1. Earth and Space Science
the scientific study of geology, oceanography, meteorology, environmental science and astronomy
View of Earth from the International Space Station.

2. Earth and Space Science
Earth is generally thought of being made of four “spheres”:
Geology - Lithosphere
the hard outer crust (rocks) which covers 30% of our planet
two types:
a. continental crust (rock type granite - old)
b. oceanic crust (rock type basalt - young)
Mountains in Northern Canada.

3. Earth and Space Science
Oceanography - Hydrosphere
the combined volumes of water on Earth (i.e. Oceans, lakes, rivers, glaciers, groundwater)
70% of Earth’s surface is covered by water (of which 97% is salt and only 3% freshwater)
Iceberg off the coast of Antarctica.

5. Earth and Space Science
Meteorology - Atmosphere
the layer of gasses which surround Earth (i.e. air)
99% of air is made up of only two elements (79% nitrogen and 20% oxygen)
other gasses include argon 0.9% and carbon dioxide 0.03%
Weather is the atmospheric conditions in a particular location over a short period of time.
Climate is the average weather conditions in a region over a long period of time.
View over Arizona desert at sunset.

6. The Atmosphere

7. Earth and Space Science
Environmental Science - Biosphere
the global community of living organisms and their environment
life has been found ranging from 41 km above Earth’s surface to a depth of 5 km into Earth’s crust
Rainforest of South America.