1.1 Earth Science

4 Branches of Earth Science Astronomy – study of objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere (this does include Earth) Meteorology – studies the air that surrounds the Earth

4 Branches of Earth Science (cont) Geology – study of materials that make up the Earth and the processes that form and change these materials Study of Earth’s oceans and the creatures within them

Earth’s Systems Lithosphere – rigid outer layer of the planet that includes the crust and mantle - 2 kinds of crust - Continental - Oceanic - Mantle contains asthenosphere - Under the mantle is the core - outer (liquid part) and inner (solid)

Earth’s Systems (cont) Hydrosphere – water in Earth’s oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and glaciers - 97% of Earth’s water is salt water - ¾ of the fresh water is found in glaciers Atmosphere – blanket of gases around the Earth It is about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen The remaining 1% is water vapor, argon, carbon dioxide, and others

Earth’s Systems (cont) Biosphere – includes all organisms on Earth as well as the environment in which they live