The Nature of Scientific Inquiry

• Overall goal of science is to discover the underlying patterns in nature.• Then to use that knowledge to make predictions of what/shouldn’t be expected.

Hypothesis• Hypothesis is an untested explanation that is then tested to determine if it is valid.• Once facts have been gathered by scientists; they try to construct a scientific

hypothesis or also called model. • A prediction is needed by comparing them against observations of nature.• It’s best if there’s more than one hypothesis to explain a given set of explanation.• Other scientists can back up another unable model with their alternative

explanations.• Extensive research can be done by other scientists. • If a hypothesis can not be tested it is not scientifically useful no matter how

interesting it might seem.

Introduction to the Nature of Scientific Inquiry

Theory• A scientific theory is a well-tested accepted view that best explains certain observable facts.

• A theory is more acceptable than a hypothesis because a theory is more agreeable even though there both testable.

• A paradigms is a theory that is held with a very high degree of confidence and is comprehensive in scope.

Scientific Methods •Is the process in which researchers gather facts threw observations and formulate scientific hypothesis and theories.

•Scientific advancements are made when an unexpected even occurs during an experiment, and some scientists use computers to deal with natural process that occur in extreme inaccessible locations.

Studying Earth from Space• Satellite images are another useful source

of data for scientists. • Their a great source because it enables the

scientists to gather information from remote regions where data is hard to find.

• ASTER can provide detailed information about the structure of Earth’s surface.

• Salt on the floor= yellow, green, purple, and pink

• Dark red= mineral quartz found in sandstone.

• Green= limestone• Satellites provides precise measurements

of rainfall over the oceans where land can’t be seen and is able to collect precipitation data.

• This is important because much of Earth is made of tropical areas

This image makes use of the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER).

Understanding Earth • The reading of glaciers gives us

an early purpose for the scientific method.

• In the Alps of Switzerland and France there were small glaciers, people didn’t accept the idea that masses of ice hundreds of meters thick were capable to move .

• The experiment was tested and came to the hypothesis that

glacial ice can move. • They placed marker lines on the valley

walls so that if ice moved the position of the line could be spotted; after 2 years the results were clear.

This experiment was tested many times using more modern techniques.

More pictures on page 11

Earth as a System • Earth System Science is the study of Earth as a system composed of

numerous parts. • System is any size group of parts that form a complex whole.• An example of a system is a car’s cooling system.• Closed Systems is a self contained with regard to matter. Even though

energy moves freely in and out of a closed system no matter will enter or leave the system.

• In an open system both energy and matter flow into and out of system.

Negative Feedback Mechanism • Most systems have mechanisms that increase change.• Negative feedback mechanism works to make the system as it is.

Positive Feedback Mechanisms • Is a mechanism that develops or drive change.• Most of Earth’s system especially the climate have a variety of negative and positive

feedback mechanisms. • Reflective snow and ice covered surfaces replaced by soil, trees, or ocean absorb

more sunlight ; results in a positive feedback.• Ever since carbon dioxide is one of the atmosphere’s greenhouse gases it has a

negative impact on global warming.

Plate Tectonics and Scientific Inquiry

• In the past decades, the mechanisms of our dynamic planet has been a great deal.

• The radical proposal of continental drift started in the early 20th century, together with the revolution in our understanding of Earth.

• The idea of drifting continents was being ridiculed because it contradicted the reputable view that the continents and ocean basins are permanent.

• After gathering information, the geologists were provided with the theory called “Theory of Plate Tectonics.”

Earth’s Spheres• Earth is much more than rock and soil. The most prominent features

are not just the continents but also the vast ocean and swirling clouds hovering above the surface. These features emphasizes the importance of air and water to our planet.

• The physical environment of earth is divided into three major parts; the hydrosphere, atmosphere and the geosphere.

• The three physical realms evenly interacts with the biosphere.

Hydrosphere• Hydrosphere is a dynamic mass of water that is continually on the

move, evaporation and precipitation.• Water makes the Earth blue. Which is why Earth is called the blue

planet. It covers 71% of the earth’s surface to an average depth of 12,500 feet. Water is also an important component of all living things.

Atmosphere• Atmosphere is the thin and fragile gaseous portion of a planet,

the planet’s envelope of air.• This thin blanket of air is an integral part of our planet. It

provides us air to breathe and protects us from the sun’s intense heat and ultraviolet radiation.

Biosphere• Biosphere is the totality of life forms on earth.• Most life on land is concentrated on the surface, with plants

and animals living in their own habitats.• An astonishing variety of life forms are adapted to extreme

environments.• Plants and animals depend on the environment for the basics

of life.• The biosphere influences the other three physical realms.

Without life, the other sphere’s would not function well.

Geosphere• The solid earth; on of Earth’s four basic spheres.• The geosphere extends from the surface to the center of

the planet, which is by far the largest of Earth’s four spheres.

• Scientist can obtain clues to the dynamic processes that shaped our planet by examining the surface’s features.

The Earth System• The Earth system has an endless assortment of subsystem in

which matter is recycled over and over again.• Hydrologic cycle is a subsystem that represents the unending

circulation of Earth’s water.• The rocks of the geosphere are constantly forming, changing, and

reforming. This rock changes is called the rock cycle.• Hydrologic and rock cycles are not independent to one another

but they often interface in many places.