1-2 The Study of Earth Science

Big Ideas of Earth Science

Areas of Earth Science

Scientific Models

What is “Earth Science?”

• Earth science is….

… the term used for the study of Earth and its place in the Universe.

Big Ideas of Earth Science

The Structure ofEarth’s Systems1)Four Spheres A) Atmosphere B) Hydrosphere C) Lithosphere D) Biosphere

But wait! What is a “system?”

• System?

• A group of parts that work together as a whole.

What moves between systems?

• Matter and Energy

• Energy: The ability to do work or cause change.

Earth’s Systems

The Big Ideas of Earth Science

Earth’s History• Earth has

changed over time as Constructive forces and destructive forces have shaped Earth’s Surface.

The Big Ideas of Earth Science

Earth’s Place in the Solar System•The solar system is made up of the planets and their moons that move around the sun.•As well as other particles that move around the sun are part of our solar system

Constructive and Destructive Forces

• Constructive Forces:

• Shape Earth’s surface by building mountains and landmasses.

• Example: Volcanic eruptions

• Destructive Forces:

• Shape Earth’s surface by slowly wearing away mountains and every other feature on Earth’s surface.

• Example: Water Erosion.

Branches of Earth Science

• Geology:• The study of the solid

Earth. • Geologists: study

the forces that have shaped the Earth through its history.

• Study the chemical and physical properties of rock

Branches of Earth Science• Oceanography:

• The study of Earth’s oceans.

• Oceanographers:

• Study the chemical makeup of, the physical structure of, and the life forms in the oceans.

Branches of Earth Science

• Meteorology • The study of Earth’s

atmosphere.• Meteorologists:• Gather information

about conditions in the atmosphere from around the world.

Branches of Earth Science

• Astronomy:

• The study of the universe beyond Earth

• Astronomers:

• Study the solar system and other stars and galaxies.

Branches of Earth Science

• Environmental Science:

• The study of Earth’s environment and resources.

• Environmental scientists:

• Study our effect on the environment.

How old is the Earth?

Constructive and Destructive Forces

Scientific Models

Scientific Models

• Scientists use models to represent complex objects or processes