Earth Siance

Geosphere

the solid part of the earth consisting of the crust and outer mantle

topographic map

A map that shows the surface features of an area.

GIS (geographic information system)

A computer system that stores, organizes, analyzes, and displays geographic data.

Select these 23

astronomy

the scientific study of the universe

Earth science

the scientific study of Earth and

the universe around it

geology

the scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of Earth and the processes that shape Earth

meteorology

the scientific study of Earth's atmosphere, especially in relation to weather and climate

oceanography

the scientific study of the ocean, including the properties and movements of ocean water, the characteristics of the ocean floor, and the organisms that live in the ocean

Environmental Science

The field of study that looks at interactions among organisms and their surroundings; how organisms impact the environment positively AND negatively

Importance of Earth Science

Works to find new technologies to address society's needs and problems; monitor natural disasters such as hurricanes; improve farming; monitor water and air quality

atmosphere

A mixture of gases that surrounds a planet or moon.

Hydrosphere

All the water at and near the surface of the earth, 97% of which is in oceans

Cryosphere

A term referring to all water that is temporarily frozen in polar ice caps, snow, permafrost, and glaciers

Biosphere

Consists of all life on Earth and all parts of the Earth in which life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere. Does NOT include core of Earth.

contour line

A line on a topographic map that connects points of equal elevation

Longitude

Distance east or west of the prime meridian, measured in degrees

Latitude

Distance north or south of the equator

GPS

a system that accurately determines the precise position of something on Earth

Mercator Projection

A true conformal cylindrical map projection, the Mercator projection is particularly useful for navigation because it maintains accurate direction. Mercator projections are famous for their distortion in area that makes landmasses at the poles appear oversized.

conic projection

a map created by projecting an image of Earth onto a cone placed over part of an Earth model

geologic map

A map showing the distribution of rock units and structures across a region.

map legend

Explains the meaning of symbols used on a map.

map scale

The relationship between the size of an object on a map and the size of the actual feature on Earth's surface.

Sonar (Sound Navigation and Ranging)

Instrument that uses acoustic signals to measure water depths.

Landsat satellite

Information-gathering satellite that uses visible light and infrared radiation to map Earth's surface.