1. Introduction to Earth Science
Charity I. Mulig

2. What is Earth Science?
Encompasses all sciences that seek to understand
The Earth
Earth’s neighbor in space

3. What is Earth Science? Earth Science includes
geology, the study of Earth
oceanography, the study of the ocean
meteorology, the study of the atmosphere and the processes that produce weather
astronomy, the study of the universe

4. Early Evolution of the Earth
Most researchers conclude that Earth and the other planets formed at essentially the same time.
The solar system evolved from an enormous rotating cloud called the solar nebula.

5. A B C D E
A. The solar system evolved from an enormous rotating cloud called the solar nebula.
B. About 5 billion years ago, the nebula began to contract.
C. It assumed a flat, disk shape with the protosun (pre-Sun) at the center.
D. Inner planets begin to form from metallic and rocky clumps. Larger outer planets began forming from fragments with a high percentage of ices.
E. As Earth formed, the decay of radioactive elements and heat from high-velocity impacts caused the temperature to increase.

6. Spheres of the Earth and Their Interactions

7. The Earth’s Spheres Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere
Cryosphere
Anthrosphere

8. Atmosphere A gaseous sphere and it envelopes the Earth,
Consists of a mixture of gases composed primarily of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

9. Hydrosphere All of the water on Earth
71% of the earth is covered by water and only 29% is terra firma

10. Lithosphere
The Earth's solid surface, often called the crust of the earth. It includes continental and oceanic crust as well as the various layers of the Earth's interior.

11. Biosphere All life on earth, including man, and all organisms.
The life zone on our planet distinguishes our planet from the others in the solar system.

12. Cryosphere
The portion of the Earth's surface where water is in a solid form
Snow or ice: includes glaciers, ice shelves, snow, icebergs, and arctic climatology

13. Anthrosphere Man and his direct ancestors, hominids.
The human population, it’s buildings, dams, and other constructions.

14. Interconnected Spheres
Spheres are closely connected
Changes are often chain reactions
A change in one sphere results in changes in others - called an event

15. The Scientific Method