Earth Sciences – Jack Pierce – MS 2 Meteorology Geology Oceanography Astronomy

Studding the earth and surrounding What is Earth Science? Consider these questions? Why do volcanoes erupt? What forces produce mountains? Why is climate so variable? How old is the earth? Why do we have ocean tides? Is there really global warming? Is there really ice ages? How do we get water out of the ground? How does earth “fit” in our universe? Earth Science: Studding the earth and surrounding universe – using geology, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy

Geology – the study of the earth Physical Geology: Materials that comprise the earth rocks, minerals, earths interior, processes acting below and above the surface Historical Geology Understand the origin and development Understand the chronological order of geologic events over 4.6 by old earth The geologic time scale Dating various geologic events The significance of fossils

Physical Oceanography: The study of the ocean floor including Ocean chemistry Physics Sea floor geology Coastal processes Sea floor topography

Meteorology: Study of the atmosphere and processes that produce climate and weather.

Astronomy: The study of the universe the earth’s place in our universe the origin of our earth earth is related to all other objects in the universe

What questions do you have about your earth? How do you think these questions are answered with accuracy?

How do we find “accuracy” in our answers? The Scientific Method-Science Inquiry A set of logical steps scientists use to “get to the truth” of processes acting in the universe Making Observations and Measurements Collecting facts, asking why questions Formulating a Hypothesis (predictions as to why) Explaining how and why it works (after fact- finding), “educated guessing” Testing the Hypothesis (experimenting) performing experimentations that test the accuracy of the hypothesis

How do we find “accuracy” in our answers? The Scientific Method Scientific Theory well-tested hypothesis – widely accepted view that explains observable facts Scientific Law or Principle natural phenomena are observed to happen in the same way – no deviations have ever been observed

The Scientific Method If you fail, try try try again. 7

Observation/ Experimentation/ Theory The Scientific Method in Action-- Astronomy Observation/ Experimentation/ Theory 1,650 years of scientific method Isaac Newton Described the 3 laws of motion, Universal Gravitation, showed earth and planetary bodies are governed by universal laws of physics – thus ending geocentric theory C. Ptolemy Almagest – accepted the geocentric model over the heliocentric model N. Copernicus Continued with the heliocentric theory– -- and was widely accepted J. Kepler Developed the three planetary laws of motion Revolutionized astronomy Astronomy Timeline 10 A.D. 90 – 168 1473-1543 1571-1630 1643-1727

I Earth Science. Discuss with a friend: IC I Earth Science. Discuss with a friend: Explain why the scientific method is a useful tool for learning about the processes that occur in our universe. Define the steps within the scientific method. I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.

How is the Earth studied? (Earth System Science) Various “systems” within the earth that interact with one another -– called Earth System Science Systems are NOT individually studied How one system impacts another system System: An integrated set of “parts” that work together to accomplish a goal or task (objective) Give an example of various systems.

? Earth as a System: How systems exchange matter and energy Which system is the Earth? SUN SUN SUN Isolated System ? Closed System Open System No exchange of matter or energy Exchange of energy but not matter Exchange of both matter and energy

I Earth Science. Discuss with a friend: IC Discuss with a friend: 3. Define a system as discussed in earth science. 4. Differentiate between an open, closed, and isolated system. 5. Explain why earth is considered a closed system. I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.

The fragile earth as a closed system is supported by four interrelated open systems. Lithosphere (geosphere) Represents the solid earth: minerals, rocks, and interior Biosphere: Includes all living organisms on land, in water, and in air Atmosphere: Thin blanket of gas keeping life alive, warm, and protected Hydrosphere: Interaction of all water processes, only planet with water, 71% ocean 12,500 feet deep, streams, lakes, groundwater

Earth Science. I Discuss with a friend: 6. Define the following: lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere 7. Provide an earth process that takes place between two open systems. 8. What is the meaning of geosphere?

Positive feedback works to change the system An Important Aspect of Earth System Science The earth maintains balance between the open systems through positive and negative feedback mechanisms. Positive feedback works to change the system Negative feedback works to resist the change “Tug of War” Working to change the system and working to resist the change maintains balance within the system. weight gain example

Positive/Negative Feedback Example: Earth’s climatic system – positive/negative feedback Positive feedback Negative feedback Reflecting sunlight SUN water vapor –increases air temperature Water vapor condenses, forming clouds Evaporates sea water Ocean Ocean Increasing evaporation (working to change the system) Decreasing evaporation (working to resist change) Atmosphere maintains balance.

I Earth Science. 9. Describe the meaning of positive and IC 9. Describe the meaning of positive and negative feedback mechanisms. 10. Explain how positive and negative feedback mechanisms keep the earth balanced. 11. Think of at least 2 positive/negative feedbacks that balance the earth. Discuss with a friend: I will get an A on my exams and quizzes

The earth’s place in the solar system 8. The earth’s place in the solar system Uranus Neptune Jupiter Saturn Outer planets Jovian planets Gas planets Earth Mars Venus Low densities Mercury Inner planets Terrestrial planets SUN High densities Asteroid Belt

Mantle -Solid Si,O,Fe,Mg,Ca Lithosphere cont/ocean crust Upper mantle 2.8 g/cm3 Crust Asthenosphere ductile rock Mantle -Solid Si,O,Fe,Mg,Ca 5.5 g/cm3 Mantle Why are densities arranged from heavy (core) to lightest (crust)? Core Temp: 5000 C Source of magnetic field Outer Core Molten – Ni, Fe 11.5 g/cm3 Chemical Differentiation Inner Core Solid- Ni, Fe 12.5 g/cm3 The earth’s interior

Oxygen, water, life Soil accumulation Plate Tectonics What makes earth unique?? Oxygen, water, life oxygen atmosphere no O2 on other planets the hydrologic cycle Soil accumulation weathering of rocks various soil types Plate Tectonics moving continents formation of landforms from interacting plates

I Earth Science. Discuss with a friend: 12. Name the planets in their proper order. 13. Describe the layering of the earth using lithosphere, asthenosphere, mantle, and core; explain properties. 14. Describe chemical differentiation. 15. Present at least 3 reasons why the earth is unique. I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.

So, why study Earth Science? where to find resources and how to We depend on earth’s resources. where to find resources and how to manage the resources Understand earth (geologic) hazards how earthquakes, land sliding, volcanic eruptions, floods, hurricanes, tornados, “just to name a few” processes, work! Understand the complexity of the interactions between the earth’s spheres open system relationships between the lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere Oh yeah! – So you get your science requirement