Introduction to Earth Sciences
Outline Earth sciences defined Topics in earth sciences Learning approach Assessments
Earth Sciences Earth Science is the study of the planet Earth and its neighbors in space. Earth science deals with many fascinating and practical questions about our environment.
Earth Sciences Erath sciences answer the following questions: What forces produce mountains? Why is our daily weather so variable? Is climate really changing? How old is Earth, and how is it related to the other planets in the solar system?????? To understand Earth is not an easy because our planet is not a static and unchanging mass. It is a dynamic body with many interacting parts and along and complex history.
Earth Sciences Aspects of the earth can be studied separately, but they are intricately linked and interconnected. Earth science is the study of the earth as a system composed of numerous interacting parts, or subsystems. Earth science attempts to integrate the knowledge of several academic fields. Using this interdisciplinary approach is important in understanding how different processes are connected and this is important to comprehend and solve many environmental problems.
Earth Science As such earth sciences is a collection of sciences that collectively seek to understand Earth and its neighbors in space: geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy: Geology the earth: materials, structures, processes Meteorology atmospheric processes that affect weather & climate Astronomy planetary & solar systems Oceanography oceans: composition, processes & organisms
Geology
Meteorology
Astronomy
Oceanography
Earth System A system is an identifiable, complex, dynamic entity composed of discernibly different parts or subsystems that are interrelated to and interdependent on each other and the whole entity with an overall capability to maintain stability and to adapt behaviour in response to external influences. The individual parts of a system are called components, and these interact with each other as the system evolves with time. The earth is considered to be a complex planetary system that has evolved over billions of years. The earth has reservoirs, such as the crust, mantle, and core and subsystems, such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and the geosphere.
The Spheres Concept Biosphere Atmosphere Hydrosphere Geosphere CUTsphere?
The changing face of the Earth The state of a system is characterized by a set of variables at any time during the evolution of the system. Temperature, pressure, and various compositional variables are most important for the functioning of the earth as a system. The same characteristics applies to subsystems within the Earth (the spheres). A system is at equilibrium when nothing changes as it evolves.
The changing Earth If a system is perturbed by changing one or more variables, it responds and adjusts to a new equilibrium state.
The changing face of the Earth A feedback loop is a self perpetuating change and response in a system to a change (internal or external). If the response of a system amplifies the change, it is known as a positive feedback loop. If the response of the system diminishes or reverses the effect of the disturbance, it is a negative feedback loop. System the earth as a system is important because it brings a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing patterns of change rather than static 'snapshots
How do humans affect these processes and systems? How are humans affected by these processes and systems? Geology Minerals & rocks Plate Tectonics Earth History Evolution Earth s coordinates Maps Astronomy Earth s motions Solar system Deep space Ocean & Atmosphere The Water cycle Seasons Energy balance Meteorology Weather variables Weather systems Weather prediction
The concept of scale Scale is an important aspect of earth science. This is because we look at earth s features at various spatial and temporal scales. Spatial scale is the spread of events and features over space: how big is it (atom, mineral, rock, Mountain.) Temporal scale looks at how features occur and vary over time (in minutes, hours, days, years..)
Why Earth Science?
Why Earth Science? Because we live on Earth!
Why Earth Science? Progression and comfort in our lives depend upon how we understand and manage our planet because earth processes affect us all, one way or the other, one day or the other, one place or the other!
Why Earth Science? Humanity has potential to affect earth process with detriment on both humanity and other organisms Action to prevent this happening should be based on knowledge. Helps develop problem solvers (Time/Scale)
Why Earth Science? Earth sciences empower us to think globally and act locally It is a multi-scale approach to issues
Why Earth Science? Earth sciences provide an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to an understanding of our planet
Why Earth Science? IWRM EMS It feeds into other environmental issues and technologies as key background knowledge GIS EIA Remote Sensing Pollution Biodiversity Earth Science NRM Climatology Hydrogeology
Why Earth Science? Earth science topics are exciting and practical - direct link from theory to practical
Why Earth Science? The relationship between people and the natural environment is an important focus of Earth sciences. This includes natural hazards, resources, and human influences on Earth processes
Assessments 2 individual assignments 2 tests Final examination
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