Physical Geology Chapter 1

Earth Science Study of the earth and its place in the universe Causes of natural events can be discovered through observation and/or experimentation Chinese earthquakes in 780 BCE Greek rocks in 200 BCE Mayan celestial observations (calendar)

Branches Oceanography Meteorology Astronomy Environmental Science GEOLOGY

Oceanography Study waves, tides, currents, floor and water itself ¾ of surface Relatively new

Meteorology A study of Atmospheric conditions,i.e., weather Relatively new Relatively accurate

Astronomy The universe beyond the earth of which it is a part Practical results Ancient study –Calendars –Zodiac –Other constellations

Environmental Science Study of how humans interact with their environment, especially the abiotic Practical (helps us to survive)

Geology Study of origin, history, processes, and structure of the earth Ancient study Very practical –Equipment –Resources –Prediction

Geology Impacts Past environments Availability of resources Understand and interact properly and safely with environment –Roads, buildings, other structures –Conservation and preservation Natural forces –Volcanoes and earthquakes

Goal of Science Explain natural phenomena Use observation, based upon predictability of nature Use experimentation Pure science vs. applied science Improve quality of life

<Ask a question? Go together< Whether conclusion is right or wrong

Observations lead to questions

Research may help

A hypothesis is a tentative answer

Experiments test hypotheses

Experimental components Variable – something that changes in a controlled experiment Independent variable – controlled by you Dependent variable – change as a result Control – standard for comparison with no variables Experiment – control plus a variable Data/observations – information or results collected from experimentation

Draw a conclusion based upon your results

If successful, results should be repeatable. If not successful, a new hypothesis may be necessary, with testing and conclusion to follow

<Ask a question? Go together< Whether conclusion is right or wrong

Metrics – How the world measures Except U.S. and Burkina-Faso Current form is the S.I. (Systeme Internationale Easier than Imperial or English Based on units of 10

Measurement Vocabulary Accuracy – how close measurement is to true value Precision – exactness of value Error – amount of imprecision or variation % Error – (accepted value minus experimental value divided by accepted value) multiplied by 100 Confidence interval – range of values for a set % of measurements

Models To simulate conditions in the natural world A description, representation, or imitation of an object, system, process, or concept Give an example of a –Physical model –Graphical model –Conceptual model –Mathematical model –Computer model

Scientific Conclusions Published or presented Peer review Development of theory (a consistent explanation that is repeatable) Support from other disciplines?