1. Earth Science
Chapter 1
Prologue

2. The Local Environment Observation Inference Classification
Use of one or more of the senses to learn something about the environment
Instruments improve our ability to make observations.
Inference
Interpretation of observations
Classification
Grouping of observations

3. Properties of the Environment
Measurement
Describes observations using numbers
Two common systems are metric (SI) and English.
Metric System
Kilo Hecto Deca Meter Deci Centi Milli

4. Density Density Quantity of matter in a given space Density = Mass
Volume
Mass is the amount matter in an object
Weight is the pull of gravity on an object
Volume is the amount of space an object takes up M D V

5. Density Each pure substance has a particular density.
The density of most materials increases as they change from gas to liquid to solid.
Water is an exception to this “rule”.
The maximum density of water occurs in the liquid state at 4 degrees Celsius.
Change in density of a gas
Increased temperature = decreased density
Increased pressure = increased density

6. The Nature of Change Characteristics of change Event
Any change or series of changes
Events can be instantaneous like lightning or gradual like the wearing away of mountains.
Earth scientists are interested in describing the events of change and discovering the causes.

7. The Nature of Change Rate of change
How long it takes for a change to occur
Rate of change = change in value
time
Graphs
Graphing change gives you a picture of what is happening.
A graph shows you how one factor is changing with respect to another.

8. The Nature of Change

9. The Nature of Change Cyclic changes Dynamic equilibrium Interface
Events that repeat themselves regularly
Examples
Rock cycle, water cycle, seasons, moon phases
Dynamic equilibrium
When there is a balance between changes
Interface
The boundary between different systems