1、Prentice Hall EARTH SCIENCETarbuck Lutgens Chapter 1Introduction to Earth ScienceOverview of Earth Science1.1 What Is Earth Science? Encompasses all sciences that seek to understand Earth Earths neighbors in spaceOverview of Earth Science Earth science includes4. astronomy, the study of the universe
2、3. meteorology, the study of the atmosphere and the processes that produce weather 1. geology, the study of Earth 2. oceanography, the study of the ocean1.1 What Is Earth Science?Formation of Earth The solar system evolved from an enormous rotating cloud called the solar nebula. Most researchers con
3、clude that Earth and the other planets formed at essentially the same time. Nebular Hypothesis1.1 What Is Earth Science?Formation of Earth The nebula was composed mostly of hydrogen and helium. Nebular Hypothesis1.1 What Is Earth Science? About 5 billion years ago, the nebula began to contract. It a
4、ssumed a flat, disk shape with the protosun (pre-Sun) at the center. Formation of Earth Inner planets begin to form from metallic and rocky clumps. Nebular Hypothesis 1.1 What Is Earth Science? Larger outer planets began forming from fragments with a high percentage of ices.The Nebular HypothesisACD
5、EBFormation of Earth Layers Form on Earth1.1 What Is Earth Science? As Earth formed, the decay of radioactive elements and heat from high-velocity impacts caused the temperature to increase. Lighter rocky components floated outward, toward the surface. Gaseous material escaped from Earths interior t
6、o produce the primitive atmosphere.Earths Major Spheres1.2 A View of Earth1. Hydrosphere Ocean is the most prominent feature of the hydrosphere. - Is nearly 71% of Earths surface - Holds about 97% of Earths water Also includes fresh water found in streams, lakes, and glaciers, as well as that found underground
