Earth Science - Structure and Composition of the Universe

First Quarter - Learner's Guide 1: Earth Science

Engage

  • Match the jumbled letters to form the correct word to complete the statement:

    1. Meteorology deals with the study of the atmosphere and the elements that produce weather and climate. (GROY MLK)

    2. Geology is the study of the materials and processes that operate beneath and upon the Earth's surface. (O'GEOLYG)

    3. Oceanography is the study of the composition and movements of seawater, as well as coastal processes, seafloor topography, and marine life. (HAR GNPOAY)

    4. Astronomy is the study of the universe, and our planet's origin, and the members of the solar system. (TROONY SMA)

    5. Earth Science is the study of our Earth, its life-supporting properties, materials, and geologic processes occurring in its layers. (E A CRTEIECNHS)

    • Answers:

      1. Meteorology

      2. Geology

      3. Oceanography

      4. Astronomy

      5. Earth Science

Visualize

  • Learning Objectives:

    • Define Earth Science.

    • Identify the structure, composition, and age of the universe.

    • Compare and contrast the different hypotheses that explain the origin of our universe.

    • Appreciate our origin by expressing concern for everything that we have.

Explore & Learn

  • Earth Science: The study of our Earth, its life-supporting properties, materials, and geologic processes occurring in its layers; and important natural changes in its overall environment. Interrelated with geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy.

  • Meteorology: Deals with the study of the atmosphere and the elements that produce weather and climate.

  • Earth Science requires understanding and application of physics, chemistry, and biology principles.

  • Cosmology: The study of the universe, including its properties, structure, and evolution.

  • Age of the Universe: Began 10-15 billion years ago.

  • Big Bang Theory: Primordial explosion that initiated the universe.

  • Early Universe: In the first three minutes, great quantities of Hydrogen and Helium were created, expanding at great speeds.

Structure, Composition, and Age of the Universe

  • The universe comprises all space and time, and all matter & energy within it.

  • Composition:

    • 4. 6% Baryonic Matter: Ordinary matter consisting of protons, electrons, and neutrons (atoms, planets, stars, galaxies, nebulae, and other bodies).

    • 24% Cold Dark Matter: Matter that has gravity but does not emit light.

    • 4% Dark Energy: A source of antigravity.

  • Dark Matter: Explains what may be holding galaxies together, as the low total mass is insufficient for gravity alone to do so.

  • Dark Energy: Explains the observed accelerating expansion of the universe.

  • Most Abundant Elements: Hydrogen, helium, and lithium.

  • Stars: Building blocks of galaxies, born out of clouds of gas and dust.

    • Stellar interiors are like furnaces where elements are synthesized or fused.

    • Most stars, like the Sun, belong to the "main sequence stars."

    • In the cores of main sequence stars, hydrogen atoms are fused through thermonuclear reactions to make helium atoms.