Earth science Definition and 22 Threads

Earth science or geoscience includes all fields of natural science related to planet Earth. This is a branch of science dealing with the physical and chemical constitution of Earth and its atmosphere. Earth science can be considered to be a branch of planetary science, but with a much older history. Earth science encompasses four main branches of study, the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere, each of which is further broken down into more specialized fields.
There are both reductionist and holistic approaches to Earth sciences. It is also the study of Earth and its neighbors in space. Some Earth scientists use their knowledge of the planet 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.
Earth sciences can include the study of geology, the lithosphere, and the large-scale structure of Earth's interior, as well as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Typically, Earth scientists use tools from geology, chronology, physics, chemistry, geography, biology, and mathematics to build a quantitative understanding of how Earth works and evolves. Earth science affects our everyday lives. For example, meteorologists study the weather and watch for dangerous storms. Hydrologists examine water and warn of floods. Seismologists study earthquakes and try to understand where they will strike. Geologists study rocks and help to locate useful minerals. Earth scientists often work in the field—perhaps climbing mountains, exploring the seabed, crawling through caves, or wading in swamps. They measure and collect samples (such as rocks or river water), then record their findings on charts and maps.

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  1. Andy Resnick

    The Secrets of Prof. Verschure's Rosetta Stones

    (Edit: since the thread title was changed, this first sentence is too cryptic: the original title referred to a Tool song....) Besides being a favorite song by a favorite band, the thread title is a straightforward play on words. This summer, as a present to myself for being promoted, I...
  2. M

    What does gravity have to do with sea level?

    https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/what-is-sea-level.13108/post-136240 As far as I understand the sea level is the level of the sea water above the geoid or surface of the earth. The level of sea is same everywhere around the world because its all connected. So to calculate the global sea...
  3. L

    Help Drawing a Quaternary Deposits' Profile in Uppland, Sweden

    <mentor: moved to homework forums - no template okay in this case> Please I need help with this one! Drawing a Quaternary deposits’ profile The purpose with this practical is to understand how a map showing Quaternary accumulations is built up and how it may be interpreted. The information is...
  4. N

    What would happen if ozone, nitrogen and oxygen disappear?

    Hi everyone! I have some trouble figuring out the following question: If oxygen, nitrogen and ozone did not absorb UV radiation, what would you expect the temperature profile in the atmosphere to look like between the surface and top of the atmosphere? Specify the temperatures at Tropopause...
  5. D

    Is the Relationship Between Energy and Distance Always Direct in Earth Science?

    I know that energy increases with distance, but what is the relationship? What are different ways to measure something decreasing over distance or time. I really don't have the time to help my younger sister do her homework so I need someone to help me explain to her the relationship concerning...
  6. Rod Alexei

    Change in Axial Obliquity of the Earth's Spin Axis

    What causes the change in the axial tilt of the earth? Why does it change?
  7. Rod Alexei

    Only half the Earth’s ionosphere is being ionized by the Sun

    What is the reason for this? Is it because of the Earth's rotation?
  8. M

    Which Path Should I Choose for a Career in Marine Biology or Earth Science?

    I'm in search for a career that is 'earth' related. I also have interests in the ocean. So, my choices come down to; Earth Sciences & Marine Biology / Oceanography. Was looking for a career in the space industry, or renewable energy, but found most of it to be engineering based. And I don't...
  9. M

    Glad to find a site for rational people.

    I am in retired college teacher. I have taught geology, meteorology, chemistry, biology as well as astronomy. I guess I'm a person that just likes science and am a super generalist.
  10. jbrussell93

    Can a Physics Major Thrive in Earth Science Careers?

    I'm a physics major who has become interested in Earth science. Many fields of geophysics have caught my interest but as a whole, I seem to be more interested in whole Earth geophysics than applied geophysics. Seismology, geodynamics, & tectonics have really caught my eye. The field work is what...
  11. W

    Path to be an Earth Science teacher

    I'm currently a weather forecaster for the US Air Force with my Community College of The Air Force Degree (equal to an associates) in Weather Technology. I would like to use my current knowledge to become an Earth Science teacher for grades 7-12. I currently live in Tucson, AZ and right now can...
  12. S

    Earth Science: Average Rate of Sediment Deposition

    Homework Statement Link of picture that the information below is referring to: http://i56.tinypic.com/283lv.jpg You encounter the sedimentary rock outcrop shown above while you are out hiking. You collect rock samples from points A-D and go back and measure their ages in your isotope lab...
  13. K

    Is Earth Science Relevant to Engineering Programs?

    Hello, I'm a college student interested in the field of engineering. So it's the time of the year again to select courses, and I happened to come across an Earth Science class that seemed interesting. However, I also don't want to waste my time and effort in some class that isn't too useful to...
  14. Simfish

    What % of Earth Science professors have ties to the oil/gas industry?

    My impression is that very few of them do in my department. In fact, these days, it seems that many Earth scientists are often the most vocal environmentalists. But were they more common in the past? Was there ever significant conflict between Earth scientists due to this?
  15. V

    Do you offer support for Earth Science and Geosystem coursework?

    Hello guys i am taking Earth science and sometimes i get stuck in question and i just wanted to ask if you guys give supports with these questions.
  16. C

    What Are the Job Prospects in Earth Science?

    Good day to you all, I am in a bit of a knot here. I am currently an undergrad trying to decide on what is best for me. I have really been fascinated by weathers and all that jazz and now trying to pursue Earth Sciece. But I am in a dilemma due to my parents thinking that Earth Sceince is not...
  17. G

    Calculating the Atlantic Ocean's Widening: A Plate Tectonics Question

    Any help would be much appreciated with this problem. The problem is: The rate of plate movement along portions of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge has been determined to be 3 cm/yr. At this rate how long will it take the Atlantic Ocean to widen another one kilometer? I think what you need to do is...
  18. S

    Earth science, surface energy balance

    Given the equation Q* = QH + QE + QG and the corresponding data (all fluxes in [W/m²]). How can I find the equivalent loss of stored soil liquid water expressed in [mm] (Note: the conversion factor is the density of liquid water, i.e. 1000 kg/m^3) Thanks very much for your help!:confused:
  19. S

    Solving Earth Science Problem: Surface Energy Balance

    I've no idea how to start this question, please take a look. I just pick some of the data from the table. Thanks very much. Daily cycle in the surface energy balance The surface energy balance states that Q¤ = QH + QE + QG where QH is sensible heat, QE is latent heat and QG is ground...
  20. M

    Reductionism vs holism in earth science

    reductionism vs holism Hi all, I'm trying to find some examples of reductionism vs holistic examples within Earth sciences. Can someone give me a few hints? I already checked georef and similar, but the few hits I found only let to articles which required much more reading to fully...
  21. V

    Finding Interesting Books on Carbon Dating for Earth Science Beginners

    I am reading an old book about Carbon Dating and it is really boring, I dstill havenot found out there is anything interesting for me to keep going with time continuum, continuum continuum, again and again...So would you please introduce me some (old or new) interesting books on the topic for me...
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