1. Introduction to Earth Science
Chapter 1

2. Section 1: What is Earth Science?
Introduction:
This section defines Earth science and describes its branches of study.
The section also explains why the scientific study of Earth is important.

3. Topic 1: The Scientific Study of the Earth
For thousands of years, people have looked at the world around them and wondered what forces shaped it.
Throughout history, many cultures have developed myths or stories to explain events, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, or eclipses.
In some of these myths, angry goddesses hurled fire from volcanoes, and giants shook the ground by wrestling underneath Earth’ surface.
Modern science searches for natural causes and uses careful observations to explain these same events and to understand Earth and its changing landscape.

4. The Scientific Study of the Earth (cont.)
For many centuries, scientific discoveries were limited to observations of phenomena that could be seen with the unaided eye.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the inventions of the microscope and telescope made seeing previously hidden worlds possible.
Eventually the body of knowledge about Earth became known as Earth science.
The study of Earth and of the universe around it
Earth science assumes that the causes of natural events, or phenomena, can be discovered through careful observations and experimentation

5. Topic 2: Branches of Earth Science
The ability to make observations improves when technology, such as new processes or equipment, is developed.
Most Earth scientists specialize in one of five major areas of study: the solid Earth, the oceans, the atmosphere, the universe beyond Earth, and the environment.
Geology
The study of the origin, history, processes, and structure of the solid Earth is called geology.
Some geologists explore Earth’s crust for deposits of coal, oil, gas, and other resources.
Some study forces within Earth to predict earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Some study fossils to learn more about Earth’s past.

6. Branches of Earth Science (cont.)
Oceanography
Ocean’s cover nearly three-fourths of Earth’s surface.
The study of Earth’s oceans is called oceanography.
Some oceanographers work on research ships equipped with instruments for studying the sea.
Others study waves, tides, and ocean currents.
Some explore the ocean floor to obtain clues to Earth’s history or to locate mineral deposits.

7. Branches of Earth Science (cont.)
Meteorology
The study of Earth’s atmosphere is called meteorology.
Using satellites, radar, and other technologies, meteorologists study the atmospheric conditions that produce weather.
Many meteorologists work as weather observers and measure factors such as wind speed, temperature, and rainfall to produce weather maps.
Others use weather maps, satellite images, and computer models to make weather forecasts
Some study climate, the patterns of weather that occur over long periods of time.

8. Branches of Earth Science (cont.)
Astronomy
The study of the universe beyond Earth is called astronomy.
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.
Technologies such as rovers and space probes have also provided astronomers with new information about the universe.

9. Branches of Earth Science (cont.)
Environmental Science
Other Earth scientists study the ways in which humans interact with their environment, called environmental science.
Environmental scientists study many issues, such as the use of natural resources, pollution, and the health of plant and animal species on Earth.
Some study the effects of industries and technologies on the environment.

10. Consider these shocking Earth Science facts:
It is estimated that 50% of all plants, animals, and birds will die off by the year 2100, with lead scientists calling the current loss of life, “The 6th Extinction.” (National Geographic)
Runoff from agriculture has affected oceanic phytoplankton, which is changing our atmosphere (Nature)
Scientists expect that clean water will be unavailable to 2/3 of the population by (NBC News)
Over the last 250 years, the surface acidity of the ocean has increased 30%, which is literally dissolving creatures like shellfish and plankton. (Environmental Protection Agency)
Chlorine and Bromide pollution are damaging the atmosphere, causing increasing UV saturation. (Planet Earth Herald)
Since 1990, half of the world’s rain forests have been cut down, an estimated 18 million acres. (Live Science)
It is estimated that, by 2050, there will be no fish left in the ocean. (BBC)
It is estimated that the surface of the Earth could rising in temperature between 2º and 6º by the end of the 21st Century. (NASA.gov)
The world population has tripled over the last 60 years, growing from 2.5 billion to 7 billion since (Scientific American)

11. Topic 3: The Importance of Earth Science
Natural forces affect life on Earth.
By understanding how natural forces shape our environment, Earth scientists can better predict potential natural disasters and help save lives.
The work of Earth scientists also helps us understand our place in the universe.
Astronomers studying distant galaxies have come up with new ideas about the origins of our universe.
Geologists studying rock layers have found clues to Earth’s past environments and to the evolution of life on this planet.
Earth scientists can help people gain access to Earth’s resources.