Introduction to Earth Science What is Earth Science

Introduction to Earth Science

What is Earth Science l Earth science is the name for all science that collectively seeks to understand Earth and its neighbors.

Four Branches of E/S l Geology l Oceanography l Meteorology l Astronomy

Geology l. Study of the Earth

Oceanography l The scientific study of the oceans and oceanic phenomena.

Meteorology l The scientific study of the atmosphere and atmospheric phenomena (weather & climate).

Astronomy l The scientific study of the universe, including the observation and interpretation of celestial bodies and phenomena.

The Environment l The term environment refers to everything that surrounds and influences an organism. l Your physical to water, temperature, sunlight. environment air, soil, humidity refers rock, and

Environmental l The term environmental focuses on the relationships between people and the environment. l How we influence the environment.

Resources l Resources include water, soil, minerals and energy.

Two Categories of Resources l Renewable – can be replaced over a short period of time l Non-renewable- processes that create them are slow

Population Growth l In 2007 – 6. 6 billion people l Current growth rate 75 million/year Concerns: How long will our resources last? At what cost to our environment? Can alternatives be found?