What is Earth Science? Chapter 1, Section 1

Overview of Earth Science Earth science is the name for the group of sciences that deals with Earth and its neighbors in space Earth science includes many subdivisions of geology (both physical and historical) such as geochemistry, geophysics, geobiology and paleontology, as well as oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy Geology – the science that examines Earth, its form and composition, and the changes it has undergone and is undergoing Oceanography – the scientific study of the oceans and oceanic phenomenon Meteorology – the scientific study of the atmosphere and atmospheric phenomenon; the study of weather and climate Astronomy – the scientific study of the universe; it includes the observation and interpretation of celestial bodies and phenomenon

Formation of Earth Earth is one of eight planets and many dwarf planets that revolve around the sun The nebular hypothesis suggests that the bodies of our solar system evolved from an enormous rotating cloud called the solar nebula It was made up mostly of hydrogen and helium, with a small percentage of heavier elements The lighter elements were taken away by the heavier outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune), leaving the heavier elements in the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) Shortly after Earth formed, heat caused the interior to partially melt, allowing the heavier elements to sink towards the middle, an the lighter elements to float towards the surface, creating layers

Formation of the Solar System

Assignment Read Chapter 1, Section 1 (pg. 2-5) Do Section 1.1 Assessment #1-7 (pg. 5)