Earth Sciences – Earth Sciences – Jack Pierce – MS 2Jack Pierce – MS 2Earth Sciences – Earth Sciences – Jack Pierce – MS 2Jack Pierce – MS 2

GeologyGeologyGeologyGeology

AstronomyAstronomyAstronomyAstronomy

MeteorologyMeteorologyMeteorologyMeteorology

OceanographyOceanographyOceanographyOceanography

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What is Earth ScienceWhat is Earth Science????

• Explores the scientific study of all aspects of earthExplores the scientific study of all aspects of earth• atmosphere, oceansatmosphere, oceans• minerals, rocks, soilsminerals, rocks, soils• deserts, mountainsdeserts, mountains

How is the Earth studied? –How is the Earth studied? –Science asks deeper questionsScience asks deeper questions

• How do “things” work and why?How do “things” work and why?• Why have glaciers retreated and advancedWhy have glaciers retreated and advanced over geologic time?over geologic time?

• What effects might happen to natural earth What effects might happen to natural earth processes if they were inadvertently changed? processes if they were inadvertently changed?

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What questions do you have about your earth?What questions do you have about your earth?

How do you think these questions are answeredwith accuracy?How do you think these questions are answeredwith accuracy?

How do we find “accuracy” in our answers? How do we find “accuracy” in our answers? How do we find “accuracy” in our answers? How do we find “accuracy” in our answers?

The Scientific MethodThe Scientific MethodThe Scientific MethodThe Scientific MethodA set of A set of logicallogical steps scientists use to steps scientists use to “get to the “get to the truth”truth” of processes acting in the universe of processes acting in the universeA set of A set of logicallogical steps scientists use to steps scientists use to “get to the “get to the truth”truth” of processes acting in the universe of processes acting in the universe

Making ObservationsMaking Observations • Collecting facts, asking why questionsCollecting facts, asking why questions

Making ObservationsMaking Observations • Collecting facts, asking why questionsCollecting facts, asking why questions

Formulating a HypothesisFormulating a Hypothesis (predictions as to why)(predictions as to why)• Explaining how and why it works (after Explaining how and why it works (after fact-fact- finding), “educated guessing”finding), “educated guessing”

Formulating a HypothesisFormulating a Hypothesis (predictions as to why)(predictions as to why)• Explaining how and why it works (after Explaining how and why it works (after fact-fact- finding), “educated guessing”finding), “educated guessing”

Testing the Hypothesis (experimenting)Testing the Hypothesis (experimenting)• performing experimentations that test performing experimentations that test the the accuracy of the hypothesisaccuracy of the hypothesis

Testing the Hypothesis (experimenting)Testing the Hypothesis (experimenting)• performing experimentations that test performing experimentations that test the the accuracy of the hypothesisaccuracy of the hypothesis

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How do we find “accuracy” in our answersHow do we find “accuracy” in our answers? How do we find “accuracy” in our answersHow do we find “accuracy” in our answers?

The Scientific MethodThe Scientific MethodThe Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method

Scientific TheoryScientific Theory• well-tested hypothesis – widely accepted well-tested hypothesis – widely accepted view view that explains observable facts that explains observable facts

Scientific TheoryScientific Theory• well-tested hypothesis – widely accepted well-tested hypothesis – widely accepted view view that explains observable facts that explains observable facts

Scientific Law or PrincipleScientific Law or Principle• natural phenomena are observed to happen innatural phenomena are observed to happen in the same way – no deviations have ever beenthe same way – no deviations have ever been observedobserved

Scientific Law or PrincipleScientific Law or Principle• natural phenomena are observed to happen innatural phenomena are observed to happen in the same way – no deviations have ever beenthe same way – no deviations have ever been observedobserved

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The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method

If you fail, try try try again. If you fail, try try try again.

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The Scientific Method in Action-- AstronomyThe Scientific Method in Action-- Astronomy

C. PtolemyC. PtolemyAlmagest – Almagest – accepted accepted thethegeocentricgeocentric model overmodel overthe the heliocentric heliocentric modelmodel

A.D. 90 – 168A.D. 90 – 168 1571-16301571-16301473-15431473-1543

N. N. CopernicusCopernicusContinued Continued with thewith theheliocentricheliocentrictheory– --theory– --

and was and was widely widely acceptedaccepted

J. KeplerJ. KeplerDeveloped Developed thethethree three planetaryplanetarylaws of laws of motionmotion

RevolutionizRevolutionizededastronomyastronomy

1643-17271643-1727

Isaac NewtonIsaac NewtonDescribed the 3 lawsDescribed the 3 lawsof motion, Universalof motion, UniversalGravitation, showedGravitation, showedearth and planetaryearth and planetarybodies are governedbodies are governedby universal laws ofby universal laws ofphysics – physics – thus endingthus endinggeocentric theorygeocentric theory

Observation/ Experimentation/ TheoryObservation/ Experimentation/ Theory1,650 years of scientific method1,650 years of scientific method

AstronomyAstronomyTimelineTimeline

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I I I I Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science.

I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.

Discuss with a friend:Discuss with a friend:

1.1.Explain why the scientific method is Explain why the scientific method is a useful tool for learning about the a useful tool for learning about the processes that occur in our universe.processes that occur in our universe.

22 Define the steps within the scientificDefine the steps within the scientific method. method.

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Earth System Science –

How does the view of Earth influence the How does the view of Earth influence the way we study earth? way we study earth?

Various “systems” within the earth that Various “systems” within the earth that interactinteractwith one another -– called with one another -– called Earth System Earth System ScienceScience

• Systems are NOT individually Systems are NOT individually studiedstudied

• How one system impacts How one system impacts another another system system

Various “systems” within the earth that Various “systems” within the earth that interactinteractwith one another -– called with one another -– called Earth System Earth System ScienceScience

• Systems are NOT individually Systems are NOT individually studiedstudied

• How one system impacts How one system impacts another another system system

SystemSystem::An integrated set of “parts” that work together An integrated set of “parts” that work together to to accomplish a goal or task (objective) accomplish a goal or task (objective)

SystemSystem::An integrated set of “parts” that work together An integrated set of “parts” that work together to to accomplish a goal or task (objective) accomplish a goal or task (objective) 11Give an example of various systems.Give an example of various systems.

How do you think earth processes interact?

How do you think earth processes interact?

Earth as a System:• How systems exchange matter and energy

Earth as a System:• How systems exchange matter and energy

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IsolatedSystemIsolatedSystem

No exchange ofmatter or energyNo exchange ofmatter or energy

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ClosedSystemClosedSystem

Exchange of energybut not matterExchange of energybut not matter

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OpenSystemOpen

System

Exchange of bothmatter and energyExchange of bothmatter and energy

Which system is the Earth?Which system is the Earth?

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The Fragile Earth – A CLOSED system: The Fragile Earth – A CLOSED system:

“There is no away to throw things to.”“There is no away to throw things to.” XX

xxxx

• Any change in a closed system will affect other Any change in a closed system will affect other systems.systems.

• The amount of matter on earth is “fixed” – “We ain’t gotThe amount of matter on earth is “fixed” – “We ain’t got no more” --- This is all we have.no more” --- This is all we have.

• When we dispose of waste, it’s still here. The waste willWhen we dispose of waste, it’s still here. The waste will remain within the closed boundaries of earth.remain within the closed boundaries of earth.

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I I I I Earth Science.Earth Science.Earth Science.Earth Science.

I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.

Discuss with a friend:Discuss with a friend:

1.1.Define a system as discussed in Define a system as discussed in earth science.earth science.

2. Differentiate between an open, closed,2. Differentiate between an open, closed, and isolated system.and isolated system.

3. Explain why earth is considered a closed3. Explain why earth is considered a closed system. system.

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The fragile earth as a closed system is supported by fourinterrelated open systems.The fragile earth as a closed system is supported by fourinterrelated open systems.

LithosphereRepresents the solid earth:minerals, rocks, and interior

LithosphereRepresents the solid earth:minerals, rocks, and interior

Atmosphere:Thin blanket of gas keepinglife alive, warm, and protected

Atmosphere:Thin blanket of gas keepinglife alive, warm, and protected

Hydrosphere:Interaction of all water processes,only planet with water,71% ocean 12,500 feet deep,streams, lakes, groundwater

Hydrosphere:Interaction of all water processes,only planet with water,71% ocean 12,500 feet deep,streams, lakes, groundwater

Biosphere:Includes all living organisms on land, in water, and in air

Biosphere:Includes all living organisms on land, in water, and in air

GeosphereInteraction of all open systems

GeosphereInteraction of all open systems

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How the 4 major open systems are divided intoopen subsystems:

HydrosphereHydrosphere::oceans, streams, lakes, groundwater, glaciers,oceans, streams, lakes, groundwater, glaciers,raindropsraindrops

Atmosphere:Atmosphere:high/low pressure systems, clouds, atmospherichigh/low pressure systems, clouds, atmospheric

layers, interaction of atmospheric gasseslayers, interaction of atmospheric gasses

Lithosphere:Lithosphere:plate tectonics, minerals/rocks, rock cycleplate tectonics, minerals/rocks, rock cycle

Biosphere:Biosphere:separating different species of animals and separating different species of animals and

plantsplants 17

I I I I Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science. Discuss with a friend:Discuss with a friend:

1.1.Define the following:Define the following:lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere,lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere,

atmosphereatmosphere

2.2.Provide an earth process that takesProvide an earth process that takes place between two open systems.place between two open systems.

3. What is the meaning of geosphere? 3. What is the meaning of geosphere?

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An Important Aspect of Earth ScienceAn Important Aspect of Earth Science

• The earth maintains The earth maintains balancebalance between the between the open systems through open systems through positivepositive and and negativenegative feedback mechanisms.feedback mechanisms.

An Important Aspect of Earth ScienceAn Important Aspect of Earth Science

• The earth maintains The earth maintains balancebalance between the between the open systems through open systems through positivepositive and and negativenegative feedback mechanisms.feedback mechanisms.

Positive feedbackPositive feedback works to change the systemPositive feedbackPositive feedback works to change the system

Negative feedbackNegative feedback works to resist the change works to resist the change Negative feedbackNegative feedback works to resist the change works to resist the change

Working to change the systemchange the system and working toresist the changeresist the change maintains balancebalance within thesystem.

Working to change the systemchange the system and working toresist the changeresist the change maintains balancebalance within thesystem.

19weight gain exampleweight gain example

“Tug of War”“Tug of War”

Positive/Negative Feedback Example:Positive/Negative Feedback Example:

Earth’s climatic system – positive/negativenegative feedbackEarth’s climatic system – positive/negativenegative feedback

Positive feedbackPositive feedbackPositive feedbackPositive feedback

SUN

OceanOcean

water vapor –increasesair temperature

water vapor –increasesair temperature

Evaporatessea water

Evaporatessea water

Negative feedbackNegative feedbackNegative feedbackNegative feedback

Increasing evaporationIncreasing evaporation(working to change the system)(working to change the system)

Increasing evaporationIncreasing evaporation(working to change the system)(working to change the system)

Water vapor condenses,forming clouds

Water vapor condenses,forming clouds

Reflecting sunlightReflecting sunlight

Decreasing evaporationDecreasing evaporation(working to resist change)(working to resist change)Decreasing evaporationDecreasing evaporation

(working to resist change)(working to resist change)

OceanOcean

Atmosphere maintains balance.Atmosphere maintains balance. 20

I I I I Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science.

I will get an A on my exams and quizzesI will get an A on my exams and quizzesDiscuss with a friend:Discuss with a friend:

1.1.Describe the meaning of positive andDescribe the meaning of positive and negative feedback mechanisms.negative feedback mechanisms.2. Explain how positive and negative2. Explain how positive and negative feedback mechanisms keep the earthfeedback mechanisms keep the earth balanced.balanced.3.3.Think of at least 2 positive/negativeThink of at least 2 positive/negative feedbacks that balance the earth.feedbacks that balance the earth.

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GeologyGeologyGeologyGeology

AstronomyAstronomyAstronomyAstronomy

MeteorologyMeteorologyMeteorologyMeteorology

OceanographyOceanographyOceanographyOceanography

Aspects of earth science:Aspects of earth science:

Geology – the study of the earthGeology – the study of the earth

Physical Geology:•Materials that comprise the earth

• rocks, minerals, earth’s interior • processes acting below and above the surface

Physical Geology:•Materials that comprise the earth

• rocks, minerals, earth’s interior • processes acting below and above the surface

Historical Geology:•Understand the earth’s origin and development

• understand the chronological order of geologic events over 4.6 b.y.

The geologic time scale

Dating various geologic events

The significance of fossils

Historical Geology:•Understand the earth’s origin and development

• understand the chronological order of geologic events over 4.6 b.y.

The geologic time scale

Dating various geologic events

The significance of fossils

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Physical Oceanography:• The study of the ocean floor including:

• Ocean chemistry• Physics• Sea floor geology• Coastal processes• Sea floor topography

Physical Oceanography:• The study of the ocean floor including:

• Ocean chemistry• Physics• Sea floor geology• Coastal processes• Sea floor topography

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Meteorology:• Study of the atmosphere and processes that produce climate and weather

Meteorology:• Study of the atmosphere and processes that produce climate and weather

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Astronomy:

• The study of the universe• the earth’s place in our universe

• the origin of our earth

• how earth is related to all other objects in the universe

Astronomy:

• The study of the universe• the earth’s place in our universe

• the origin of our earth

• how earth is related to all other objects in the universe

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I I I I Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science.

I will get an A on my exams and quizzesI will get an A on my exams and quizzes

Discuss with a friend:Discuss with a friend:

1.1.Provide a definition and example forProvide a definition and example for each discipline found in ES.each discipline found in ES.

2. Explain why the earth is a closed 2. Explain why the earth is a closed system.system.

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8.8.

SUNSUN

MercuryMercury

VenusVenus

EarthEarthMarsMars

JupiterJupiter SaturnSaturn

UranusUranusNeptuneNeptune

Asteroid BeltAsteroid Belt

Outer planetsJovian planetsGas planets

Inner planetsTerrestrial planets

The earth’s place in the solar systemThe earth’s place in the solar system

Low densitiesLow densities

High densities 28

The earth’s interior

InnerInner Core CoreSolid- Ni, FeSolid- Ni, Fe12.5 g/cm12.5 g/cm33

Outer Outer CoreCoreMolten – Ni, Molten – Ni,

FeFe11.5 g/cm11.5 g/cm33

Mantle Mantle --Solid Solid

Si,O,Fe,Mg,CSi,O,Fe,Mg,Caa

5.5 g/cm5.5 g/cm33

Temp:5000 C

Source ofmagnetic

field

Asthenosphereductile rock

Mantle

Core

LithosphereCont/ocean

crustUpper mantle

2.8 g/cm3

Crust

Why are densitiesWhy are densitiesarranged fromarranged from

heavy (core) to heavy (core) to lightest (crust)?lightest (crust)?

Chemical Differentiation

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What makesearth unique?? Oxygen, water, life

• oxygen atmosphere• no O2 on other planets• the hydrologic cycle

Soil accumulation• weathering of rocks• various soil types

Plate Tectonics• moving continents• formation of landforms from interacting plates

Oxygen, water, life• oxygen atmosphere• no O2 on other planets• the hydrologic cycle

Soil accumulation• weathering of rocks• various soil types

Plate Tectonics• moving continents• formation of landforms from interacting plates

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I I I I Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science.

I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.

Discuss with a friend:Discuss with a friend:1.1.Name the planets in their proper order.Name the planets in their proper order.

2. Describe the layering of the earth2. Describe the layering of the earth using using lithospherelithosphere, , asthenosphereasthenosphere, , mantlemantle, and , and corecore; explain properties.; explain properties.

3. Describe chemical differentiation.3. Describe chemical differentiation.

4. Present at least 3 reasons why the4. Present at least 3 reasons why the earth is unique. earth is unique.

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Humans and Our EarthHumans and Our Earth

How long have humans inhabited the earth?How long have humans inhabited the earth?

JanJan JanJanAge of

dinosaursAge of

dinosaurs

4.6 billion years4.6 billion years

Man began inhabiting the earth (2 million years ago) --December 31, the last 30 seconds of the year!!!!

Man began inhabiting the earth (2 million years ago) --December 31, the last 30 seconds of the year!!!!How has man impacted earth in the last 5000years (the beginning of reasonably modern times)How has man impacted earth in the last 5000years (the beginning of reasonably modern times)

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How does the earth’s population grow??

6.5 billion

Production of food

Enough food producedEnough food produced

faminefamine

Paul Ehrlich-Stanford UniversityPaul Ehrlich-Stanford University• food supplies will fall short, andfood supplies will fall short, and famine will follow.famine will follow.

Paul Waggoner – an agronomistPaul Waggoner – an agronomist• using current technology, using current technology, productivity increases far productivity increases far beyond population growth.beyond population growth.

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So, why study Earth Science?•We depend on earth’s resources.

• where to find resources and how to manage the resources

So, why study Earth Science?•We depend on earth’s resources.

• where to find resources and how to manage the resources

• Understand earth (geologic) hazards• how earthquakes, land sliding, volcanic eruptions, floods, hurricanes, tornados, “just to name a few” processes, work!

• Understand earth (geologic) hazards• how earthquakes, land sliding, volcanic eruptions, floods, hurricanes, tornados, “just to name a few” processes, work!

• Understand the complexity of the interactions between the earth’s spheres

• open system relationships between the lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere

• Understand the complexity of the interactions between the earth’s spheres

• open system relationships between the lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere

Oh yeah, so you get your science requirement!Oh yeah, so you get your science requirement!

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I I I I Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science.

I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.

Discuss with a friend:Discuss with a friend:

1.1.Explain why earth science is importantExplain why earth science is important to study, even for a non-scientist.to study, even for a non-scientist.