1. Introduction to Earth Science Or, How The Earth Works

2. Branches of Earth Science Geology –The study of the materials that make up the Earth –The processes that form and change these materials –The history of the planet and it’s life forms –Solid Earth Much Larger than Other Parts Meteorology – Climatology –The study of the forces and processes that cause the atmosphere to change and produce weather

3. Branches of Earth Science Oceanography –The study of the Earth’s oceans –Oceans cover nearly 75% of the planet Astronomy –The study of objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere –Planetary Geology Environmental Science –The study of the interactions of organisms and their surroundings

4. The Earth Systems Geosphere –Area from surface down to center of planet Three parts: crust, mantle, and core Two kinds of crust: continental and oceanic Mantle is liquid and ranges from 100 o C to 4000 o C Atmosphere –Blanket of gases that surrounds planet 78% Nitrogen (N); 21% Oxygen (O); 1% (water vapor, carbon dioxide, argon and other gases)

5. The Solid Earth

6. The Earth Systems Hydrosphere –All water on Earth 97% is salt water 3% is freshwater Biosphere –All organisms on Earth and the places they live –All of Earth’s life forms require interaction with at least one of the other systems to survive

7. Learning Targets Compare the areas of study within Earth Science Identify and define Earth’s systems.