Earth Science Chapter 1 Prologue

The Local Environment Observation Inference Classification Use of one or more of the senses to learn something about the environment Instruments improve our ability to make observations. Inference Interpretation of observations Classification Grouping of observations

Properties of the Environment Measurement Describes observations using numbers Two common systems are metric (SI) and English. Metric System Kilo Hecto Deca Meter Deci Centi Milli 1000 100 10 1 .1 .01 .001

Density Density Quantity of matter in a given space Density = Mass Volume Mass is the amount matter in an object Weight is the pull of gravity on an object Volume is the amount of space an object takes up M D V

Density Each pure substance has a particular density. The density of most materials increases as they change from gas to liquid to solid. Water is an exception to this “rule”. The maximum density of water occurs in the liquid state at 4 degrees Celsius. Change in density of a gas Increased temperature = decreased density Increased pressure = increased density

The Nature of Change Characteristics of change Event Any change or series of changes Events can be instantaneous like lightning or gradual like the wearing away of mountains. Earth scientists are interested in describing the events of change and discovering the causes.

The Nature of Change Rate of change How long it takes for a change to occur Rate of change = change in value time Graphs Graphing change gives you a picture of what is happening. A graph shows you how one factor is changing with respect to another.

The Nature of Change

The Nature of Change Cyclic changes Dynamic equilibrium Interface Events that repeat themselves regularly Examples Rock cycle, water cycle, seasons, moon phases Dynamic equilibrium When there is a balance between changes Interface The boundary between different systems