Why Learn Earth
Science?
Understanding the Earth has been a
preoccupation of scientists and philosophers for thousands of
years. Remember, you live on the Earth! An understanding
and appreciation of the processes that govern the Earth is
essential to a responsible life on this planet. This knowledge
will allow you to make more informed decisions about how you use
and conserve the Earth's many resources.
What is Earth Science?
Earth Science is not so much a science as it is
several sciences. When you learn Earth Science, you will be
studying many topics, including:
|
Geology |
the study of
the Earth's surface (rocks) and interior. |
|
Astronomy |
the study of the universe that the Earth is a part of. |
|
Meteorology |
the study of weather and the Earth's
atmosphere. |
|
Oceanography |
the study of the earth's
oceans. |
|
The study of these sciences is both diverse and
challenging. It will allow you to find the answers to many
questions that you may have about the world around you. It will
explain things that you may have taken for granted for years,
like:
- Clouds
- Stars
- Waves
- Rocks
- Earthquakes
If you learn the content of this course, you will have a much
greater understanding of the world around you. A study of Earth Science should naturally begin with a
basic understanding of the Earth itself. In the next section we
will begin to understand and appreciate the Earth's size,
shape, and makeup. |
