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Earth Science and Its Branches
Lesson Objectives
Define and describe Earth science as a general field with many branches. Identify the field of geology as a branch of Earth science dealing with the solid Earth. Describe oceanography as a branch of Earth science that has several subdivisions that deal with the various aspects of the ocean. Define meteorology as a branch of Earth science that deals with the atmosphere. Understand that astronomy is an extension of Earth science that examines other parts of the solar system and universe. List some of the other branches of Earth science, and how they relate to the study of the Earth.
Introduction
Earth science is made of many branches of knowledge concerning all aspects of the Earth system. The main branches are geology, meteorology, climatology, oceanography, and environmental science. Astronomy uses principles understood from Earth to learn about the solar system, galaxy, and universe.
Overview of Earth Science
Only recently have humans begun to understand the complexity of our planet Earth. We have only known for a few hundred years that Earth is just a tiny part of an enormous galaxy, which in turn is a tiny part of an even greater universe. Earth science deals with any and all aspects of the Earth: its lands, interior, atmosphere, and oceans. In all its wonder, Earth scientists seek to understand the beautiful sphere on which we live, shown in Figure below.
Earth as seen from Apollo 17. Earth is a very large, complex system or set of systems, so most Earth scientists specialize in studying one aspect of the planet. Since all of the branches of Earth science are connected, these researchers work together to answer complicated questions. The major branches of Earth science are described below.
Geology
Geology is the study of the Earth’s solid material and structures and the processes that create them. Some ideas geologists might consider include how rocks and landforms are created or the composition of rocks, minerals, or various landforms. Geologists consider how natural processes create and destroy materials on Earth, and how humans can use Earth materials as resources, among other topics. Geology has many branches, only a few of which are described in Figure below. As you learn about each branch of geology, think of an interesting question that you might like to try to answer.
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/02fire/logs/jul06/media/abefly.html. Marine biologists study life in the oceans.
Climatology and Meteorology
Meteorology includes the study of weather patterns, clouds, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Using modern technology such as radars and satellites, meteorologists are getting more accurate at forecasting the weather all the time Meteorologists forecast major storms to save lives and property. Climatologists study the whole atmosphere, taking a long-range view. Climatologists can help us better understand how and why climate changes
Carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is causing the global climate to change.
Environmental Science
Environmental scientists study the effects people have on their environment, including the landscape, atmosphere, water, and living things Every action people take has some effect on Earth’s environment.
Astronomy
Astronomers are interested in outer space and the physical bodies beyond the Earth. They use telescopes to see things far beyond what the human eye can see. Astronomers help to design spacecraft that travel into space and send back information about faraway places or satellites (
BrainPOP features in depth discussions of many topics in earth systems including text and movies: http://www.brainpop.com/science/earthsystem/. USGS Online Lectures: Lectures 60-90 minutes long delivered by experts covering an enormous range of Earth science topics can provide detail on topics of interest to students and teachers. They can be found at http://education.usgs.gov/common/video_lectures.html.
Points to Consider
Why is Earth science important? Which branch of Earth science would you most like to explore? What is the biggest problem that humans face today? Which Earth scientists may help us to solve the problem? How do the other branches of science impact Earth science?
