Introduction to Earth Science

• Science is the study of the natural and physical world's features and behavior.
• Science is divided into physical science, life science, and Earth science.
• Earth science studies the Earth and its neighboring planets in space.
• Earth science helps to solve mysteries and understand natural systems of the planet.
• Earth science investigates the Earth's structure, processes, and properties.

Definition of Earth Science

• Earth science studies the features and processes of the Earth and its nearby planets in space.
• Earth science incorporates meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, and geology.
• Earth science has expanded into sub-categories and specializations like seismology, volcanology, geochemistry, ecology, cartography, mineralogy, and limnology.

Earth Science Fields

• Earth science is divided into geology, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology.

Geology

• Geology is the study of Earth's materials, structures, and crust, including the processes that create them.
• Geology is divided into sub-categories like seismology, mineralogy, and volcanology.

Seismology

• An important specialization under geophysics.
• It studies seismic waves and earthquakes that form in the Earth's crust.
• Seismologists study seismic waves and earthquakes.
• Seismic waves are movements of tectonic plates.
• Plate movements, faults, stress, or slips can lead to earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and avalanches.
• A seismograph measures seismic vibrations during an earthquake.

Mineralogy

• Mineralogy studies different aspects of minerals, including chemical composition, physical features, forms, occurrence, and distribution in nature.
• Mineralogy includes crystallography, which studies crystals and their geometry.
• Crystallography measures the faces, axes, and symmetry of crystals.

Volcanology

• Volcanology studies volcanoes, including eruption processes, magma emission, and the impact on the environment.
• Volcanologists study volcanic lava and its impact on the environment.

Astronomy

• Astronomy studies the neighboring planets in space and celestial bodies.
• It includes the study of the moon, the Sun, planets, stars, galaxies, and dark matter.
• Astronomy keeps track of everything in space to answer questions.

Oceanography

• Around 71% of the planet Earth is covered in water.
• Oceans are the largest water bodies and home to 2.2 million species of animals.
• Oceanography studies the physical, biological, and chemical aspects of the ocean.
• Climate change affects the chemical and biological features of oceans.

Meteorology

• Meteorology studies atmospheric properties and processes occurring in the Earth's lower atmosphere.
• Meteorologists study wind patterns and forecast the weather, using tools, maps, and satellite data.
• Meteorology is important for providing weather forecasts and predicting the effects of climate change.
• Meteorology uses satellite data for weather forecasting.

Other Specifications

• Limnology studies freshwater bodies.
• Cartography studies and makes maps.
• Geography studies landforms, places, and people.

Word Roots

• Earth science words often derive from Latin or Greek.
• Understanding word roots helps in learning concepts.
• The Greek root word "geo" means Earth.
• Examples: geography (geo + graphos = earth + to write), geomorphology (geo + morpho = earth + shape), geochronometry (geo + chrono = earth + time).
• The suffix "-ology" means study of.
• Examples: meteorology (meteor + ology = study of + high sky) and microbiology (microbio + ology = study of + tiny organisms).
• Most technical terms in Earth sciences come from Greek, Latin, and German roots.
• Common word roots include: iso, geo, morphic, thermo, chrono, strato, and pseudo.

What Earth Scientists Study

• Earth scientists study the Earth, planets, and the processes and events that cause changes in our planet's form and environment.
• Earth scientists study questions that help humans protect and conserve the planet and its resources.
• Meteorologists study weather, the composition of the Earth's atmosphere, air motions, and weather changes.
• Meteorologists use tools for analyzing, measuring, and predicting changes in weather.
• Seismologists study the pattern of seismic waves.
• Forecasting bad weather and earthquakes can save lives.
• Forensic meteorologists investigate the impact of weather on accidents, fires, and other legal issues, and testify in court.
• Oceanographers study changes in the oceans caused by human activities and pollution and find ways to mitigate the harm.
• Oceanographers study tides and waves to see if they can be used as renewable energy.
• Geology is divided into physical and historical geology.
• Physical geologists study landforms, soil composition, rocks, and minerals.
• Geology studies processes and events like earthquakes and volcanoes that form new structures on Earth.
• Historical geologists study historical geological events and the evolution of Earth.
• Paleontology is the sub-discipline under historical geology.
• Geologists study rocks and fossils to provide information on future climate change and its effects.
• Historical Geology studies fossils and historical events that resulted in the formation of Earth.

Earth science explores Earth's features, processes, and its neighboring planets. It solves mysteries and studies natural systems, incorporating fields like meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, and geology. Sub-categories include seismology, volcanology, and more.