An Introduction to

Earth Science
Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
science, Course Outline of understanding basic earth science principles
the importance
when examining resources and environmental issues is presented.

I.Earth science
An Introduction to Earth Science
A. Encompasses all sciences that seek to understand
1. Earth
Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview
2. Earth'sofneighbors
the text. Following
in space a brief discussion of the origin of earth.

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
B. Includes
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
1. Geology
when literally
examining the "study
resources of earth" issues is presented.
and environmental
a. Physical geology examines the materials composing
earth
b. Historical geology is the study of the origin and
development of earth
An Introduction to Earth Science
2. Oceanography
a. NotScience
Earth a separate and
opens distinct
with science
a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text.
b. Oceanography Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
integrates

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
1. Chemistry
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
when2.examining
Physics resources and environmental issues is presented.
3. Geology
4. Biology
3. Meteorology - the study of the atmosphere and the
processes that produce weather
4. Astronomy - the study of the universe
An Introduction to Earth Science
Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
science, Course Outline of understanding basic earth science principles
the importance
when examining resources and environmental issues is presented.

II. Early evolution of

Earth
An Introduction to Earth Science
A. Origin of Earth
Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
1. Most researchers
overview believe
of the text. that aearth
Following brief and the other
discussion of theplanets
origin of earth.

Chapter Outline
Earth’s
formed “spheres”aretheexamined.
at essentially same time After
fromantheintroduction to earth system
same primordial
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
material as the sun
when examining resources and environmental issues is presented.
2. Nebular hypothesis
a. Solar system evolved from an enormous rotating cloud
called the solar nebula
b. Nebula was composed mostly of hydrogen and helium
An Introduction to Earth Science
 c. About 5 billion years ago the nebula began to contract
d. Assumes
Earth Science aopens
flat disc
with shape with the
a definition and protosun (pre-Sun)
explanation at
of earth science and
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
the center

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
e. Inner planets begin to form from metallic and rocky
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
clumps
when of substances
examining with
resources andhigh melting points
environmental issues is presented.
f. Larger outer planets began forming from fragments with
a high percentage of ices, water, carbon dioxide, ammonia
and methane.

An Introduction to Earth Science

B. Formation of Earth's layered structure
1. As
Earth earth opens
Science formed thea decay
with of radioactive
definition elements
and explanation and
of earth science and
overview
heat offrom
the text. Following
high- a briefimpacts
velocity discussioncaused
of the origin
the of earth.

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
temperature to increase
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
a. Iron resources
when examining and nickelandbegan to melt issues
environmental and sink toward
is presented.
the center
b. Lighter rock components floated outward,
toward the surface
2. Gaseous material escaped from earth's interior to
produce the primitive atmosphere.
An Introduction to Earth Science
Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
science, Course Outline of understanding basic earth science principles
the importance
when examining resources and environmental issues is presented.

III. Earth’s “spheres”

An Introduction to Earth Science
A. Hydrosphere
1. Ocean-
Earth theopens
Science most with
prominent feature
a definition andofexplanation
hydrosphere. of earth science and
overview of the71%
a. Nearly text.ofFollowing a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
earth's surface

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
b. About 97% of earth's water
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
2. Also
when includes
examining freshwater
resources found in streams,
and environmental issues islakes, and
presented.
glaciers, as well as that found underground
B. Atmosphere
1. Thin, tenuous blanket of air
2. One half lies below 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
An Introduction to Earth Science
C. Biosphere
1. Includes all life
Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
2. Concentrated near the surface in a zone that extends
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
from the“spheres”are
ocean floor examined.
upward forAfter
several
an kilometers
introductioninto
to the
Chapter Outline
Earth’s earth system
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
atmosphere.
when examining
3. influences resources
other and environmental issues is presented.
three spheres
D. Solid Earth
1. Based on compositional differences, it consists of
a. core
b. mantle
c. crust An Introduction to Earth Science
2. Divisions of outer portion based on how materials
behave
Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text.- rigid
a. Lithosphere Following
outeralayer
brief discussion of the origin of earth.

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
1. crust
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
2. upperresources
when examining mantle and environmental issues is presented.
b. division of earth's surface
1. Continents
2. Ocean Basins

An Introduction to Earth Science

Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
science, Course Outline of understanding basic earth science principles
the importance
when examining resources and environmental issues is presented.

VI. Earth system

science
An Introduction to Earth Science
A. Earth is a dynamic body with many separate but highly
interacting parts of spheres
B. Earth
Earth system science
Science opens studies
with earth and
a definition as system composed
explanation of earthof
science and
overview
numerous of or
parts thesubsystem
text. Following
s a brief discussion of the origin of earth.

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
C. System- anyimportance
science, the size groupof of interacting basic
understanding parts earth
that science
form a principles
complex
when whole
examining resources and environmental issues is presented.
1. Closed systems are self contained (e.g. an automobile
cooling system)
2. Open System - both energy and matter flow into and out
of the system (e.g. a river system)
An Introduction to Earth Science
D. Feedback Mechanism
1. Negative feedback mechanism resist change and stabilize
the system
Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview
2. Positiveoffeedback
the text. mechanisms
Following a enhance
brief discussion of the origin of earth.
the system

Chapter Outline
Earth’s
E. Earth as a“spheres”are
system examined. After an introduction to earth system
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
1. Consists of a nearly endless array of subsystems (e.g.
when examining resources and environmental issues is presented.
hydraulic cycle)
2. Sources of energy
a. Sun-drives external processes
1.Weather and climate
2. Ocean circulation
Anprocesses
3. Erosional Introduction to Earth Science
b. Earth's interior- drives internal processes
1. Volcanoes
Earth2.Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
Earthquakes
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
3. Mountains

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
3. Humans are part of the Earth System
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
when examining resources and environmental issues is presented.

An Introduction to Earth Science

Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
science, Course Outline of understanding basic earth science principles
the importance
when examining resources and environmental issues is presented.

V. People and the

environment
An Introduction to Earth Science
A. Environment
1. Surrounds and influences organism
2. Physical
Earth Scienceenvironment
opens with aencompasses
definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
a. water

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
b. airthe importance of understanding basic earth science principles
science,
whenc.examining
soil resources and environmental issues is presented.
d. Rock
3. Term "environmental" is usually reserved for those
aspects that focus on the relationships between people and
the natural environment
An Introduction to Earth Science
B. Resources
1. an important
Earth focus
Science opens onathe
with Earth sciences
definition and explanation of earth science and
2. Includeof the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
overview

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
a. water
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
b.soil
when examining resources and environmental issues is presented.
c. minerals
d. Energy

An Introduction to Earth Science

3. Two broad categories
Eartha.Science
Renewable
opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview1.ofCan
the be
text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
replenished

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
2. Examples include
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
when examininga. plants
resources and environmental issues is presented.
b.energy from the flowing water and wind
b. non-renewable fixed quantities examples
a. metals
b. fuels
An Introduction to Earth Science
C. Population
1. Population of the planet is growing rapidly
2. Rate
Earth of mineral
Science anda definition
opens with energy usage has climbed
and explanation morescience and
of earth
overview of the
rapidly than thetext. Following
overall growthaofbrief discussion of the origin of earth.
population

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
D. Environmental problems
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
1. Local,
when regional,
examining and global
resources and environmental issues is presented.
2. Human- induced and accentuated
a. urban air pollution
b. acid rain
c. ozone depletion
d. global warming
An Introduction to Earth Science
3. Natural hazards
a. Earthquakes
Earthb.Science
Landslides
opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
c. Floods

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
d. Hurricanes
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
4. World
when population
examining pressures
resources and environmental issues is presented.

An Introduction to Earth Science

Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
science, Course Outline of understanding basic earth science principles
the importance
when examining resources and environmental issues is presented.

VI. Scientific inquiry

An Introduction to Earth Science
A. Science assumes the natural world is
1. Consistent
2. Predictable
Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview
B. Goal of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
of science

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
1. To discover patterns in nature, and
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
2. To examining
when use the knowledge to predict
resources and environmental issues is presented.
C. An idea can become a
1. Hypothesis (tentative or untested explanations)
2. Theory (tested and confirmed hypothesis)
3. Paradigm ( a theory that explains a large number of
interrelated aspects
Anof the natural
Introduction world).
to Earth Science
D. Scientific method
1. Gather facts through observation
2. Formulate
Earth Science opens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
a. Hypothesis

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
b. Theories
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
E. Scientific knowledge
when examining is gained
resources through
and environmental issues is presented.
1. Following systematic steps
a. Collecting facts
b. Developing a hypothesis
c. Conduct experiments
An Introduction to Earth Science
d. Re-examined the hypothesis and
1. Accept
Earth2.Science
Modifyopens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
3. Reject

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
2. Theories that would stand examination
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
3. Totally
when unexpected
examining occurrences
resources and environmental issues is presented.

An Introduction to Earth Science

d. Re-examined the hypothesis and
1. Accept
Earth2.Science
Modifyopens with a definition and explanation of earth science and
overview of the text. Following a brief discussion of the origin of earth.
3. Reject

Chapter Outline
Earth’s “spheres”are examined. After an introduction to earth system
2. Theories that would stand examination
science, the importance of understanding basic earth science principles
3. Totally
when unexpected
examining occurrences
resources and environmental issues is presented.

An Introduction to Earth Science