Unit 1 and 2: The Nature of Science and Mapping our World Flashcards
What are the four major areas of Earth Science. Describe them.
Astronomy: The study of objects beyond Earth’s atmosphere
Meteorology: The studies of the air that surrounds our planet
Geology: The study of the materials that make up Earth and the processes that form and change these materials
Oceanography: The study of Earth’s oceans, which makes up about 75% of the Earth
Describe Earth’s lithosphere
the rigid outer shell of the planet, includes the crust, and the solid uppermost part of the mantle.
Describe Earth’s hydrosphere
All the water in oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and glaciers, as well as water in the atmosphere. About 97% of this water is salt water and the remaining 3% in glaciers, lakes, and rivers as well as groundwater. 75% fresh water is found in glaciers and ice bergs
Describe Earth’s atmosphere
Earth’s Atmosphere consists of the gasses surrounding our planet. 78% Nitrogen and 21% Oxygen. The atmosphere is necessary for all living things.
Describe Earth’s biosphere
All organisms on Earth as well as the environments in which they live.
What is a scientific law
a basic fact that describes the behaviour of a natural phenomenon. It can be thought of as a “Rule of Nature” even though the cause of a law may not be known
What is a scientific theory
An explanation based on many observations during repeated experiments. It is only valid if it: is consistent with observations, makes predictions that can be tested, and is the simplest explanation of observation. Can be modified with new data
Describe Cartography
The science of map making
Describe Longitude
Used to locate positions in East and West positions, the distance in degrees East or West of the Prime Meridian, which goes through Greenwich England. measured from 0 to 180 degrees East or west . They are not parallel, they run in semicircles. Not a definite distance between them, 111km at equator but the spot of a point at the poles.
Describe Latitude
Lines of latitude run parallel to the Equator. Latitude is the number of degrees North or South of the Equator.
Equator is labelled 0 degrees latitude, while the poles are labelled 90 X. Each degree of latitude is equal to 111km on Earth’s surface. Degrees can be lessened into minutes ‘ (1 degree = 60 mins). which equal 1.85 km. can be divided into seconds ‘’
What is the purpose of the International Date Line
When moving across each timezone, you gain or lose an hour until the point where you gain or lose an entire day. The International Date Line or the 180 degree meridian, serves as a transition line for calendar days
Travelling West = Advance a day
Travelling East = Lose a day
What is remote sensing
The process of collecting data about Earth from far above Earth.
