What is Earth Science?
Earth Science studies our planet and its place in the universe. It combines geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy to understand Earth's systems.
Branches of Earth Science:
Geology - Study of Earth's rocks, minerals, and structureMeteorology - Study of weather and atmosphereOceanography - Study of oceans and marine lifeAstronomy - Study of space and celestial objectsEnvironmental Science - Study of Earth's environment and human impact
Earth's Systems:
ð Geosphere: Solid Earth - rocks, minerals, soil
ð§ Hydrosphere: All water on Earth - oceans, rivers, lakes, ice
ðŽïļ Atmosphere: Layer of gases surrounding Earth
ðą Biosphere: All living things on Earth
⥠Interactions: These systems constantly interact and affect each other
Geological Time Scale
Cenozoic Era (65 mya - present): Age of mammals, humans evolve
Mesozoic Era (252-65 mya): Age of dinosaurs, first birds
Paleozoic Era (541-252 mya): First land animals, coal forests
Precambrian (4.6 billion - 541 mya): Earth forms, first life
Your Earth Science Journey
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Earth's Internal Structure
Earth has four main layers: crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. Each layer has different properties and temperatures.
Earth's Layers (surface to center):
Crust: Thin outer layer where we live (5-70 km thick)Mantle: Hot, dense rock layer (2,900 km thick)Outer Core: Liquid iron and nickel (2,200 km thick)Inner Core: Solid iron and nickel (1,220 km radius)
Key Facts:
Temperature increases with depth (up to 6,000°C in core)
Pressure increases with depth
Plate tectonics driven by mantle convection
Earth's magnetic field generated by outer core
Earth's Layers Diagram
Crust
Mantle
Outer Core
Inner Core
Which layer of Earth is liquid?
Check Answer
Rocks and Minerals
Rocks are made of minerals. There are three main types of rocks, each formed by different processes.
Three Types of Rocks:
Igneous: Formed from cooled magma or lava (granite, obsidian)Sedimentary: Formed from compressed sediments (sandstone, limestone)Metamorphic: Formed from heat and pressure (marble, slate)
Rock Cycle:
Rocks constantly change from one type to another through weathering, erosion, heat, pressure, and melting.
Rock Identification Lab
ðŧ
Granite
Coarse crystals, light colored
ðïļ
Sandstone
Sandy texture, layered
â°ïļ
Marble
Smooth, crystalline
ð
Obsidian
Glassy, volcanic
ðĶī
Limestone
Contains fossils
ð
Slate
Flat layers, splits easily
Selected rock type: None
What type of rock is formed from cooled magma?
Check Answer
Weather and Climate
Weather is day-to-day atmospheric conditions. Climate is long-term weather patterns. Both are driven by solar energy and Earth's rotation.
Weather Elements:
Temperature: How hot or cold the air isHumidity: Amount of water vapor in airPrecipitation: Rain, snow, sleet, hailAir Pressure: Weight of air pressing downWind: Moving air caused by pressure differences
Weather vs Climate:
Weather: Right now, today, this weekClimate: Average over 30+ years
Weather Simulator
âïļ
Clear and Sunny
Temperature: 22°C
Humidity: 45%
Wind: Light breeze
âïļ Sunny
âïļ Cloudy
ð§ïļ Rainy
âïļ Snowy
âïļ Stormy
What do we call the long-term weather patterns of a region?
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Our Solar System
The solar system consists of the Sun, eight planets, and many smaller objects like moons, asteroids, and comets.
Planets in Order from the Sun:
Mercury: Smallest, closest to Sun, very hot days/cold nightsVenus: Hottest planet, thick atmosphere, retrograde rotationEarth: Only known planet with life, 71% water surfaceMars: Red planet, polar ice caps, largest volcanoJupiter: Largest planet, Great Red Spot, many moonsSaturn: Famous rings, low density, many moonsUranus: Tilted on its side, faint rings, coldNeptune: Windiest planet, deep blue color, furthest
Solar System Model
âŊïļ Play/Pause
ð Reset
How many planets are in our solar system?
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ðŊ Earth Science Practice Test
Test your Earth science knowledge with questions covering all topics!
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