Earth Science ~ Chapter 1 ~ Introduction to Earth Science

Earth Science

is the name for all sciences that collectively seek to understand Earth; Includes Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology, and Astronomy

Geology

the science that examines Earth, its form and composition, and the changes it has undergone and is undergoing

Oceanography

the scientific study of the oceans and oceanic phenomena

Meteorology

the scientific study of the atmosphere and atmospheric phenomena; the study of weather and climate

Astronomy

the scientific study of the universe; it includes the observation and interpretation of celestial bodies and phenomena

Hydrosphere

the water portion of Earth; one of the traditional subdivisions of Earth's physical environment

Atmosphere

the gaseous portion of a planet; the planet's envelope of air; one of the traditional subdivisions of Earth's physical environment

Geosphere

layer of Earth under both the atmosphere and the oceans; it is composed of the core, the mantle, and the crust

Biosphere

all life on Earth; the parts of the solid Earth, hydrosphere, and atmosphere in which living organisms can be found

Core

the innermost layer of Earth, located beneath the mantle; the core is divided into an outer core and an inner core

Mantle

the 2890-kilometer-thick layer of Earth located below the crust

Crust

the thin, rocky outer layer of Earth