ObjectivesCompare the areas of study within Earth science.

Identify Earth’s systems.

Explain the relationships among Earth’s systems.

Explain why technology is important.

Earth ScienceSection 1.1

Review Vocabulary

technology: the application of knowledge gained from scientific research to solve society’s needs and problems

Earth Science

Earth science encompasses five areas of study: astronomy, meteorology, geology, oceanography, and environmental science.

Section 1.1

New Vocabulary

astronomy

meteorology

geology

oceanography

environmental science

geosphere

atmosphere

hydrosphere

biosphere

Earth ScienceSection 1.1

The Scope of Earth Science

the study of objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere

Astronomy

Earth science can be broken into five major areas of specialization:

Earth ScienceSection 1.1

The Scope of Earth Science

the study of the forces and processes that cause the atmosphere to change and produce weather

Meteorology

Earth ScienceSection 1.1

The Scope of Earth Science

the study of materials that make up Earth, the processes that form and change these materials, and the history of the planet and its life-forms

Geology

Earth ScienceSection 1.1

the study of Earth’s oceans

Oceanography

The Scope of Earth Science

the study of the interactions of organisms and their surroundings

Environmental science

Earth ScienceSection 1.1

Earth ScienceSection 1.1

Please click the image above to view the interactive table.

Earth’s Systems

Scientists who study Earth have identified four main Earth systems:

Earth ScienceSection 1.1

Earth’s Systems

the area from the surface of Earth down to its center

Geosphere

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Earth’s Systems

all the water on Earth, including the water in the atmosphere

the blanket of gases that surrounds our planet

Hydrosphere

Atmosphere

Earth ScienceSection 1.1

Earth’s Systems

all organisms on Earth as well as the environments in which they live

Biosphere

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Earth’s Systems

All of Earth’s systems are interdependent. Notice how water from the hydrosphere enters the atmosphere, falls to the biosphere, and soaks into the geosphere.

Earth ScienceSection 1.1

Technology

Technology is not used only to make life easier. It can also make life safer.

Technology is important, not only in science, but in everyday life.

Earth ScienceSection 1.1

CH Key Concepts

Section 1.1 Earth Science

Earth science encompasses five areas of study: astronomy, meteorology, geology, oceanography, and environmental science.

Earth is divided into four systems: the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.

Earth systems are all interdependent.

Study Guide1

CH

Identifying the interrelationships between Earth systems leads to specialties and subspecialties.

Technology is important, not only in science, but in everyday life.

Earth science has contributed to the development of many items used in everyday life.

Section 1.1 Earth Science

1 Study Guide Key Concepts

CH

Which phrase best defines technology?

a. the creation of scientific knowledge

b. the application of scientific knowledge

c. electronic equipment such as computers

d. any type of invention, model, or design

1.1 Section Questions

The Nature of Science1

CH

Earth’s systems often interact. Which example represents an interaction between the hydrosphere and the atmosphere?

a. water eroding a deep canyon

b. water evaporating from the sea

c. water entering a plant’s roots

d. water seeping into soil and rock

1.1 Section Questions

The Nature of Science1

CH

Why do many Earth scientists specialize into subdisciplines?

Answer: Earth science is very broad. It is impossible for any one person to keep up with all Earth science research that is being done. Specializing allows scientists to develop advanced knowledge and skills in their particular subdiscipline.

1.1 Section Questions

The Nature of Science1

CH

Section 1.1 Vocabulary

astronomy

meteorology

geology

oceanography

environmental science

geosphere

atmosphere

hydrosphere

biosphere

The Nature of Science1