1. The Study of Earth Science
Chapter 1 Lesson 2

2. Question
What are Earth’s major systems and how do they interact?

3. What is Earth science?
Earth science is the science that focuses on planet Earth and its place in the universe.
Scientists use several big ideas to guide their work.
The structure of the Earth system.
Earth’s history.
Earth in the solar system.

4. Big Ideas The Structure of the Earth
Earth is divided into 5 parts or spheres  lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.
System: group of parts that work together as a whole.
Matter and energy constantly move from one part of the Earth system to another.
Matter: what makes up everything in the universe.
Energy: the ability to do work or cause change.

5. Lithosphere
Solid part of Earth made up of rocks, minerals and other elements, not including the oceans.

6. Biosphere
Part of planet where living things can be found – from upper atmosphere to the bottom of the oceans.

7. Atmosphere
Thin layer of gasses that surround our planet – allows for varied climates, or long term weather conditions.

8. Hydrosphere
Includes all of the water on Earth – from oceans to lakes to underground water. A major force that shapes weather and climate.

9. Cryosphere
Includes all of Earth’s frozen water including glaciers, permafrost and sea ice.

10. Big Ideas Earth’s History
Forces have changed Earth’s surface throughout its history. (4.6 billion years old).
Constructive Forces: shape Earth’s surface by building up mountains and landmasses
Destructive Forces:
slowly wear away
mountains and every
other feature on Earth’s
surface.

11. Big Ideas Earth in the Solar System
The solar system is made up of the sun and the planets – with their moons – that move around the sun.

12. Branches in Earth Science
Geology – study of forces that have shaped Earth (geologist)
Oceanography – study of everything from chemistry of ocean water to ocean floor and marine organisms (oceanographer)
Meteorology – study of conditions in the atmosphere (meteorologist)
Astronomy – focus on the solar system, stars and galaxies (astronomer)
Environmental Science – study of Earth’s environment and resources (environmental scientist)