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Earth Science is a body of knowledge about Earth and its place in the universe. The Earth system is made up of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Earth scientists called geologists study the forces that have shaped Earth throughout its history.

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233 views1 page

Esss 12

Earth Science is a body of knowledge about Earth and its place in the universe. The Earth system is made up of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Earth scientists called geologists study the forces that have shaped Earth throughout its history.

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Name ____________________________ Date ____________________ Class ____________

Introduction to Earth Science

Section Summary

The Study of Earth Science


Key Concepts
What are the big ideas of Earth science?
What are the branches of Earth science?

How do Earth scientists use models?

Earth science is a body of knowledge about Earth and its place in the
universe. Earth scientists use several big ideas to guide their work: the
structure of the Earth system, Earths history, and Earth in the solar system.
The Earth system is made up of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere,
and biosphere. The lithosphere is Earths solid, rocky outer layer. The
hydrosphere consists of Earths oceans, lakes, rivers, and ice. The atmosphere
is made up of the mixture of gases that surrounds Earth. The biosphere
includes all of Earths living things. A system is a group of parts that work
together as a whole. Matter and energy constantly move from one part of the
Earth system to another. Energy is the ability to do work or cause change.
Constructive and destructive forces have changed Earths surface
throughout its history. Constructive forces shape Earths surface by
building up mountains and landmasses. Destructive forces slowly wear
away mountains and every other feature on Earths surface.
Earth science also considers Earths place in space. As part of the solar
system, Earth is one of the planets that orbits around the sun.
Earth science has several branches. In this book, you will learn about
geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Earth scientists called
geologists study the forces that have shaped Earth throughout its long
history. Oceanographers study everything from the chemistry of ocean
water to the shape of the ocean floor to living things in the oceans depths.
Meteorologists are scientists who gather information about conditions in
the atmosphere from around the world. Scientists in related fields study
Earths climates. Astronomers focus on the solar system, stars, galaxies, and
the history of the universe. Environmental scientists study Earths
environment and resources.
Models are very useful in Earth science. Earth scientists often use
models to represent complex objects or processes. A weather map is an
example of one type of model used in Earth science. Earth scientists also use
computer simulations to test their hypotheses. A model may not fully
explain the process it represents, however, because some information may
be missing from the model.

Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Prentice Hall. All rights reserved.

Introduction to
Earth Science

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