What is Earth Science?What is Earth Science?

An organized body of knowledge An organized body of knowledge about the earth.about the earth.

Daily Science Question:Daily Science Question:

• Imagine that you are an Earth scientist and can travel wherever you want to on Earth. Describe the aspects or features of Earth that you would like to study. Explain where you would go and what you would do.

• Make sure you answer all questions above in five sentences or more. If you finish early, illustrate your answer as well.

Branches of Earth ScienceBranches of Earth ScienceEarth Science is the name for all the sciences that collectively seek to understand Earth and its neighbours in space.

Different branches study the different parts of Earth;

1) Solid Earth

2) Liquid Earth

3) Gaseous Earth

4) Space

Solid EarthSolid Earth

Geology – study of the solid Earth

• Divided into two broad areas;

1) Physical Geology - examines the materials composing Earth and seeks to understand processes that operate beneath and upon its surface.

2) Historical Geology – seeks an understanding of the origin of Earth and the development of the planet through its 4.6 billion year history.

Solid EarthSolid Earth

Seismology – study of earthquakes and seismic waves

Paleontology – study of fossils and life on Earth

Geomorphology – study of landscape features on Earth

Mineralology – study of minerals

Volcanology – study of volcanic activity

Liquid EarthLiquid Earth

Oceanography

Hydrology

• study of the composition and movements of sea water, as . well as coastal processes, seafloor topography, and marine life

• study of the oceans and oceanic phenomena

• study of Earth’s fresh water systems

• including, rivers, streams, and groundwater

Gaseous EarthGaseous Earth

Meteorology – study of the atmosphere; weather and climate

Space

Astronomy – the scientific study of the universe and the relationship between Earth and the universe. It focuses on the observation and interpretation of celestial bodies in space.

Sample ProblemsSample Problems

4) Which branch of earth science would most likely study the origin of meteorites?

(A) astronomy (B) geology

(C) meteorology (D) oceanography

1) Which of the following branches of Earth Science focus on the study of atmospheric conditions?

(A) astronomy (B) meteorology

(C) seismology (D) paleontology

2) Which branch of Earth Science focuses on the study of fossils?

(A) astronomy (B) meteorology

(C) palaeontology (D) seismology

3) Which branch of Earth Science focuses on the study of Earth’s water systems?

(A) hydrology (B) palaeontology

(C) petrology (D) seismology

Common Errors and Common Errors and MisconceptionsMisconceptions

Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere which focuses on weather and climate, whereas, meteorites fall under the study of astronomy.

The impact meteorites have on Earth’s surface falls under the study of Geology.

4 Branches of Earth Science4 Branches of Earth Science

• Geology- The study of the origin, history, and structure of the solid earth and the processes that shape it.

Branches of Earth Science Branches of Earth Science ……• Oceanography-the Oceanography-the

study of earth’s study of earth’s oceans. Includes the oceans. Includes the study of currents, study of currents, waves, tides, waves, tides, chemical chemical composition of composition of ocean water, plant ocean water, plant and animal life.and animal life.

Branches of Earth Science …Branches of Earth Science …

MeteorologyMeteorology- the study - the study of earth’s of earth’s atmosphere. atmosphere.

Branches of Earth Science …Branches of Earth Science … Astronomy- the study of the universe beyond the Astronomy- the study of the universe beyond the

earth.(4000 years of study!)earth.(4000 years of study!)

Why is this Important to me?Why is this Important to me?

In your group discuss why studying and In your group discuss why studying and understanding Earth Science is important to understanding Earth Science is important to you and society.you and society.

Elect a scribe and be prepared to present a Elect a scribe and be prepared to present a brief summary of your discussion.brief summary of your discussion.

• • Which branch of Earth Science would you most like to explore?Which branch of Earth Science would you most like to explore? • • What is the biggest problem that we face today? Which Earth What is the biggest problem that we face today? Which Earth

scientists may help us to solve the problem?scientists may help us to solve the problem? • • What other branches of science or society are related to and What other branches of science or society are related to and

necessary for Earth Science?necessary for Earth Science?