Branches, Spheres of the Earth and Environmental Issue

1. EARTH SCIENCE
Basic Areas, Major Spheres and
Environmental Issues

2. What is Earth Science?
Earth Science is the study of the
Earth and its neighbors in space. It is an
exciting science with many interesting and
practical applications. Some Earth
scientists use their knowledge of the Earth
to locate and develop energy and mineral
resources. Others study the impact of human
activity on Earth's environment and design
methods to protect the planet. Some use
their knowledge about Earth processes such
as volcanoes, earthquakes and hurricanes to
plan communities that will not expose
people to these dangerous events.

3. Many different sciences are used to learn
about the earth, however, the four basic
areas of Earth science study are:
 Geology
 Meteorology
 Oceanography
 Astronomy.

4. Geology: Study of the earth
Geology is the primary Earth
science. The word means "study of the
Earth". Geology deals with the
composition of Earth materials, Earth
structures, and Earth processes. It is
also concerned with the organisms of
the planet and how the planet has
changed over time. Geologists search
for fuels and minerals, study natural
hazards, and work to protect Earth's
environment

5. Meteorology: Study of Atmosphere
Meteorology is the study of the
atmosphere and how processes in the
atmosphere determine Earth's weather
and climate. Meteorology is a very
practical science because everyone is
concerned about the weather. How
climate changes over time in response
to the actions of people is a topic of
urgent worldwide concern. The study of
meteorology is of critical concern for
protecting Earth's environment.

6. Oceanography: Study of Earth’s oceans
Oceanography is the study of Earth's
oceans - their composition, movement,
organisms and processes. The oceans cover most
of our planet and are important resources for
food and other commodities. They are
increasingly being used as an energy source.
The oceans also have a major influence on the
weather and changes in the oceans can drive or
moderate climate change. Oceanographers work
to develop the ocean as a resource and protect
it from human impact. The goal is to utilize
the oceans while minimizing the effects of our
actions.

7. Astronomy: Study of the Universe
Astronomy is the study of the
universe. Here are some examples of why
studying space beyond Earth is important:
the moon drives the ocean's tidal system,
asteroid impacts have repeatedly
devastated Earth's inhabitants and energy
from the sun drives our weather and
climates. A knowledge of astronomy is
essential to understanding the Earth.
Astronomers can also use a knowledge of
Earth materials, processes and history to
understand other planets - even those
outside of our own solar system.

8. Four Spheres of the Earth
 Atmosphere
 Lithosphere
 Hydrosphere
 Biosphere
 The names of the four spheres are derived
from the Greek words for stone (litho), air
(atmo), water (hydro), and life (bio).

9. Atmosphere
The atmosphere is the body of air which
surrounds our planet. Most of our atmosphere is
located close to the earth's surface where it is
most dense. The air of our planet is 79% nitrogen
and just under 21% oxygen; the small amount
remaining is composed of carbon dioxide and other
gasses. All four spheres can be and often are
present in a single location. For example, a piece
of soil will of course have mineral material from
the lithosphere. Additionally, there will be
elements of the hydrosphere present as moisture
within the soil, the biosphere as insects and
plants, and even the atmosphere as pockets of air
between soil pieces.

10. Lithospheres
The lithosphere is the solid,
rocky crust covering entire planet.
This crust is inorganic and is composed
of minerals. It covers the entire
surface of the earth from the top of
Mount Everest to the bottom of the
Mariana Trench.

11. Hydrosphere
The hydrosphere is composed of all
of the water on or near the earth. This
includes the oceans, rivers, lakes, and
even the moisture in the air. Ninety-
seven percent of the earth's water is
in the oceans. The remaining three
percent is fresh water; three-quarters
of the fresh water is solid and exists
in ice sheets

12. Biosphere
The biosphere is composed of all
living organisms. Plants, animals, and
one-celled organisms are all part of
the biosphere. Most of the planet's
life is found from three meters below
the ground to thirty meters above it
and in the top 200 meters of the oceans
and seas.

13. Environmental Issues
Environmental issues are defined
as problems with the planet's systems
(air, water, soil, etc.) that have
developed as a result of human
interference or mistreatment of the
planet.

14. Environmental Problems
 Global warming
 Deforestation
 Air and water
pollution
 Overpopulation
 Soil erosion
 Other climate
change issues
 Destruction of
biodiversity
 Littering
 Destruction of
natural habitats
 Destruction of
natural
resources
 Attack of marine
life
 Oil spills
 Nuclear issues
 Acid deposition
 Environmental
disasters
 Volcanic
eruption
 Greenhouse
effect
 Heavy metals
 Sea level rise
 Burning of fossil
fuels
 Species
extinction
 Soil
contamination

15. Solutions
Sustainability is the key to
prevent or reduce the effect of
environmental issues. There is now
clear scientific evidence that humanity
is living unsustainably, and that an
unprecedented collective effort is
needed to return human use of natural
resources to within sustainable limits.
For humans to live sustainably, the
Earth's resources must be used at a
rate at which they can be replenished.

16. Name of Students:
 Bernadette Diana
Dividina
 Maricon Labao
 Rachel Ann Villena
 Hazel Anne Vizconde
 Jenica Valderueda
 Erika Mae Laure
 Trisha Ellaine
Pacheco
Project in Physical Science
Instructor:
Mam Jovy Agulto
Date:
March 30, 2015
Section:
BSIT 1 Group A