Other Branches of Earth Science
Geology, oceanography, and meteorology represent a large part of Earth science, while as-
tronomy represents science beyond Earth. However, there are still many smaller branches
of science that deal with the Earth or interact greatly with Earth sciences. Most branches
of science are connected with other branches of science in some way or another. A biologist
who studies monkeys in rainforests must be concerned with the water cycle that brings the
rain to the rainforests. She must understand the organic chemistry of the food the monkeys
eat, as well as the behavior between the monkeys. She might examine the soil in which
the trees of the rainforest grow. She must even understand the economy of the rainforest
to understand reasons for its destruction. This is just one example of how all branches of
science are connected.
Below are examples of a few branches of science that are directly related to Earth science.
Environmental scientists study the ways that humans interact with the Earth and the effects
ofthatinteraction. Wehopetofindbetterwaysofsustainingtheenvironment. Biogeography
is a branch of science that investigates changes in populations of organisms in relation to
place over time. These scientists attempt to explain the causes of species’ movement in
history. Ecologists focus on ecosystems, the complex relationship of all life forms and the
environment in a given place (Figure1.18). They try to predict the chain reactions that
could occur when one part of the ecosystem is disrupted.
Figure 1.18: In a marine ecosystem, coral, fish, and other sea life depend on each other for
survival. ( 11 )
As opposed to an oceanographer, a limnologist studies inland waters like rivers and lakes.
A hydrogeologist focuses on underground water found between soil and rock particles, while