Notes

 Any of the sciences that deal with the Earth or its parts.  The four major fields of study are:  Astronomy- celestial bodies and the universe as a whole  Meteorology – atmosphere and weather  Geology – origin, history, and structure of the Earth  Oceanography- physical and biological aspects of the oceans

 Lithosphere  Hydrosphere  Atmosphere  Biosphere

 The solid, outer layer of the Earth that consists of the crust and the rigid upper part of the mantle.

 The layers of the earth are the crust-mantle- outer core and inner core

 The asthenosphere is a partially molten rock layer that allows for the lithosphere to float on top and. move

 The watery layer of the Earth’s surface  Lakes, rivers, oceans, seas, groundwater, glaciers, and water in the atmosphere  97% of the Earth’s water is salt water  ¾ of the Earth’s fresh water is found in glaciers  Most of the remaining ¼ is found in groundwater

 The blanket of gases that surround a planet  Protects the earth from harmful radiation  Stabilizes planet temperature  About 78% nitrogen  About 21% oxygen  About 1% carbon dioxide, water vapor and other gases

 The region of the surface and atmosphere of the earth where living organisms exist along with the organisms that live there.

 The practical application of science to commerce or industry ( applied science)