Earth Science Concepts
Introduction
Earth Science is the study of the Earth and its neighbors in space. Knowledge of Earth science may be
used to:
(i) locate and develop energy and mineral resources;
(ii) study the impact of human activity on Earth's environment, and design methods to protect the
planet;
(iii) study earth processes such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes etc.
The Four earth Sciences
The four basic areas of earth science study are:
(i) geology;
(ii) meteorology;
(iii) oceanography; and
(iv) astronomy.
A brief explanation of these sciences is provided below.
Geology: Science of the Earth
Geology is the primary earth science. The word means "study of the earth." Geology deals with the
composition of earth materials, earth structures, and earth processes. It is also concerned with the
organisms of the planet and how the planet has changed over time. Geologists and geophysicist search for
fuels and minerals, study natural hazards, and work to protect Earth's environment.
Meteorology: Science of the Atmosphere
Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere and how processes in the atmosphere determine earth's
weather and climate. The study may lead to knowledge on how climate changes over time in response to
the actions of people, and suggest ways of protecting the environment.
Oceanography: Science of the Oceans
Oceanography is the study of Earth's oceans - their composition, movement, organisms and processes.
The oceans cover most of the earth and are important resources for food and other commodities. They are
increasingly being used as an energy source. The oceans also have a major influence on the weather, and
changes in the oceans can drive or moderate climate change.
Astronomy: Science of the Universe
Astronomy is the study of the universe. Here are some examples of why studying space beyond Earth is
important: the moon drives the ocean's tidal system, asteroid impacts have repeatedly devastated Earth's
inhabitants, and energy from the sun drives our weather and climates. Knowledge of astronomy is
essential to understanding the Earth. Astronomers can also use knowledge of earth materials, processes
and history to understand other planets, including even those outside of our own solar system.
Example of earth science study involving the four basic sciences
Earth Science involves the study of systems such as the hydrologic cycle where the water goes through a
basic journey: rains fall and end up in rivers, rivers end in the sea, sea water evaporates and forms rain
clouds, and the rains fall again. This type of system can only be understood by using knowledge of
geology (groundwater), meteorology (weather and climate), oceanography (ocean systems) and
astronomy (energy input from the sun). The hydrologic cycle is always in balance - inputs and
withdrawals must be equal.
The Importance of Earth Science
Today we live in a time when the earth and its inhabitants face many challenges. Our climate is changing,
and that change is being caused by human activity. We are also challenged to:
(i) develop new sources of energy that will have minimal impact on climate;
(ii) locate new sources of metals and other mineral resources as known sources are depleted; and
(iii) determine how earth's increasing population can live and avoid serious threats such as volcanic
activity, earthquakes, landslides, floods and more. These are just a few of the problems where
solutions depend upon a deep understanding of earth science.
