1. An Introduction to Earth Science
Unit 1 - Chapter 1

2. What is Earth Science?
Definition – the study of Earth and its neighbors in space.
4 subdivisions of Earth Science

3. 1. Geology
Definition – study of planet Earth
2 Areas of Geology

4. Areas of Geology Physical Geology
The examination of the materials that make up the Earth
And the explanations for the processes that shape the Earth.

5. Historical Geology
Understanding Earth’s long history.

6. 2. Oceanography
The study of the Ocean’s biology, chemistry and geology.

7. 3. Meteorology
The study of the atmosphere, weather and climate.

8. 4. Astronomy
The study of the universe.

9. Earth science is an ever evolving science because the Earth itself is CONSTANTLY changing!
A new section of Earth science is environmental science.

10. Environmental Science
How humans interact/their relationship with the natural Environment.
40th anniversary of Earth Day Video

11. The Earth is divided into 4 major spheres.
Geosphere or

12. 1. Hydrosphere Consists of all the water on the Earth.
The oceans make up 97% of the water on Earth
The other 3% is freshwater. (we must MAXIMIZE its use)

13. Water is what makes our planet unique!
We are the ONLY planet with liquid water.
Water supports life
No water = No life

14. 2. Atmosphere Thin gaseous layer that surrounds the planet
100 kilometers thick.
Provides the air we breathe
Protects us from the Sun’s heat and radiation
Provides our weather and climate

15. 3. Geosphere Divided into 4 main parts 1. The Crust 2. The Mantle
3. The Outer Core
4. The Inner Core

16. Geosphere Cont. 1. Lithosphere 2. Asthenosphere
Rigid outer layer of the Earth – cool & solid
Crust & uppermost part of mantle.
2. Asthenosphere
Plasticity – warm & liquid
Lower mantle

17. 4. Biosphere Includes all life on Earth.
Extends from the ocean floor to about a mile into the air

18. Other Spheres 5. Cryosphere
The Earth's surface where water is in a solid form

19. 6. The Anthroposphere Humans and our constructions
(also called anthrosphere).

20. Interactions between the Spheres
All of the spheres interact and influence the others
The hydrosphere, geosphere and atmosphere ALL affect life
Life affects and changes the hydrosphere, geosphere and atmosphere

21. All the Spheres interact with Each other.
Get into your assigned groups.
Place all spheres together in a square formation. (they should slightly overlap)
Cut out the different items or interactions and place them in the appropriate sphere or spheres.
EARTH IS A SYSTEM!!!