Section 1 Earth Science

Essential Questions How do the areas of study within Earth science compare? What are Earth’s systems? What are the relationships among Earth’s systems? Why is technology important?

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

New Vocabulary astronomy geosphere meteorology atmosphere geology hydrosphere oceanography cryosphere environmental science biosphere

The Scope of Earth Science The scope of Earth science is vast. This broad field can be broken into five major areas of specialization: astronomy, meteorology, geology, oceanography, and environmental science. EastVillage Images/Shutterstock.com

Subspecialties of Earth Science

Earth’s Systems Scientists who study Earth have identified four main Earth systems: the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Each system is unique, yet each interacts with the others. Earth’s geosphere is composed of everything from the crust to the center of Earth. Notice how thin the crust is in relation to the rest of the geosphere’s components.

Technology The study of science, including Earth science, has led to many discoveries that have been applied to solve society’s needs and problems. The application of scientific discoveries is called technology. Technology is transferable, which means that it can be applied to new situations.

Assessment 1. Which one of these is NOT a specialized area of Earth science? astronomy A Environmental science B technology C CORRECT oceanography D

Assessment 2. Identify the Earth system that is labeled A. atmosphere CORRECT biosphere B hydrosphere C geosphere D

Assessment 3. Identify the Earth system that is labeled B. atmosphere biosphere B CORRECT hydrosphere C geosphere D

Assessment 4. Which type makes up 97 percent of Earth’s water? groundwater A salt water B CORRECT freshwater C spring water D