GES 103 - Module 1.1 - What is Earth Science

What are the 4 sciences that make up Earth Science?

1. Geology

2. Oceanography

3. Meteorology

4. Astronomy

What is geography

• the study of earth

• split into physical and historical geology

What does physical geology explore

• the materials composing earth

• the processes that operate beneath and upon the earths surface

• internal and external forces that change the earth

what does historical geology explore

• the origins of the earth

• the development of the planet

• establishes a chronological timeline of events for the earth

What is oceanography

• the study of oceans and all their aspects + relationships

• integration of chemistry, biology, geology, and physics

What are some things that oceanography explores

• the composition and movement of seawater

• the coastal process

• seafloor topography

• marine life

what is meteorology and what does it explore

• the study of the atmosphere

• it explores the process that produce weather and climate

What is astronomy and what does it explore

• the study of the universe and space

• it explores our solar system and probes the origins of our own environment

What do environmental sciences explore

the relationship between people and the natural environment

what are 6 examples of natural hazards

• Hurricanes, tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides

When to natural weather events become hazardous

• they are only hazardous when humans decide to live in areas where they occur

• urbanization concentrates millions of people into places where these events occur

what are some resources that humans take from the earth

• water

• soil

• metalic and non-metalic materials

• energy

What is geological time

• the span of time since the formation of the earth