intro to Earth Science Flashcards
“the name for all the sciences that collectively seek to understand Earth and its neighbors in
space.”
Earth Science
the study of the Earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them.
Geology
“examines the materials composing Earth and seeks to understand the many processes
that operate beneath and upon its surface “
Physical Geology
to understand the origin of Earth and the development of the planet through its 4.6-billion-year history. It strives to establish an orderly chronological arrangement of the multitude of physical and biological changes that have occurred in the geologic past.
Historical Geology
“the study of the composition and movements of
seawater, as well as coastal processes, seafloor topography, and marine life.”
Oceanography
the study of the atmosphere and the processes that produce weather and climate.
Meteorology
the study of the universe
Astronomy
physical phenomena caused by atmospheric, water or tectonic processes that threaten people, property or the environment. They can occur within a short or long period of time.
Natural Hazards
“represent another important focus
that is of great practical value to people. They include water
and soil, a great variety of metallic and nonmetallic minerals, and energy”
Resources
the span of time since the formation of Earth
Geologic Time
a tentative (or untested) explanation, and a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation
Hypothesis
a carefully thought-out explanation for observations of the natural world that has been constructed using the scientific method, and which brings together many facts and hypotheses.
Theory
