Earth Science

Earth ScienceEarth Science

• Earth science encompasses 5 areas of study:– Astronomy

– Geology

– Oceanography

– Meteorology

– Environmental Science

AstronomyEarth

Science

AstronomyAstronomy

• The study of objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere

Astronomers study the universe, which includes galaxies, stars, planets, and other bodies they have identified.

Earth ScienceAstronomy

Geology

GeologyGeology

• The study of the materials that make up Earth

• The processes that form and change these materials

• The history of the planet & its life-forms since its origin

GeologistsGeologists• Identify rocks

• Study glacial movements

• Interpret clues to Earth’s 4.6-billion-year history

• Determine how forces change our planet

Astronomy

Geology

Oceanography

Earth Science

OceanographyOceanography

• The study of Earth’s oceans

• Oceanographers study the creatures that inhabit saltwater, measure different physical & chemical properties of the oceans, & observe various processes in ocean water.

Astronomy

Geology

Oceanography

Meteorology

EnvironmentalScience

Earth Science

MeteorologyMeteorology• The study of weather-producing forces

in the atmosphere

• Meteorologists also try to forecast the weather & learn how changes in weather over time might affect the Earth’s climate.

Astronomy

Geology

Oceanography

Meteorology

EnvironmentalScience

Earth Science

Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Science• The study of the interactions of humans and

their environment• Environmental scientists study how organisms

impact the environment positively & negatively.

• Topics of study include: natural resources, pollution, alternative energy sources, & impact of humans on atmosphere.

Earth’s SystemsEarth’s Systems

• Scientists have identified 4 main Earth systems that are unique yet interact with each other in important ways.– Biosphere– Geosphere– Hydrosphere– Atmosphere

Time to make a foldable!

Earth’s SystemsEarth’s Systems

Biosphere All organisms on Earth as well as the environments in which they live

Geosphere Actual physical Earth, includes crust, mantle, and core

Hydrosphere Water in Earth’s oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, glaciers, & atmosphere

Atmosphere Gases surrounding Earth, including 78% nitrogen & 21% oxygen