences?

Earth’s areas of study Geosphere: the solid Earth Hydrosphere: the water on the planet Atmosphere: the gases surrounding the Earth Other scientists study Biology, the living world Biology and Earth Science  Ecology Relationships between living things and their environments

Ecosystem A community of organisms and the environment they inhabit The largest is Biosphere: all life on Earth and the physical environment that supports it.

Homework What is a hypothesis? How will we test our hypotheses? Come to class with a question to solve!