* What is Earth and Space science? * The study of the universe and its functions. * Types of Earth and Space sciences * Geology - The study of how the Earth’s materials, structures, processes, and organisms have changed over time. Geologists try to understand the history of our planet, by reading the physical structures and processes. Geologists study various forms of Earth formations such as: marine, sedimentology (rocks), pedology (soil), structural, and geomorphology (landforms). Some great examples of geologic studies are: the Grand Canyon and San Andreas Fault. * Meterology - The science in which scientist study the weather. Meteorologists gather and analysis data on the conditions of the atmosphere. Meteorologists study weather phenomena such as Tornados, Hurricanes, Tsunami, Blizzards, Thunder and Lighting Storms. They use tools such as satellite imagery, weather balloons (twice a day, everyday one is released), radars, hygrometer (measures humidity), barometer (measures atmospheric pressure), and an anemometer (measures wind speed). * Oceanography - Study of the Earth’s oceans and seas. Some types of oceanography include: marine geology (plate tectonics and study of the ocean floor), physical oceanography (physical attributes of the ocean), meteorologic oceanography (the atmosphere and the ocean interact). * Hydrology - the study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water throughout the Earth. Hydrologists are currently focusing on water turbine or hydropower resources. During the winter, resources freeze and in the summer they dry up. Sanitary water supply is scarce. As cities get bigger the water supply lowers. Every year, the U.S. thermoelectric industry uses 3.3 billion gallons of water. * Paleontology – the study of the history of Earth’s life forms through fossil records. There are many different types of paleontology such as: vertebrate paleontology (animals with backbones), invertebrate paleontology (animals without backbones), micropaleontology (single celled organisms), taphonomy (how fossils form and are preserved), paleobotany (plant fossils), and paleoecology (how historic ecosystems formed). * Astronomy - The scientific study of stars, galaxies, planets, and comets. Astronomers are concerned with evolution, formation of universe, and the motion of objects in the sky. Astronomy is the oldest science. Astronomers use tools and instruments such as: Astrolabe (used to find the position of celestial bodies), Cornell Caltech Atacama Telescope (will observe at submillimeter wavelengths), Robotic Telescope (makes observation without use of human), Canon Camera, and a Radio Telescope (tracks and collect data from space probes). * How the Earth and Space sciences relate to each other * All of these sciences must have a basic understanding of the other Earth and Space sciences to better understand their focus. All of the sciences interact with and affect each other. * These sciences are holistic in nature but can individually study reductionist aspects of their respective science. * Why is it important to have an understanding of these sciences? * Earth and space sciences are used in everyday life (recreational use, food sources, history, etc.). * These sciences create technological advances, medical advances, and help understanding Earth’s past to further our knowledge for a better future.