Introduction to Earth Science

Study Notes

Science is the study of the natural and physical features of our world.
Earth science studies our planet and its neighboring planets in space.
Earth science helps to solve mysteries and understand natural systems.
Earth science investigates the structure, processes, and properties of the Earth.

Earth science examines the features and processes of Earth and its nearby planets.
It includes fields like meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, and geology.
These fields have expanded into sub-categories like seismology, volcanology, geochemistry, ecology, cartography, mineralogy, and limnology.

Geology studies Earth's materials, structures, and crust, including the processes that create them.
Sub-categories of geology include seismology, mineralogy, and volcanology.

Seismology studies seismic waves and earthquakes in the Earth's crust.
Seismologists study the movement of tectonic plates.
Earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and avalanches can result from plate movements.
A seismograph is an instrument measuring seismic vibrations during an earthquake.

Mineralogy studies the chemical composition, forms, occurrence, and distribution of minerals.
Crystallography studies crystals and their geometry.
Crystallography measures crystal faces, axes, and symmetry.

Volcanology studies volcanoes, including eruption processes, magma emission, and environmental impact.

Astronomy studies neighboring planets in space and celestial bodies.
Included are the study of the moon, the Sun, planets, stars, galaxies, and dark matter.
Astronomy seeks to answer questions about the universe.

Oceans cover about 71% of Earth's surface.
Oceans are home to 2.2 million species.
Oceanography studies the physical, biological, and chemical aspects of the ocean.
Climate changes are affecting oceans.

Meteorology studies atmospheric properties and processes in Earth's lower atmosphere.
Meteorologists study wind patterns and forecast the weather.
Forecasting uses tools, maps, and satellite data.
Meteorology provides weather forecasts and predicts the effects of climate change.

Earth science uses word roots from Latin or Greek.
Understanding word roots aids in learning concepts.
"Geo" means Earth such as geography (geo + graphos), geomorphology (geo + morpho), geochronometry (geo + chrono).
"-ology" means study of, such as meteorology (meteor + ology) and microbiology (microbio + ology).
Technical terms use over 300-word roots from Greek, Latin, and German.
Common word roots: iso, geo, morphic, thermo, chrono, strato, and pseudo.

Earth scientists study Earth, planets, and processes that cause changes on our planet.
Each branch helps in understanding our planet and the impact of celestial bodies.
Earth scientists study questions to help humans protect and conserve the planet.

Meteorologists study the science of weather including the composition of the Earth's atmosphere and air motions.
They are involved in analyzing, measuring, and predicting changes in weather.
Insights help in the management of natural disasters.
Accurate forecasting of bad weather helps save lives and property.
Forensic meteorologists investigate the impact of weather on accidents and testify in court.

Oceanographers study the changes to the ocean
They study the geology and biology of the ocean for conserving our natural resources.
Oceanographers study tides and waves as a source of renewable energy.

Physical geologists study landforms, soil, rocks, and minerals.
Examined are processes like earthquakes and volcanoes that form structures on Earth.
Historical geologists study geological events and the evolution of Earth.
Paleontology is a sub-discipline under historical geology.
Geologists study rocks and fossils to provide information on future climate change effects.