- "Earth science... deals with the physical, chemical, and biological complex constitutions and synergistic linkages of Earth's four spheres: the biosphere, hydrosphere/cryosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere (or lithosphere)."
Earth Sciences is the study of planet Earth, encompassing the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
Geology: The study of the structure, composition, and history of the Earth and other planets.
Mineralogy: The study of minerals, their physical and chemical properties, and their formation.
Petrology: The study of rocks, their formation, structure, and properties.
Plate tectonics: The theory that Earth's crust is divided into large plates that move and interact with each other.
Volcanology: The study of volcanoes, their formation, and eruption processes.
Seismology: The study of earthquakes, their causes, and effects.
Geophysics: The study of Earth's physical properties, including its magnetic and gravitational fields, seismic waves, and geothermal energy.
Oceanography: The study of the ocean, its physical and chemical properties, and its interactions with the atmosphere, land, and biota.
Atmospheric science: The study of Earth's atmosphere, including weather, climate, and air quality.
Hydrology: The study of water in the Earth system, including its distribution, movement, and quality.
Glaciology: The study of glaciers, ice sheets, and their effects on Earth's climate and landscape.
Geomorphology: The study of Earth's landforms and their formation processes.
Environmental science: The study of interactions between humans and the Earth system, including pollution, conservation, and sustainability.
Soil science: The study of soil properties, formation, and uses in agriculture and other industries.
Paleontology: The study of ancient life forms, including dinosaurs, fossils, and ecosystems.
Astronomical geology: The study of the geology of other planets, including their formation and evolution.
Geochemistry: The study of the chemical composition of Earth materials and their interactions with the environment.
Geobiology: The study of the interactions between living organisms and the Earth system.
Geologic time: The study of Earth's history, including the evolution of life and major geological events.
Remote sensing in Earth Science: The use of satellite and airborne imaging to study Earth's surface features and environmental changes.
Climatology: Study of the Earth's climate, including its variability and change over time.
Meteorology: It is the study of the Earth’s atmosphere, including weather patterns, climate, and atmospheric phenomena.
Planetary Science: It is the study of the planets, moons, and other planetary bodies in our solar system, as well as their history and formation.
Biogeography: It is the study of the distribution and evolution of living organisms, including their interaction with their environment.
- "Earth science can be considered to be a branch of planetary science..."
- "Some Earth scientists use their knowledge of the planet to locate and develop energy and mineral resources." - "Others study the impact of human activity on Earth's environment, and design methods to protect the planet." - "Some use their knowledge about Earth processes such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes to help protect people from these dangerous events."
- "Earth sciences can include the study of geology, the lithosphere, and the large-scale structure of Earth's interior, as well as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere."
- "Typically, Earth scientists use tools from geology, chronology, physics, chemistry, geography, biology, and mathematics to build a quantitative understanding of how Earth works and evolves."
- "For example, meteorologists study the weather and watch for dangerous storms."
- "Hydrologists examine water and warn of floods."
- "Seismologists study earthquakes and try to understand where they will strike."
- "Geologists study rocks and help to locate useful minerals."
- "Earth scientists often work in the field—perhaps climbing mountains, exploring the seabed, crawling through caves, or wading in swamps."
- "They measure and collect samples (such as rocks or river water)..."
- "...then record their findings on charts and maps."