Introduction to Earth Science

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Introduction to Earth Science

• Mike Tinker

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Introduction

• What is Earth Science?

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Topics of Discussion

• Beginnings of Earth Science
• Branches of Earth Science
• Importance of Earth Science
• Earth Sciences relationship with Ecology

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How Earth Science Began

• Early humans observed natural phenomenom but
  could not explain what was happening.
  (earthquakes, volcanos)
• They looked to supernatural explainations for
  answers.
• Giants, Angry Gods, ect
• Myths and legends were born.

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Early Earth Science

• People soon began making careful observations and
  searched for natural causes for this phenomena.
• Chinese began keeping records of earthquakes in
  the 7th century.
• Greeks began recording rocks and mineral.
• Mayan and other cultures developed advanced
  calendars from the movement of heavenly bodies.

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Earth Science is

• The study of the Earth and the universe around it.

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Branches

• Geology
• Astronomy
• Oceanography
• Meteorology

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Geology

• The study of the origin, history, and structure
  of the solid Earth and the processes that shape
  it.

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Astronomy

• The study of the universe beyond the Earth.

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oceanography

• The study of the Earths oceans.

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Meteorology

• The study of the atmosphere.

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Why is Earth Science important?

• Theories of the origin of the Earth
• Development of resources
• Impact on human lives
• History of the Earth

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How does Earth Science and Ecology relate?

• Ecology is the study of complex relationships of
  living organisms and their environments.
• Natural processes of the Earth can affect these
  ecosystems.
• Ecosystems are in balance. Any disruption can
  cause severe harm to the ecosystem.

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Spheres of study

• Biosphere area on the Earth that contains
  living things.
• Geosphere the solid Earth
• Hydrosphere the water on the Earth
• Atmosphere the gasses that surround the Earth