Earth Science

Earth science is the scientific study of our planet, the Earth. It encompasses all sciences which focus on the Earth, and uses physics, geology, geography, meteorology, mathematics, chemistry and biology. The Earth sciences generally recognize four "spheres" of study of the Earth: the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and the biosphere, corresponding to rocks, water, air, and life. Sometimes the cryosphere is considered as a distinct portion of the hydrosphere, and the pedosphere (soil) is considered a subset of the lithosphere.

Earth science has established many simple but important facts about the makeup of our planet. One significant set of facts are the relative chemical abundances of our air (78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% water vapor, .93% argon, .03% carbon dioxide, .002% other) and crust (made up mainly of oxides, including 60 silica or sand). Earth scientists have accurately measured our planet's diameter (12,756 km or 7,926 mi) and mass (5.9736 1024 kg). They have also measured the path of the Earth around the Sun and its implications for seasonal variations in temperature and weather.

Environmental science
is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical and biological sciences, (including but not limited to Ecology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Soil Science, Geology, Atmospheric Science and Geography) to the study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems. Environmental science provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems.

Environmental Branches of Earth Science

Geology Branch of earth science. The study of the origin, history, and structure of the Earth and the processes that shape the Earth Volcanologist Geologist who studies volcanoes. Seismologist Geologist who studies earthquakes. Paleontologist Geologist who studies fossils. Oceanography Branch of Earth Science. The study of the sea (meaning oceans, bays, and seas).

Physical Oceanographer Studies physical features of waves and currents on weather patterns and aquatic life. Biological Oceanographer Studies the plants and animals that live in the ocean. Geological Oceangraphers Studies and explores the ocean floor. Chemical Oceanographers Studies the amounts and distrubutions of natural and human-made chemicals in the ocean. Meterology Studies the Earth's atmosphere as it relates to weather and climate. Astronomy Studies of the universe. Environmental Science Special branch of earth science. The study of how humans interact with the environment Ecology Special branch of earth science. Study the relationships between organisms and their surroundings. Ecologist Studies a community of organisms and their nonliving environment. Geochemistry Special branch of earth science. Study of geology and chemistry. Geochemist Studies the chemistry of rocks, minerals, and soil. Physical Geographers Educated in geology, biology, and physics. They study the surface features of the earth. Cartography Cartography is a special branch of earth science. Cartographers make maps