Intro to Earth Science

Astronomy

The study of the moon, stars, and other objects in space

Oceanography

The study of Earth's oceans, including the creatures that inhabit its waters, its physical and chemical properties, and the effects of human activities

Geology

the study of the origin, history, and structure of Earth

Meteorology

The science dealing with the atmosphere and weather

Geosphere

The mostly solid, rocky part of the Earth; extends from the center of the core to the surface of the crust.

Atmosphere

The thin layer of gases surrounding the earth.

Hydrosphere

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

Biosphere

Consists of all life on Earth and all parts of the Earth in which life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere.

Constructive Forces

Forces that use heat from the interior to shape Earth's surface by building mountains and landmasses

Destructive Forces

Forces that use energy from the sun to wear away or break down land masses on the earth's surface (weathering and erosion)

Nebular Hypothesis

Solar system evolved from an enormous rotating cloud of hydrogen and helium called a nebula

Crust

The thin and solid outermost layer of the Earth above the mantle

Lithosphere

A rigid layer made up of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust.

Asthenosphere

The soft layer of the mantle on which the lithosphere (Earth's tectonic plates) floats.

Mantle

the layer of hot rock between the Earth's crust and core

Outer Core

A layer of molten iron and nickel that surrounds the inner core of Earth

Inner Core

A dense sphere of solid iron and nickel at the center of Earth

Continental Drift

The hypothesis that the continents slowly move across Earth's surface.

Latitude

The distance north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees

Longitude

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

Topographic Map

A map that shows the elevation and surface features of an area.

Contour Lines

Lines on a topographic map that connect points of equal elevation

Renewable Resources

Any natural resource that can replenish itself in a relatively short period of time.

Non-renewable Resource

a resource that cannot be reused or replaced easily (ex. gems, minerals, fossil fuels)

Scientific Method

A logical, systematic approach to the solution of a scientific problem