1. EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE Chapter 1 Introduction to Earth Science 1.1 What is Earth Science?

2. 1.1 What is Earth Science? Objectives Describe two cultures that contributed to modern scientific study. Name four main branches of Earth science. Discuss how Earth scientists help us understand the world around us.

3. The Scientific Study of Earth Earth science is the study of Earth and the universe around it. Scientific study of the Earth began, as with any scientific investigation, with observations. Chinese scientists began keeping records of earthquakes as early as 780 BCE. Ancient Greek mathematicians and philosophers developed key concepts that influence science and society even to this day.

4. The Scientific Study of Earth Olmec and Maya cultures of Central America pioneered the concept of a true zero and developed methods of tracking the movements of the sun, moon, and planets. For more information about the progress of scientific thought, visit http://www.sciencetimeline.net/ and select the appropriate time period. http://www.sciencetimeline.net/

5. The Scientific Study of Earth Just four centuries ago, the invention of microscopes and telescopes allowed scientists to observe many things that were previously out of reach of human observation. Newton’s First Reflective Telescope of 1668 (left)

6. Branches of Earth Science Earth scientists have used a tremendous amount of technology to learn more about Earth and the universe. Improvements in technology allow us to develop better theoretical knowledge about the natural world by increasing our observation abilities and improved theoretical knowledge allows us to develop better technology.

7. Branches of Earth Science There are several major areas of study in which Earth scientists specialize. –Geology –Oceanography –Meteorology –Astronomy –Paleontology –Environmental Science

8. Branches of Earth Science Geology is the scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of Earth and the processes that shape Earth. Some geologists explore the Earth’s crust for valuable resources as others work to predict major occurrences such as volcanic (volcanologists) explosions and earthquakes (seismologists).

9. Branches of Earth Science Oceanography is the scientific study of the ocean, including the properties and movements of ocean water, the characteristics of the ocean floor, and the organisms that live in the ocean. Oceans cover over 71% of the Earth’s surface. Some oceanographers travel oceans in research vessels and dive deep into the ocean in submersibles designed for research.

11. Branches of Earth Science Meteorology is the scientific study of Earth’s atmosphere, especially in relation to weather and climate. Satellite, radar and computer modeling technology is widely used in this field of Earth science. Some meteorologists study climate and changes in climate over long periods of time.

12. Branches of Earth Science Astronomy is the scientific study of the universe, everything beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. Earth and space based telescopes as well as deep space probes are used to make observations in this exciting field.

13. Branches of Earth Science Paleontology is the study of fossils. A fossil is remains or evidence of a form of life from a previous geologic unit of time. Even within this branch of geology, there are many specialties.

14. Branches of Earth Science Environmental science is the scientific study of the interactions between living things and their nonliving environment with special emphasis on man’s impact on those interactions. Environmental science is a relatively new discipline that was ushered in primarily by the book Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (left).

15. The Importance of Earth Science Natural forces that shape the Earth can sometimes have devastating consequences. The better understanding we have of these forces and their consequences, the better equipped we are to predict natural phenomena and save lives. The study of astronomy helps us to better understand our place in the universe. Paleontology helps us to understand the dynamic nature of both environments and life itself on an ever-changing Earth.

16. The Importance of Earth Science All the resources that make life possible are provided by Earth. Earth scientists in a variety of fields help society evaluate, extract, and utilize those resources. The Earth is under increasingly greater pressure to provide resources for an exploding human population whose lifestyle demands more per capita each generation. Wise use of those resources will be the key to sustainability so that future generations will not be left with an empty bag.

17. References Newton’s Reflective Telescope - http://www.juliantrubin.com/physicsjokes.html http://www.juliantrubin.com/physicsjokes.html Volcanologist - http://www.enviroeducation.com/interviews/barbara- ryan http://www.enviroeducation.com/interviews/barbara- ryan Calypso - http://www.baydreaming.com/photopost/showphoto. php/photo/436/size/big/sort/1/cat/last7 http://www.baydreaming.com/photopost/showphoto. php/photo/436/size/big/sort/1/cat/last7 Alvin - http://www.oar.noaa.gov/spotlite/archive/spot_ocean dumping.html http://www.oar.noaa.gov/spotlite/archive/spot_ocean dumping.html

18. References Lunar Walk - http://spaceevent.com/kid_activities/sp ace_stuff.asp http://spaceevent.com/kid_activities/sp ace_stuff.asp Robert Bakker - http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/auth photo_330/1245_bakker_robert_t.jpg http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/auth photo_330/1245_bakker_robert_t.jpg Rachel Carson - http://www.kimball.k12.sd.us/Heroes%2 0Web%20Page/Pictures http://www.kimball.k12.sd.us/Heroes%2 0Web%20Page/Pictures