Introduction to Earth Science

What is ‘Science’? Science is an attempt by scientists or non-scientists to explain the world around them. By observing and studying this ‘stuff’ we try to make sense of it. However, there is a lot of ‘stuff’ which we do not know.

The major sciences of Earth Science: 1. Geology is the study of the Earth, its matter and the processes which form and change the Earth. 2. Meteorology is the study of weather and the forces and processes which cause it.

3. Astronomy – is the study of objectives in space including our solar system, stars, planets, galaxies, etc. 4. Oceanography – is the study of Earth’s oceans.

A. geology B. oceanography C. meteorology D. astronomy

The Scientific Process There is no one approach to the “Scientific Process”. However, the goal is to try and understand the world around us.

The Scientific Process: 1. Ask a question/ make observations 2. Form a hypothesis. 3. Test the hypothesis. 4. Perform experiment/make observations on experiment

5. Draw conclusions from experiment. 6. Modify or reject hypothesis based upon experimental results.

The Scientific Process:

Measuring your world The international standard of measurement is the International System of Units or the SI system. The units are based upon the metric system of measurement.

Basic units of measurement 1. Length is the meter. 2. Mass is the amount of matter in an object. The standard unit is the kilogram. 3. Weight is the amount of gravitational force on an object.

Basic units of measurement 4. Area is the amount of surface area of an object. Since the area is two dimensional then the area is expressed in two dimensions. Such as meters squared, cm squared, etc. = 4 cm squared 2 cm 2 cm 2 cm

Volume is expressed in three dimensions. 2 cm = 8 cubic cm 2 cm = 8 cm3 2 cm

2 cm 8 cm = 32 cubic centimeters = 32 cm3 2 cm

Density: amount of matter that occupies a give space. Density is expressed in mass per volume Mass grams ( g ) Density = Volume cubic cm or cm3 g per cubic cm or g / c c

Density in our world The wind blows due to density in the atmosphere. Ocean currents move due to salinity and temperature density differences. Continents move across the Earth due to density currents within the Earth.

Temperature expressed in degrees Celsius Freezing point of water is 32 degrees F or 0 degrees Celsius. Boiling point of water is 212 degrees F or 100 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures in Space Because temperatures in space are so extreme temperature is expressed in degrees Kelvin. Degree Celsius + 273.2 = degrees Kelvin

To Infinity and Beyond!!!