SA#1 | Fields and Subdisciplines of Earth Science

Geology

Study of the Earth

Physical geology

Examines the materials composing the Earth and seeks to understand the many processes that operate beneath and upon its surface

Historical geology

Aims to understand the origin of the Earth and the development of the planet through its 4.6-billion-year history

Oceanography

Includes the study of the composition and movements of seawater, as well as coastal processes, seafloor topography, and marine life

Astronomy

Study of the universe in probing the origins of our own environment

Meteorology

Study of the atmosphere and the processes that produce weather and climate

Astrophysics

Study of the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of objects found in space

Planetary science

Study of the planets of the solar system and the processes that form them

Climatology

Study of the patters of weather over a long period of time

Atmospheric chemistry

Study of the chemistry of Earth’s atmosphere, and the atmospheres of other planets

Paleontology

Study of the ancient environments and the remains of organisms that once lived on Earth

Geochemistry

Study of Earth’s composition and the processes that change it

Physical oceanography

Study of the physical characteristics of the oceans, such as salinity, waves, and currents

Marine geology

Study of the geologic features of the ocean floor, including plate tectonics of the ocean

Environmental soil science

Study of the interactions between humans and the soil, such as the impact of farming practices; effects on soil, plants, and groundwater

Environmental chemistry

Study of chemical alterations to the environment through pollution and natural means