Earth Science Chapter 1

The Scientific Study of Earth Earth science - the scientific study of Earth and the universe around it Scientific study of Earth began thousands of years ago with careful observations. For many centuries, scientific discoveries were limited to observations of phenomena that could be seen with the unaided eye. Earth science assumes that the causes of natural events, or phenomena, can be discovered through observation and experimentation.

Branches of Earth Science Scientists have used technology and hard work to build an immense body of knowledge about Earth. Most Earth scientists specialize in one of four major areas of study: the solid Earth, the oceans, the atmosphere, and the universe beyond Earth.

Branches of Earth Science Geology (the solid earth) Astronomy (the universe) Oceanology (the oceans) Meteorology (the atmosphere)

Geology - the scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of Earth and the processes that shape Earth Geology includes many specialized fields of study, such as the study of earthquakes or volcanoes, exploration for natural resources such as coal and oil, and the study of Earth’s history through the study of rocks and fossils.

Oceanography- the scientific study of the ocean, including the properties and movement of ocean water, the characteristics of the ocean floor, and the organisms that live in the ocean Like geology, oceanography includes specialized fields. Some oceanographers study ocean water. Others study waves, tides, and ocean currents. Still others study the ocean floor or the organisms that live in the oceans.

Meteorology - the scientific study of Earth’s atmosphere, especially in relation to weather and climate Using satellites, radar, and other technologies, meteorologists study the atmospheric conditions that produce weather. They may use this information to prepare weather forecasts. Some meteorologists study climate, the patterns of weather that occur over long periods of time.

Astronomy - the scientific study of the universe Astronomy is one of the oldest branches of Earth science. Modern astronomers use Earth-based and space-based telescopes, as well as other instruments, to study the sun, the moon, the planets, and the universe.

Environmental science - a relatively new field of Earth science that involves the study of the ways in which humans interact with their environment. Environmental scientists study many issues, such as the use of natural resources, pollution, and the health of plant and animal species on Earth.

The Importance of Earth Science Natural forces not only shape Earth but also affect life on Earth. By understanding how natural forces shape our environment, Earth scientists can better predict potential disasters and help save lives and property. The work of Earth scientists helps us understand our place in the universe. The study of Earth science can help people gain access to Earth’s resources, and Earth scientists also strive to help people use those resources wisely.

Behavior of Natural Systems The goal of science is to explain natural phenomena. Scientists ask questions about natural events and then work to answer those questions through experiments and examination.

Scientists assume nature is understandable. expect similar forces in a similar situation will cause similar results. expect nature is predictable, which means that the future behavior of natural forces can be anticipated.

Scientific methods - organized and logical approaches to scientific research. Scientific methods are not a set of sequential steps that scientists always follow. Rather these methods are guidelines to scientific problem solving.

Scientific Method

observation -the process of obtaining information by using the senses; the information obtained by using the senses hypothesis - an idea or explanation that is based on observation and that can be tested

Test the Hypothesis After a hypothesis is proposed, it is commonly tested by performing experiments. An experiment is a procedure that is carried out according to certain guidelines. independent variable - in an experiment, the factor that is deliberately manipulated dependent variable - in an experiment, the factor that changes as a result of one or more other factors (the independent variables)

Draw Conclusions After many experiments and observations, a scientist may reach conclusions about his or her hypothesis. If the hypothesis fits the known facts, it may be accepted as true. If the experimental results differ from what was expected, the hypothesis is changed or discarded. The results of scientific inquiry may lead to new knowledge and new methods of inquiry that further scientific aims.

International System of Units, or SI –a system of measurements used to compare and analyze measurements around the world Accuracy - how close a measurement is to the true value of the thing being measured. Precision - the exactness of the measurement.

theory - the explanation for some phenomenon that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning that is supported by a large quantity of evidence; and that does not conflict with any existing experimental results or observations scientific law - general statement that explains how the natural world behaves under certain conditions and for which no exceptions have been found. Both can be changed if conflicting information is discovered in the future.

Error - an expression of the amount of imprecision or variation in a set of measurements, commonly expressed as percentage error or as a confidence interval.

Geology

The Importance of Interdisciplinary Science