Introduction to Earth Science Section 1

Section 1: What Is Earth Science?

Preview

• Key Ideas

• The Scientific Study of Earth

• Earth Sciences

• Branches of Earth Science

• The Importance of Earth Science

Introduction to Earth Science Section 1

• Describe two cultures that contributed to modern scientific study.

• Name the four main branches of Earth science.

• Discuss how Earth scientists help us understand the world around us.

Key Ideas

Introduction to Earth Science Section 1

• Earth science the scientific study of Earth and the universe around it

– thousands of years ago with observations

– Usually limited to what could be seen with the unaided eye.

• Earth science assumes that the causes of natural events, or phenomena, can be discovered through observation and experimentation.

The Scientific Study of Earth

Introduction to Earth Science Section 1

• Most Earth scientists specialize in one of four major areas of study: the solid Earth (geology), the oceans (oceanography), the atmosphere (meteorology), and the universe beyond Earth (astronomy).

Branches of Earth Science

Introduction to Earth Science Section 1

• Geology scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of Earth and the processes that shape Earth

– Geo = earth

• Specialized fields of study include study of earthquakes or volcanoes, exploration for natural resources such as coal and oil, and the study of Earth’s history through the study of rocks and fossils.

Branches of Earth Science, continued

Introduction to Earth Science Section 1

• Oceanography scientific study of the ocean, including the properties and movement of ocean water, the characteristics of the ocean floor, and the organisms that live in the ocean

• Specialized fields include ocean water, waves, tides, and ocean currents, ocean floor or the organisms that live in the oceans.

Branches of Earth Science, continued

Introduction to Earth Science Section 1

• Meteorology scientific study of Earth’s atmosphere, (mostly weather and climate); use satellites, radar, and other technologies

• Meteorologists study atmospheric conditions and prepare weather forecasts.

• Some meteorologists study climate, the patterns of weather that occur over long periods of time.

Branches of Earth Science, continued

Introduction to Earth Science Section 1

• Astronomy scientific study of the universe

– oldest branches of Earth science.

• Modern astronomers use Earth-based and space-based telescopes, as well as other instruments, to study the sun, the moon, the planets, and the universe.

Branches of Earth Science, continued

Introduction to Earth Science Section 1

• Environmental science is relatively new field of Earth science that involves the study of the ways in which humans interact with their environment.

• Many fields of study contribute to environmental science,

• The goal of environmental science is to understand and solve problems that result from how we use natural resources and how our actions affect the environment.

Branches of Earth Science, continued

Introduction to Earth Science Section 1

• By understanding how natural forces shape our environment, Earth scientists can better predict potential

• Helps us understand our place in the universe.

• Help people gain access to Earth’s resources, and Earth scientists also strive to help people use those resources wisely.

The Importance of Earth Science