Introducing Earth Science

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Earth Systems Lithosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere Biosphere Litho- Stone, rock Hydro- Water Atmos- Vapor Bio- Life Greek Roots

Create a question that relates to one of the earth systems. Develop a hypothesis. Design an experiment. Define your independent and dependent variables. How will you change your independent variable? Describe how you will measure your dependent variable. What will be your control. I will ask you to do a short oral presentation at the end of class.

How does the sun’s energy contribute to life on Earth? What factors affect air density and how to they influence winds, air masses, fronts and storm systems? How do human activities impact air quality? What are the causes of recent changes in atmospheric composition and how might they affect the climate in the future? What impacts have humans had on the atmosphere and air quality? What are the consequences of climate change? How does the human population influence the availability of freshwater? How do humans influence water quality in NC’s river basins, wetlands and tidal environments? How do human activities impact erosional processes and what are the possible consequences of this? What makes a resource sustainable?

4 Branches of Earth Science Astronomy Meteorology Geology Oceanography

Astronomy The study of objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere

Meteorology The study of forces and processes that cause the atmosphere to change to produce weather

Geology The study of the materials that make up Earth and the processes that form and change these materials.

Oceanography The study of Earth’s oceans. Encompasses the creatures that inhabit the oceans, different mechanical and chemical processes, and human impacts to oceans.

What is name for the type of scientist who studies each of these branches? scientist/ Geologist Oceanographer Meteorologist Biologist

The study of Earth is broad, so scientists have identified four main Earth Systems…

Lithosphere Includes the crust, mantle, and core of earth. Geologists study the lithosphere.

Hydrosphere Water found in Earth’s oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, glaciers, and water in the atmosphere makes up the hydrosphere of the Earth. Oceanographers study water Meteorologists study water in the atmosphere

Atmosphere Gases that are surrounding our planet. The atmosphere is necessary for breathing, protection from harmful radiation, and it helps maintain a normal temperature so that we may live! Meteorologists study the atmosphere.

Biosphere Includes all organisms on Earth as well as the environments in which they live. All scientists studying Earth Science also study the biosphere. Scientists are careful not to harm/damage any environment that any organism is living in.