The Study of
Earth Science
Mrs. R. Williams
Big Ideas of Earth Science
Earth Science is the study of the Earth
we live in and our neighbors in space.
Earth scientists use several big ideas
to guide their work:
•The structure of the Earth system
•Earth’s History
•Earth in the Solar System
The Structure of the Earth System
Scientists often divide Earth
into four parts, or spheres:
the lithosphere (land),
hydrosphere (water),
atmosphere (air), and
biosphere (life). These four
spheres are not separate.
They make up the Earth
system. Changes in any part
of the system can affect other
parts.
Earth’s History
Scientists have evidence
that Earth is 4.6 billion years
old!
During this time, it has
not remained the same.
Earth in the Solar System
Earth is not alone in space. It is part of the solar
system. The solar system is made up of the
sun and the planets-with their moons-that move
around the sun.
The Branches of Earth Science
There are several branches of Earth science. We will
be learning about:
Geology – the study of the solid Earth
Oceanography – the study of Earth’s oceans
Meteorology – the study of Earth’s atmosphere
Astronomy – the study of the universe beyond Earth
Environmental Science – the study of Earth’s
environment and resources
Geology
Geology is the study of the solid Earth. Geologists study the
forces that have shaped Earth throughout its long history. They
study the chemical and physical characteristics of rock.
Oceanography
Oceanography is the study of Earth’s oceans. Oceanographers
study everything from the chemistry of ocean water to the
shape of the ocean floor to living things in the ocean’s depths.
Meterology
Meteorology is the study of Earth’s atmosphere. Meteorologists
do much more than just forecast the weather. They gather
information about conditions in atmosphere from around the
world.
Astronomy
Astronomy is the study of universe beyond Earth. Astronomers
focus on the solar system, observe stars and galaxies in an
effort to understand the universe and its history.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science is the study of Earth’s environment and
resources. Environmental scientists work together to determine
the effects of human activities on Earth’s land, air, water and
living things. They try to solve problems, such as pollutions,
that result from the use of resources.
Review
1. What are the big ideas of Earth Science?
2. Why do scientists view Earth as a system?
3. Give an example how one of the spheres of the
Earth system can affect at least one of the other
spheres.
4. List the five braches of Earth science
5. What do geologists do?
6. What type of Earth scientist would probably study
the effects human activities on coral reefs? Explain