- Describe the field of oceanography as a branch of Earth Science that has several sub-
divisions that deal with the various aspects of the ocean. - Define the field of meteorology as a branch of Earth Science that deals with the atmo-
sphere. - Understand that astronomy is an extension of Earth Science that examines other parts
of the solar system and universe. - List some of the other branches of Earth Science, and how they relate to the study of
the Earth.
Overview of Earth Science
Earth is the mighty planet upon which we all live. Only recently have humans begun to
understand the complexity of this planet. In fact, it was only a few hundred years ago
that we discovered that Earth was just a tiny part of an enormous galaxy, which in turn
is a small part of an even greater universe. Earth Science deals with any and all aspects
of the Earth. Our Earth has molten lava, icy mountain peaks, steep canyons and towering
waterfalls. Earth scientists study the atmosphere high above us as well as the planet’s core
far beneath us. Earth scientists study parts of the Earth as big as continents and as small as
the tiniest atom. In all its wonder, Earth scientists seek to understand the beautiful sphere
on which we thrive (Figure1.10).
BecausetheEarthissolargeandscienceissocomplex, Earthscientistsspecializeinstudying
just a small aspect of our Earth. Since all of the branches are connected together, specialists
work together to answer complicated questions. Let’s look at some important branches of
Earth Science.
Geology
Geologyis the study of the solid matter that makes up Earth. Anything that is solid, like
rocks, minerals, mountains, and canyons is part of geology. Geologists study the way that
these objects formed, their composition, how they interact with one another, how they erode,
and how humans can use them. Geology has so many branches that most geologists become
specialists in one area. For example, a mineralogist studies the composition and structure
of minerals such as halite (rock salt), quartz, calcite, and magnetite (Figure1.11).
A volcanologist braves the high temperatures and molten lava of volcanoes. Seismologists
study earthquakes and the forces of the Earth that create them. Seismologists monitor earth-
quakes worldwide to help protect people and property from harm (Figure1.12). Scientists
interested in fossils are paleontologists, while scientists who compare other planets’ geologies
to that of the Earth are called planetary geologists. There are geologists who only study the
Moon. Some geologists look for petroleum, others are specialists on soil. Geochronologists
study how old rocks are and determine how different rock layers formed. There are so many