Earth Sciences – Earth Sciences – Jack Pierce – MS 2Jack Pierce – MS 2Earth Sciences – Earth Sciences – Jack Pierce – MS 2Jack Pierce – MS 2

GeologyGeologyGeologyGeology

AstronomyAstronomyAstronomyAstronomy

MeteorologyMeteorologyMeteorologyMeteorology

OceanographyOceanographyOceanographyOceanography

What is Earth Science?Consider these questions?

Why do volcanoes erupt?Why do volcanoes erupt? What forces produce mountains?What forces produce mountains? Why is climate so variable? Why is climate so variable? How old is the earth?How old is the earth? Why do we have ocean tides?Why do we have ocean tides? Is there really global warming?Is there really global warming? Is there really ice ages?Is there really ice ages? How do we get water out of the ground?How do we get water out of the ground? How does earth “fit” in our universe?How does earth “fit” in our universe?

Earth Science:Earth Science:Studding the earth and surrounding Studding the earth and surrounding

universe – usinguniverse – using geologygeology,, meteorologymeteorology,, oceanographyoceanography and and astronomyastronomy

Earth Science:Earth Science:Studding the earth and surrounding Studding the earth and surrounding

universe – usinguniverse – using geologygeology,, meteorologymeteorology,, oceanographyoceanography and and astronomyastronomy

Geology – the study of the earthGeology – the study of the earth

Physical Geology:Physical Geology:•Materials that comprise the earthMaterials that comprise the earth

• rocks, minerals, earths interior, rocks, minerals, earths interior, • processes acting processes acting belowbelow and and aboveabove the the surfacesurface

Historical GeologyHistorical Geology•Understand the origin and developmentUnderstand the origin and development

• Understand the chronological order of Understand the chronological order of geologic events over 4.6 by old earthgeologic events over 4.6 by old earth

The geologic time scaleThe geologic time scale

Dating various geologic eventsDating various geologic events

The significance of fossilsThe significance of fossils

Physical Oceanography:• The study of the ocean floor including

• Ocean chemistryOcean chemistry• PhysicsPhysics• Sea floor geologySea floor geology• Coastal processesCoastal processes• Sea floor topographySea floor topography

Meteorology:Meteorology:• Study of the atmosphere and Study of the atmosphere and processes that produce climate andprocesses that produce climate and weather. weather.

Astronomy:

• The study of the universe• the earth’s place in our universethe earth’s place in our universe

• the origin of our earththe origin of our earth

• earth is related to all other earth is related to all other objects in the universeobjects in the universe

What questions do you have about your earth?What questions do you have about your earth?

How do you think these questions are answeredHow do you think these questions are answeredwith accuracy?with accuracy?

How do we find “accuracy” in our answers? How do we find “accuracy” in our answers? How do we find “accuracy” in our answers? How do we find “accuracy” in our answers?

The Scientific Method-Science InquiryThe Scientific Method-Science InquiryThe Scientific Method-Science InquiryThe Scientific Method-Science InquiryA set of A set of logicallogical steps scientists use to steps scientists use to “get to the “get to the truth”truth” of processes acting in the universe of processes acting in the universeA set of A set of logicallogical steps scientists use to steps scientists use to “get to the “get to the truth”truth” of processes acting in the universe of processes acting in the universe

Making Observations and Measurements Making Observations and Measurements • Collecting facts, asking why questionsCollecting facts, asking why questions

Formulating a HypothesisFormulating a Hypothesis (predictions as to why)(predictions as to why)• Explaining how and why it works (after Explaining how and why it works (after fact-fact- finding), “educated guessing”finding), “educated guessing”

Formulating a HypothesisFormulating a Hypothesis (predictions as to why)(predictions as to why)• Explaining how and why it works (after Explaining how and why it works (after fact-fact- finding), “educated guessing”finding), “educated guessing”

Testing the Hypothesis (experimenting)Testing the Hypothesis (experimenting)• performing experimentations that test performing experimentations that test the the accuracy of the hypothesisaccuracy of the hypothesis

Testing the Hypothesis (experimenting)Testing the Hypothesis (experimenting)• performing experimentations that test performing experimentations that test the the accuracy of the hypothesisaccuracy of the hypothesis

How do we find “accuracy” in our answersHow do we find “accuracy” in our answers? How do we find “accuracy” in our answersHow do we find “accuracy” in our answers?

The Scientific MethodThe Scientific MethodThe Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method

Scientific TheoryScientific Theory• well-tested hypothesis – widely accepted well-tested hypothesis – widely accepted view view that explains observable facts that explains observable facts

Scientific Law or PrincipleScientific Law or Principle• natural phenomena are observed to happen innatural phenomena are observed to happen in the same way – no deviations have ever beenthe same way – no deviations have ever been observedobserved

The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method

If you fail, try try try again. If you fail, try try try again.

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The Scientific Method in Action-- AstronomyThe Scientific Method in Action-- Astronomy

C. PtolemyC. PtolemyAlmagest – Almagest – accepted accepted thethegeocentricgeocentric model overmodel overthe the heliocentric heliocentric modelmodel

A.D. 90 – 168A.D. 90 – 168 1571-16301571-16301473-15431473-1543

N. N. CopernicusCopernicusContinued Continued with thewith theheliocentricheliocentrictheory– --theory– --

and was and was widely widely acceptedaccepted

J. KeplerJ. KeplerDeveloped Developed thethethree three planetaryplanetarylaws of laws of motionmotion

RevolutionizRevolutionizededastronomyastronomy

1643-17271643-1727

Isaac NewtonIsaac NewtonDescribed the 3 lawsDescribed the 3 lawsof motion, Universalof motion, UniversalGravitation, showedGravitation, showedearth and planetaryearth and planetarybodies are governedbodies are governedby universal laws ofby universal laws ofphysics – physics – thus endingthus endinggeocentric theorygeocentric theory

Observation/ Experimentation/ TheoryObservation/ Experimentation/ Theory1,650 years of scientific method1,650 years of scientific method

AstronomyAstronomyTimelineTimeline

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I I I I Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science.

I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.

Discuss with a friend:Discuss with a friend:

1.1.Explain why the scientific method is Explain why the scientific method is a useful tool for learning about the a useful tool for learning about the processes that occur in our universe.processes that occur in our universe.

22 Define the steps within the scientificDefine the steps within the scientific method. method.

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How is the Earth studied? (Earth System Science)

Various “systems” within the earth that Various “systems” within the earth that interactinteractwith one another -– called with one another -– called Earth System Earth System ScienceScience

• Systems are NOT individually Systems are NOT individually studiedstudied

• How one system impacts How one system impacts another another system system

Various “systems” within the earth that Various “systems” within the earth that interactinteractwith one another -– called with one another -– called Earth System Earth System ScienceScience

• Systems are NOT individually Systems are NOT individually studiedstudied

• How one system impacts How one system impacts another another system system

SystemSystem::An integrated set of “parts” that work together An integrated set of “parts” that work together to to accomplish a goal or task (objective) accomplish a goal or task (objective)

SystemSystem::An integrated set of “parts” that work together An integrated set of “parts” that work together to to accomplish a goal or task (objective) accomplish a goal or task (objective)

Give an example of various systems.Give an example of various systems.

Earth as a System:• How systems exchange matter and energy

Earth as a System:• How systems exchange matter and energy

SUN

IsolatedSystemIsolatedSystem

No exchange ofmatter or energyNo exchange ofmatter or energy

SUN

ClosedSystemClosedSystem

Exchange of energybut not matterExchange of energybut not matter

SUN

OpenSystemOpen

System

Exchange of bothmatter and energyExchange of bothmatter and energy

Which system is the Earth?Which system is the Earth?

?

I I I I Earth Science.Earth Science.Earth Science.Earth Science.

I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.

Discuss with a friend:Discuss with a friend:

3. Define a system as discussed in 3. Define a system as discussed in earth science.earth science.

4. Differentiate between an open, closed,4. Differentiate between an open, closed, and isolated system.and isolated system.

5. Explain why earth is considered a closed5. Explain why earth is considered a closed system. system.

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The fragile earth as a closed system is supported by fourinterrelated open systems.The fragile earth as a closed system is supported by fourinterrelated open systems.

Lithosphere (geosphere)Represents the solid earth:minerals, rocks, and interior

Lithosphere (geosphere)Represents the solid earth:minerals, rocks, and interior

Atmosphere:Thin blanket of gas keepinglife alive, warm, and protected

Atmosphere:Thin blanket of gas keepinglife alive, warm, and protected

Hydrosphere:Interaction of all water processes,only planet with water,71% ocean 12,500 feet deep,streams, lakes, groundwater

Hydrosphere:Interaction of all water processes,only planet with water,71% ocean 12,500 feet deep,streams, lakes, groundwater

Biosphere:Includes all living organisms on land, in water, and in air

Biosphere:Includes all living organisms on land, in water, and in air

I I I I Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science. Discuss with a friend:Discuss with a friend:

6. Define the following:6. Define the following:lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere,lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere,

atmosphereatmosphere

7. Provide an earth process that takes7. Provide an earth process that takes place between two open systems.place between two open systems.

8. What is the meaning of geosphere? 8. What is the meaning of geosphere?

An Important Aspect of Earth System ScienceAn Important Aspect of Earth System Science

• The earth maintains The earth maintains balancebalance between the between the open systems through open systems through positivepositive and and negativenegative feedback mechanisms.feedback mechanisms.

An Important Aspect of Earth System ScienceAn Important Aspect of Earth System Science

• The earth maintains The earth maintains balancebalance between the between the open systems through open systems through positivepositive and and negativenegative feedback mechanisms.feedback mechanisms.

Positive feedbackPositive feedback works to change the systemworks to change the systemPositive feedbackPositive feedback works to change the systemworks to change the system

Negative feedbackNegative feedback works to resist the change works to resist the change Negative feedbackNegative feedback works to resist the change works to resist the change

Working to change the systemchange the system and working toresist the changeresist the change maintains balancebalance within thesystem.

Working to change the systemchange the system and working toresist the changeresist the change maintains balancebalance within thesystem.

weight gain exampleweight gain example

“Tug of War”“Tug of War”

Positive/Negative Feedback Example:Positive/Negative Feedback Example:

Earth’s climatic system – positive/negativenegative feedbackEarth’s climatic system – positive/negativenegative feedback

Positive feedbackPositive feedbackPositive feedbackPositive feedback

SUN

OceanOcean

water vapor –increasesair temperature

water vapor –increasesair temperature

Evaporatessea water

Evaporatessea water

Negative feedbackNegative feedbackNegative feedbackNegative feedback

Increasing evaporationIncreasing evaporation(working to change the system)(working to change the system)

Increasing evaporationIncreasing evaporation(working to change the system)(working to change the system)

Water vapor condenses,forming clouds

Water vapor condenses,forming clouds

Reflecting sunlightReflecting sunlight

Decreasing evaporationDecreasing evaporation(working to resist change)(working to resist change)Decreasing evaporationDecreasing evaporation

(working to resist change)(working to resist change)

OceanOcean

Atmosphere maintains balance.Atmosphere maintains balance.

I I I I Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science.

I will get an A on my exams and quizzesI will get an A on my exams and quizzesDiscuss with a friend:Discuss with a friend:

9. Describe the meaning of positive and9. Describe the meaning of positive and negative feedback mechanisms.negative feedback mechanisms.10. Explain how positive and negative10. Explain how positive and negative feedback mechanisms keep the earthfeedback mechanisms keep the earth balanced.balanced.11. Think of at least 2 positive/negative11. Think of at least 2 positive/negative feedbacks that balance the earth.feedbacks that balance the earth.

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8.8.

SUNSUN

MercuryMercury

VenusVenus

EarthEarthMarsMars

JupiterJupiter SaturnSaturn

UranusUranusNeptuneNeptune

Asteroid BeltAsteroid Belt

Outer planetsJovian planetsGas planets

Inner planetsTerrestrial planets

The earth’s place in the solar systemThe earth’s place in the solar system

Low densitiesLow densities

High densities

The earth’s interior

InnerInner Core CoreSolid- Ni, FeSolid- Ni, Fe12.5 g/cm12.5 g/cm33

Outer Outer CoreCoreMolten – Ni, Molten – Ni,

FeFe11.5 g/cm11.5 g/cm33

Mantle Mantle --Solid Solid

Si,O,Fe,Mg,CSi,O,Fe,Mg,Caa

5.5 g/cm5.5 g/cm33

Temp:5000 C

Source ofmagnetic

field

Asthenosphereductile rock

Mantle

Core

Lithospherecont/ocean

crustUpper mantle

2.8 g/cm3

Crust

Why are densitiesWhy are densitiesarranged fromarranged from

heavy (core) to heavy (core) to lightest (crust)?lightest (crust)?

Chemical Differentiation

What makesearth unique?? Oxygen, water, life

• oxygen atmosphere• no O2 on other planets• the hydrologic cycle

Soil accumulation• weathering of rocks• various soil types

Plate Tectonics• moving continents• formation of landforms from interacting plates

Oxygen, water, life• oxygen atmosphere• no O2 on other planets• the hydrologic cycle

Soil accumulation• weathering of rocks• various soil types

Plate Tectonics• moving continents• formation of landforms from interacting plates

I I I I Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science. Earth Science.

I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.I will get an A on my exams and quizzes.

Discuss with a friend:Discuss with a friend:12. Name the planets in their proper order.12. Name the planets in their proper order.

13. Describe the layering of the earth13. Describe the layering of the earth using using lithospherelithosphere, , asthenosphereasthenosphere, , mantlemantle, and , and corecore; explain properties.; explain properties.

14. Describe chemical differentiation.14. Describe chemical differentiation.

15. Present at least 3 reasons why the15. Present at least 3 reasons why the earth is unique. earth is unique.

So, why study Earth ScienceSo, why study Earth Science??•We depend on earth’s resources.We depend on earth’s resources.

• where to find resources and how towhere to find resources and how to manage the resourcesmanage the resources

• Understand earth (geologic) hazardsUnderstand earth (geologic) hazards• how earthquakes, land sliding, volcanic how earthquakes, land sliding, volcanic eruptions, floods, hurricanes, tornados,eruptions, floods, hurricanes, tornados, “ “just to name a few” processes, work!just to name a few” processes, work!

• Understand the complexity of the Understand the complexity of the interactions between the earth’s spheresinteractions between the earth’s spheres

• open system relationships between the open system relationships between the lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrospherehydrosphere

Oh yeah! – So you get your science requirementOh yeah! – So you get your science requirement