An Introduction to
Earth Science
Unit 1 - Chapter 1
What is Earth Science?
Definition – the study
of Earth and its
neighbors in space.
4 subdivisions of Earth
Science

1. Geology

Definition – study of
planet Earth

2 Areas of Geology
Areas of Geology
Physical Geology
 The examination of the
materials that make
up the Earth
 And the explanations
for the processes that
shape the Earth.
Historical Geology
Understanding Earth’s
long history.

2. Oceanography
•The study of the Ocean’s
biology, chemistry and
geology.
3. Meteorology
•The study of the
atmosphere, weather
and climate.
4. Astronomy
The study of the
universe.

Earth science is an ever evolving science
because the Earth itself is CONSTANTLY
changing!

A new section of Earth science is
environmental science.
Environmental
Science

How humans
interact/their
relationship with
the natural
Environment.
40th anniversary of Earth Day Video

The Earth is divided into 4 major spheres.
Geosphere or
1. Hydrosphere



Consists of all the
water on the Earth.
The oceans make up
97% of the water on
Earth
The other 3% is
freshwater. (we must
MAXIMIZE its use)

Water is what makes
our planet unique!

We are the ONLY
planet with liquid
water.

Water supports life

No water = No life
2. Atmosphere


Thin gaseous layer
that surrounds the
planet
100 kilometers thick.



Provides the air we
breathe
Protects us from the
Sun’s heat and
radiation
Provides our weather
and climate
3. Geosphere

Divided into 4 main parts




1.
2.
3.
4.
The Crust
The Mantle
The Outer Core
The Inner Core
Geosphere Cont.
1. Lithosphere


Rigid outer layer of
the Earth – cool &
solid
Crust & uppermost
part of mantle.
2. Asthenosphere


Plasticity – warm &
liquid
Lower mantle
4. Biosphere

Includes all life on
Earth.

Extends from the ocean
floor to about a mile
into the air
Other Spheres
5. Cryosphere

The Earth's surface
where water is in a
solid form
6. The Anthroposphere
Humans and our
constructions
(also called anthrosphere).

Interactions between the Spheres



All of the spheres interact and influence
the others
The hydrosphere, geosphere and
atmosphere ALL affect life
Life affects and changes the hydrosphere,
geosphere and atmosphere
All the Spheres interact with Each other.

Get into your assigned
groups.



Place all spheres together
in a square formation.
(they should slightly
overlap)
Cut out the different items
or interactions and place
them in the appropriate
sphere or spheres.
EARTH IS A SYSTEM!!!