Earth and Space Science- the scientific study of geology, oceanography, meteorology,

environmental science and astronomy

Earth and Space ScienceEarth is generally thought of being made of four “spheres”:1. Geology - Lithosphere- the hard outer crust (rocks) which covers 30% of our planet- two types:

a. continental crust (rock type granite - old) b. oceanic crust (rock type basalt - young)

Earth and Space Science

2. Oceanography - Hydrosphere- the combined volumes of water on Earth (i.e. Oceans, lakes,

rivers, glaciers, groundwater)- 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by water (of which 97% is

salt and only 3% freshwater)

Earth and Space Science3. Meteorology - Atmosphere- the layer of gasses which surround Earth (i.e. air)- 99% of air is made up of only two elements (79% nitrogen and 20% oxygen)- other gasses include argon 0.9% and carbon dioxide 0.03%Weather is the atmospheric conditions in a particular location over a short period of time.Climate is the average weather conditions in a region over a long period of time.

The Atmosphere

Earth and Space Science4. Environmental Science - Biosphere- the global community of living organisms and their environment- life has been found ranging from 41 km above Earth’s surface to

a depth of 5 km into Earth’s crust