Overview of Earth Science

Definition: The study of the Earth’s structure, properties, processes, and the relationships between them.
Branches:
- Geology: Study of rocks, minerals, and the Earth's structure.
- Meteorology: Study of weather and atmospheric phenomena.
- Oceanography: Study of oceans, marine organisms, and oceanic phenomena.
- Astronomy: Study of celestial bodies and the universe beyond Earth.

Crust: Thin outer layer; composed of rocks and minerals; two types: continental and oceanic.
Mantle: Thick layer beneath the crust; made of semi-solid rock; convection currents drive plate tectonics.
Core: Inner and outer core; outer is liquid iron and nickel; inner is solid due to extreme pressure.

Theory: Earth's lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.
Types of Boundaries:
- Convergent: Plates collide; can form mountains or cause subduction.
- Divergent: Plates separate; can create new crust (e.g., mid-ocean ridges).
- Transform: Plates slide past each other; can cause earthquakes (e.g., San Andreas Fault).

Processes:
- Weathering: Breakdown of rocks at Earth’s surface.
- Erosion: Movement of sediment from one location to another.
- Sedimentation: Accumulation of sediment in layers.
- Metamorphism: Transformation of existing rock due to heat and pressure.
Types of Rocks:
- Igneous: Formed from cooled molten rock (magma/lava).
- Sedimentary: Formed from compaction and cementation of sediments.
- Metamorphic: Formed from existing rocks under heat and pressure.

Weather: Short-term atmospheric conditions (temperature, humidity, precipitation).
Climate: Long-term average of weather patterns in a region.
Factors Influencing Climate:
- Latitude: Affects solar energy received.
- Altitude: Temperature decreases with elevation.
- Proximity to Water: Oceans and lakes moderate temperature.

Processes:
- Evaporation: Water changes from liquid to vapor.
- Condensation: Water vapor cools and forms clouds.
- Precipitation: Water returns to Earth as rain, snow, etc.
- Infiltration: Water soaks into the ground replenishing groundwater.

Types:
- Earthquakes: Sudden shaking caused by plate movements.
- Volcanic Eruptions: Explosive release of magma and gases.
- Landslides: Movement of rock or earth down a slope.
- Floods: Overflow of water onto normally dry land.

Minerals: Naturally occurring inorganic substances with definite chemical composition.
Fossil Fuels: Energy sources derived from ancient organic matter (coal, oil, natural gas).
Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished naturally (solar, wind, hydro).

Understanding Natural Processes: Helps predict natural disasters and understand environmental changes.
Resource Management: Guides sustainable extraction and use of natural resources.
Environmental Protection: Informs policies aimed at conservation and mitigating human impact.

Earth science encompasses the study of the planet’s structure, properties, and processes, as well as their interrelationships.
Major branches include geology (study of rocks and Earth's structure), meteorology (weather and atmosphere), oceanography (oceans and marine life), and astronomy (celestial bodies).

The crust is the Earth's outer layer, composed of various rocks and minerals; it includes continental and oceanic types.
Beneath the crust lies the mantle, consisting of semi-solid rock that facilitates plate tectonics through convection currents.
The core is divided into an outer layer of liquid iron and nickel and an inner solid layer, the latter resulting from extreme pressure.

The lithosphere is split into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere, forming the basis of the plate tectonics theory.
Convergent boundaries occur when plates collide, potentially creating mountains or leading to subduction.
Divergent boundaries result from plates moving apart, generating new crust at mid-ocean ridges.
Transform boundaries involve plates sliding past each other, which can cause significant earthquakes, such as those along the San Andreas Fault.

The rock cycle includes processes like weathering (breaking down of rocks), erosion (sediment transport), sedimentation (layering of sediments), and metamorphism (rock transformation under heat and pressure).
Three main rock types:
- Igneous rocks form from the cooling of molten rock (magma/lava).
- Sedimentary rocks develop from the compaction and cementation of sediments.
- Metamorphic rocks arise from existing rocks transformed by heat and pressure.

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation, while climate is the long-term average of these patterns in a region.
Key factors influencing climate include latitude (affecting solar energy), altitude (lower temperatures with elevation), and proximity to water (which moderates temperatures).

Key processes in the water cycle are:
- Evaporation: Water transitions from liquid to vapor.
- Condensation: Water vapor cools to form clouds.
- Precipitation: Water returns to Earth in the form of rain or snow.
- Infiltration: Water seeps into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies.

Types of natural hazards include:
- Earthquakes, resulting from sudden movement of tectonic plates.
- Volcanic eruptions, which release magma and gases explosively.
- Landslides, characterized by the downward movement of rock or soil.
- Floods, occurring when water overflows onto dry land.

Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with specific chemical compositions.
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, are energy sources formed from ancient organic materials.
Renewable resources, such as solar, wind, and hydro, can be naturally replenished and are essential for sustainable energy.

Earth science is crucial for understanding natural processes, enhancing disaster prediction, and monitoring environmental changes.
Knowledge gained aids in sustainable resource management, guiding the responsible extraction and use of natural resources.
Insights from earth science inform environmental protection policies aimed at conserving ecosystems and reducing human impact.