Understanding the Earth System Building a Planet Building a Planet 1

Understanding the Understanding the

Earth SystemEarth System

Building a PlanetBuilding a Planet

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Earth ScienceEarth Science

Encompasses all Encompasses all sciences that seek to sciences that seek to understandunderstandEarthEarth

Processes and forces Processes and forces that change itthat change it

Materials from which it is Materials from which it is mademade

Its historyIts historyEarth’s neighbors in Earth’s neighbors in

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Branches of Earth Branches of Earth ScienceScience

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Earth science can be thought of Earth science can be thought of as having separate and distinct as having separate and distinct

branches of study…branches of study…

GeologyGeologyStudy of materials that make up Study of materials that make up

Earth and the processes that form Earth and the processes that form and change these materialsand change these materials

Two divisionsTwo divisionsPhysicalPhysical – examines materials – examines materials

composing Earthcomposing EarthHistoricalHistorical - study of Earth’s origin & - study of Earth’s origin &

developmentdevelopment

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OceanographyOceanography

Study of Earth’s oceansStudy of Earth’s oceansChemistryChemistry

Chemical composition Chemical composition

PhysicsPhysicsPhysical properties and wave actionPhysical properties and wave action

GeologyGeologyProcesses that shape the ocean & coastlineProcesses that shape the ocean & coastline

Biology Biology Creatures that inhabit the ocean Creatures that inhabit the ocean

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Study of the air that surrounds our planet Study of the air that surrounds our planet Forces and processes that change the atmosphere Forces and processes that change the atmosphere

to produce weatherto produce weather66

AstronomyAstronomy Study of objects beyond Earth’s Study of objects beyond Earth’s

atmosphereatmosphere the universe and everything in itthe universe and everything in it

The scientific study of matter in outer space, The scientific study of matter in outer space, especially the positions, dimensions, especially the positions, dimensions, distribution, motion, composition, energy, and distribution, motion, composition, energy, and evolution of celestial bodies and phenomena.evolution of celestial bodies and phenomena.

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Now it is believed the best way to Now it is believed the best way to understand the working of the Earth is understand the working of the Earth is

to approach it as a to approach it as a SYSTEMSYSTEM

Earth is a Earth is a SYSTEMSYSTEM

Earth as a Earth as a SYSTEMSYSTEM

Viewing the following video clip will Viewing the following video clip will provide background into what a system provide background into what a system actually actually isis, as well as, its , as well as, its featuresfeatureshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2KYRo9C

cRc&feature=relmfuSystemSystem

A group of interacting parts that work together A group of interacting parts that work together as a complex wholeas a complex whole

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Features of systemsFeatures of systems

Each part of a system can itself be Each part of a system can itself be described as part of a smaller system described as part of a smaller system (subsystem)(subsystem)

A system can be very different from its A system can be very different from its parts parts

Reminder: viewing the video clip will provide Reminder: viewing the video clip will provide further explanation, as well as, examplesfurther explanation, as well as, examples http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2KYRo9CcRc&fe

ature=relmfu

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““NewNew” approach to Earth Science” approach to Earth Science Earth Earth SystemSystem Science Science

Earth is composed of parts that work together as a complex Earth is composed of parts that work together as a complex wholewhole

Parts Parts interactinteract and are and are dependentdependent on one another on one another Parts of the Earth system are known as Parts of the Earth system are known as spheresspheres

Hydrosphere (contains cryosphere)Hydrosphere (contains cryosphere) AtmosphereAtmosphere LithosphereLithosphere Biosphere Biosphere

EnergyEnergy & & mattermatter are exchanged/transferred between are exchanged/transferred between these spheres these spheres

Changes in one sphere Changes in one sphere affectaffect the other spheresthe other spheres 1111

Earth's “Spheres"Earth's “Spheres"

Hydrosphere Hydrosphere • OceanOcean – the most prominent feature of the

hydrosphere Nearly 71% of Earth's surface Nearly 71% of Earth's surface About 97% of Earth's waterAbout 97% of Earth's water

• Also includes fresh water found in streams, lakes, and glaciers, as well as that found underground

• Cryosphere = all frozen water• Glaciers, icecaps, icebergs

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Earth's “Spheres"Earth's “Spheres"Atmosphere Atmosphere

• Thin, tenuous blanket of air surrounding EarthThin, tenuous blanket of air surrounding Earth• Dry air: Dry air: 78%78% nitrogen; nitrogen; 21%21% oxygen oxygen• Layers based on:Layers based on:

• TemperatureTemperature• Composition Composition

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Layers of the Atmosphere Layers of the Atmosphere (Hint: label & know these!!!)

TroposphereTroposphere Where we liveWhere we live Most water vaporMost water vapor Highest pressure at Highest pressure at

sea levelsea level

StratosphereStratosphere Contains ozone Contains ozone

layerlayer (protects from UV (protects from UV rays)rays)

MesosphereMesosphere Meteors burn upMeteors burn up

ThermosphereThermosphere Auroras Auroras 1515

From the Earth Science From the Earth Science Reference TablesReference Tables

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Earth's “Spheres"Earth's “Spheres" Solid Earth (lithosphere or geosphere)

All the rocks, minerals, soils Two perspectives…

• Based on compositional differences

• CrustCrust – silicates (Si & O)• MantleMantle – Mg, Fe, Al, Si, O• CoreCore – Fe & Ni

• Based on physicalphysical properties and mechanical strength

• LithosphereLithosphere – “plates”; crust and upper-most upper mantel (rigid)

• AsthenosphereAsthenosphere – upper mantle• MesosphereMesosphere – lower mantle• Outer coreOuter core - liquid• Inner core Inner core - solid

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Be able to label Be able to label me…me…

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BiosphereBiosphere• Includes all life Includes all life

Earth's “Spheres"Earth's “Spheres"

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Earth system science:Earth system science:needs needs energy energy

Earth as a system Earth as a system • Sources of Sources of energyenergy to drive the system to drive the system

SunSun – – energy from nuclear fusion energy from nuclear fusion drives external processes such as weather, ocean drives external processes such as weather, ocean

circulation and erosional processescirculation and erosional processes

Earth’s interior Earth’s interior – – energy from radioactive decay of isotopesenergy from radioactive decay of isotopes drives internal processes including volcanoes, drives internal processes including volcanoes,

earthquakes and mountain building earthquakes and mountain building

• Humans are part of & Humans are part of & influenceinfluence the Earth the Earth system system

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People and the People and the EnvironmentEnvironment

Human ImpactHuman Impact

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People and the environment People and the environment Environment Environment

• Surrounds and Surrounds and influences organisms influences organisms

• AbioticAbiotic• Nonliving physical Nonliving physical

factorsfactors• Light, water, air, Light, water, air,

soil, rock soil, rock

• BioticBiotic• Living factors Living factors

(population dynamics)(population dynamics)• Population size, Population size,

density & density & competitioncompetition

Levels of Levels of OrganizationOrganization

Population:Population:

–Same species living in the same area

Highland Lakes: Fish PopulationsHighland Lakes: Fish Populations BassBass

Largemouth & small Largemouth & small mouthmouth

Rock bassRock bass PerchPerch PikePike

WalleyeWalleye

Tiger MuskieTiger Muskie CatfishCatfish Blue Gills (sunnies)Blue Gills (sunnies)

CommunityCommunityAll the populations of different organisms All the populations of different organisms

within a given areawithin a given area

Highland Lakes Community Highland Lakes Community Contains…Contains…

FishFish FrogsFrogs Aquatic Aquatic

PlantsPlants MosquitoesMosquitoes ProtistsProtists GeeseGeese BacteriaBacteria AlgaeAlgae BeaverBeaver

Biotic Factors

ECOSYSTEM

Abiotic Factors

Ecosystem Ecosystem

A community (A community (bioticbiotic) and the physical ) and the physical environment (environment (abioticabiotic) in which they live) in which they live

Tropical rain forest

Tropical dry forest

Tropical savanna Temperate woodlandand shrub land

Desert

Temperate grassland

Boreal forest(Taiga)

Northwesternconiferous forest

Temperate forest

Mountains andice caps

Tundra

BiomeBiome

Ecosystem within a geographical regionEcosystem within a geographical region Distinct community within a biogeographical regionDistinct community within a biogeographical region

People and the environment People and the environment

HumanHuman Population Population • Population of the planet Population of the planet

is growing rapidly is growing rapidly • Rate of mineral and Rate of mineral and

energy usage has energy usage has climbed more rapidly climbed more rapidly than the overall growth than the overall growth of populationof population

Agriculturebegins

Plowingand irrigation

Bubonicplague

IndustrialRevolutionbegins

Human Population Growth

Population DynamicsPopulation Dynamics

People and the environment People and the environment Resources Resources

• An important focus of the An important focus of the Earth sciences Earth sciences

• Includes water, soil, Includes water, soil, minerals, and energyminerals, and energy

• Two broad categories Two broad categories RenewableRenewable – can be – can be

replenished (examples replenished (examples include plants and energy include plants and energy from water and wind)from water and wind)

NonrenewableNonrenewable – metals – metals (examples include metals and (examples include metals and fuels)fuels)


Environmental problemsEnvironmental problems• Human-inducedHuman-induced and accentuated and accentuated

Urban air pollutionUrban air pollutionAcid rainAcid rainOzone depletionOzone depletionGlobal warmingGlobal warming

Review the following website Review the following website http://www.nationalgeographic.com/eye/impact.html


Environmental problemsEnvironmental problems• Natural hazards Natural hazards

Earthquakes Earthquakes LandslidesLandslidesFloodsFloodsHurricanesHurricanes

Review the following website Review the following website http://www.nationalgeographic.com/eye/natures.html

Methods of ScientistsMethods of Scientists

Scientific MethodScientific Method

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Nature of Scientific InquiryNature of Scientific InquiryScience assumes that Science assumes that

the natural world isthe natural world isConsistentConsistentPredictablePredictable

Goal of scienceGoal of scienceDiscover patterns in the Discover patterns in the

universeuniverseUse knowledge to Use knowledge to

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Gaining Scientific KnowledgeGaining Scientific KnowledgeScientific Method – Scientific Method –

ObservationObservation Identify a problem (ask a question)Identify a problem (ask a question)Formulate a hypothesis (if, then)Formulate a hypothesis (if, then)Test: Conduct valid experimentsTest: Conduct valid experiments

Gather & record dataGather & record dataControls Controls

Analyze & interpret dataAnalyze & interpret dataReexamine the hypothesisReexamine the hypothesis

Draw conclusionsDraw conclusionsRepeat if necessaryRepeat if necessaryCommunicate resultsCommunicate results 3838

Scientific Scientific MethodMethod

1. Observations1. ObservationsQualitativeQualitative

Descriptive (a Descriptive (a qualityquality))Red, heavy, fast, roundRed, heavy, fast, round

QuantitativeQuantitativeUses measurements (a Uses measurements (a quantityquantity))

5 ft, 10 grams, 4.2 mL5 ft, 10 grams, 4.2 mL

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ObservationObservation vs. vs. InferenceInference InferenceInference

Derived as a conclusion from observable factsDerived as a conclusion from observable facts Not directly observedNot directly observed Opinion or assumption Opinion or assumption

Major difference between fact & inferenceMajor difference between fact & inference FactFact

limited to description limited to description made only after observationmade only after observation limited in the number that can be madelimited in the number that can be made

there are only so many facts that can be stated there are only so many facts that can be stated Inferences Inferences

go beyond what was directly observedgo beyond what was directly observed can be made at any time without observation can be made at any time without observation unlimited in number unlimited in number

it is almost unlimited in the number of assumptions that can be madeit is almost unlimited in the number of assumptions that can be made

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List 3 statements of fact & 3 statements of inferenceList 3 statements of fact & 3 statements of inference

There are two buttons on the There are two buttons on the duck's jacket duck's jacket

The duck has a hammer. The duck has a hammer. There is a computer on the There is a computer on the

table. table. The jacket is blue. The jacket is blue. The duck is wearing glasses. The duck is wearing glasses. The duck is holding a hammer The duck is holding a hammer

The duck is mad at the The duck is mad at the computer. (he might only be computer. (he might only be acting) acting)

The duck is going to smash The duck is going to smash the computer with the hammer. the computer with the hammer. (he might only be posing) (he might only be posing)

The duck thinks the computer The duck thinks the computer is bad. (we have no idea what is bad. (we have no idea what he thinks) he thinks)

FACT INFERENCE

2. Identify a Problem2. Identify a Problem Ask a “Ask a “testabletestable” question” question

Show relationship between factorsShow relationship between factors VariablesVariables ““affect” affect”

Variables (factors involved)Variables (factors involved) IndependentIndependent

Manipulated factorManipulated factor X axisX axis

DependentDependent Influenced by independent factorInfluenced by independent factor Y axisY axis

How does aspirin affect the growth of How does aspirin affect the growth of pea plants? pea plants?

How does light affect pea plant How does light affect pea plant growth?growth?

3. Formulate a Hypothesis3. Formulate a Hypothesis

Tentative statement that proposes possible Tentative statement that proposes possible explanation to some phenomenon or eventexplanation to some phenomenon or event

TestableTestableMeasureable, observable Measureable, observable

Relationship between variablesRelationship between variablesHOW they are relatedHOW they are related If…then…If…then…

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4. Test4. Test

Valid Valid experimentexperimentVariables Variables ControlControl

used in an experiment to show that the results of used in an experiment to show that the results of an experiment are a result of the condition being an experiment are a result of the condition being testedtested

An An investigationinvestigation…… involves observation and collecting data but involves observation and collecting data but

does not include a controldoes not include a control

5. Analyze & Interpret5. Analyze & InterpretChartChartGraphGraph

Look for RelationshipsLook for Relationships DirectDirect

Both variables increase; Both variables increase; both variable decreaseboth variable decrease

Indirect Indirect As on variable As on variable

increases, the other increases, the other decreasesdecreases

6. Draw Conclusions6. Draw Conclusions

Did your results support or reject your Did your results support or reject your hypothesis?hypothesis?

7. Repeat/Revise7. Repeat/Revise

8. Communicate Results8. Communicate Results

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Formation of IdeasFormation of Ideas An idea can becomeAn idea can become

HypothesisHypothesis Tentative statement that proposes possible explanation to some Tentative statement that proposes possible explanation to some

phenomenon or eventphenomenon or event In scientific inquiry, when competing hypothesis have been eliminated, a hypothesis In scientific inquiry, when competing hypothesis have been eliminated, a hypothesis

may be evaluated to the status of a scientific …may be evaluated to the status of a scientific … Theory Theory

a set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts a set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomenaor phenomena repeatedly tested repeatedly tested oror is widely accepted is widely accepted

3 Conditions to be valid3 Conditions to be valid Consistent with observationsConsistent with observations Makes testable predictionsMakes testable predictions Simplest explanation of observations Simplest explanation of observations

LawLaw a a scientific generalization (usually a mathematical formula) based generalization (usually a mathematical formula) based

on on observations AND confirmed by AND confirmed by scientific experiments Basic factBasic fact

ModelModel Idea, system, or mathematical expression Idea, system, or mathematical expression

that is similar to an idea being explainedthat is similar to an idea being explained

Geocentric model

Heliocentric model

TheoryTheory vs. vs. LawLaw

TheoryTheory of Plate Tectonics of Plate Tectonics The Earth's surface is covered The Earth's surface is covered

by a series of crustal plates. by a series of crustal plates. The ocean floors are The ocean floors are

continually, moving, spreading continually, moving, spreading from the center, sinking at the from the center, sinking at the edges, and being regenerated. edges, and being regenerated.

Convection currents beneath Convection currents beneath the plates move the crustal the plates move the crustal plates in different directions. plates in different directions.

The source of heat driving the The source of heat driving the convection currents is convection currents is radioactivity deep in the radioactivity deep in the Earths mantle. Earths mantle.

LawLaw of Universal Gravitation of Universal Gravitation

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Earth’s Shape:Earth’s Shape:

Oblate spheroidOblate spheroid

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Earth’s ShapeEarth’s ShapeOblate Oblate spheroidspheroid

Bulges at the equatorBulges at the equatorFlattened at the polesFlattened at the poles

Why? Why? due to rotationdue to rotation

How do we know???How do we know??? See mast of ship growing or sinking over the horizonSee mast of ship growing or sinking over the horizon Changes in night sky based on location of observer = Changes in night sky based on location of observer =

different constellations seen in different hemispheres different constellations seen in different hemispheres (can’t “see” around the curve of the Earth)(can’t “see” around the curve of the Earth)

Eclipse shadow (of Earth on Moon) is roundEclipse shadow (of Earth on Moon) is round Pictures from spacePictures from space 6161

Mast of ship over the horizonMast of ship over the horizon

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Changes in night sky based on location of observer – different constellations seen in different hemispheres

Northern HemisphereNorthern Hemisphere 40 degrees north 40 degrees north

latitudelatitude Can’t see these from Can’t see these from

S. hemisphereS. hemisphere

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Southern HemisphereSouthern Hemisphere 35 degrees south 35 degrees south

latitudelatitude Can’t see these from Can’t see these from

N. hemisphereN. hemisphere

Changes in night sky based on location of observer – different constellations seen in different hemispheres

Eclipse shadow is roundEclipse shadow is round

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Pictures from spacePictures from space

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Scientific MeasurementScientific Measurement& Problem Solving& Problem Solving

Metric (SI)Metric (SI)

Metric SystemMetric SystemDeveloped by FrenchDeveloped by FrenchCalled SICalled SI

System International d’UnitesSystem International d’Unites Based on units of tenBased on units of ten

Units of 10Units of 10

Table 1: Basic Units of Measurement Used in Earth Science

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Physical Quantity

Metric Basic Unit Metric Symbol

U.S. Customary Measure

Length Meter m Inch, foot, mile

Mass Gram g Ounce, pound, ton

Time Second s Same as metric

Temperature Kelvindegree Celsius

K°C

°F°F

Volume Liters L Gallon

Metric Conversion: Step or LadderMetric Conversion: Step or Ladder

Try these steps each and every time you want to use the metric ladder.Try these steps each and every time you want to use the metric ladder. Find the spot (unit) on the ladder that has the same prefix as the measurement Find the spot (unit) on the ladder that has the same prefix as the measurement

you are starting with you are starting with Locate the spot on the ladder that you want to convert your number to Locate the spot on the ladder that you want to convert your number to Count the number of steps you must move on the ladder to make your Count the number of steps you must move on the ladder to make your

conversion conversion Move the decimal in your original number this same number of steps and in the Move the decimal in your original number this same number of steps and in the

same direction (don't forget the Base step) same direction (don't forget the Base step)

Metric Prefixes Metric Prefixes

KKidsids hhaven’t aven’t ddied ied bby y ddoing oing ccrazy razy mmetricetrickilo kilo hecto deka basic deci centi millihecto deka basic deci centi milli unit unit((kk) () (hh) () (dada) () (m,L,gm,L,g) () (dd) () (cc) () (mm) ) 1000 100 10 1 .1 .01 .0011000 100 10 1 .1 .01 .001

To convert:To convert:•Find starting unit on chartFind starting unit on chart•Count spaces to get to new unitCount spaces to get to new unit•Move decimal same # of spaces and same direction.Move decimal same # of spaces and same direction.

Ex. 23.659 hm = __________dmEx. 23.659 hm = __________dm Ans. 23,659.0 dm.Ans. 23,659.0 dm.

Ex. 172,408.0 mL = __________ daLEx. 172,408.0 mL = __________ daL Ans. .01724080 daLAns. .01724080 daL

KKidsids hhaven’t aven’t ddied ied bby y ddoing oing ccrazy razy mmetricetrickilo kilo hecto deka basic deci centi millihecto deka basic deci centi milli unit unit((kk) () (hh) () (dada) () (m,L,gm,L,g) () (dd) () (cc) () (mm) ) 1000 100 10 1 .1 .01 .0011000 100 10 1 .1 .01 .001

Scientific NotationScientific Notation

To express numbers that are very large or small, To express numbers that are very large or small, scientists use a type of shorthand called scientists use a type of shorthand called scientific notationscientific notation to express the number as a to express the number as a multiplier and a power of 10.multiplier and a power of 10.

In scientific notation, a number is expressed as In scientific notation, a number is expressed as a value between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power a value between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10. of 10. 9 X 1010

5.9742 X 1024

1 X 10-10

The power of 10 is the number of places the The power of 10 is the number of places the decimal point must be shifted so that only a decimal point must be shifted so that only a single digit remains either to the left or right of single digit remains either to the left or right of the decimal point.the decimal point.

– If the decimal point must be shifted to the left, If the decimal point must be shifted to the left, the exponent of 10 is positive.the exponent of 10 is positive.

8 X 1098 000 000 000 =8 000 000 000 =Positive 9

– If the decimal point in a number must be shifted If the decimal point in a number must be shifted to the right, then the exponent of 10 is negative.to the right, then the exponent of 10 is negative.

0.000000001 =0.000000001 = 1 X 101 X 10-9 -9

Negaive 9

Which is bigger???

5.069 x 105.069 x 1055

8 x 108 x 1033

5 x 105 x 1055

3 x 103 x 1088

= 506 900= 506 900

= 8 000= 8 000

= 500 000= 500 000

= 300 000 000= 300 000 000

Which is the smallest???

Scientific NotationScientific Notation

96,000,000,000 96,000,000,000 __________________________

0.000037 0.000037 __________________________

7,234,000 7,234,000 __________________________

0.0010.001__________________________

5,284,200,000,0005,284,200,000,000 __________________________

9.6 X 1010

3.7 X 10-5

7.234 X 106

1 X 10-3

5.2842 X 1012

Problem SolvingProblem Solving

You must You must ALWAYSALWAYS use these 4 use these 4 steps to receive credit!!!steps to receive credit!!!

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When solving a problem using a When solving a problem using a formula…formula…

ALWAYSALWAYS complete 4 basic steps complete 4 basic steps

Step 1: Write the formula firstStep 1: Write the formula firstStep 2: Substitute into the formulaStep 2: Substitute into the formulaStep 3: complete calculationsStep 3: complete calculationsStep 4: check unitsStep 4: check units

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Commonly used formulas in Commonly used formulas in Earth ScienceEarth Science

Percent Deviation – Percent Deviation – Accesses accuracy of data collectedAccesses accuracy of data collected

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Example:Example:

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Line GraphsLine Graphs

When interpreting a graph, When interpreting a graph, readread the bottom variable the bottom variable firstfirst

Independent variable Independent variable

readread the side variable the side variable secondsecond Dependent variableDependent variable

4 types4 types CyclicCyclic StaticStatic IndirectIndirect Direct Direct

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Rate of changeRate of changeShows how fast something changesShows how fast something changesLine graphs illustrate relationships very Line graphs illustrate relationships very

quicklyquickly

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Example:Example:

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Gradient:Gradient: Illustrates change over a given distanceIllustrates change over a given distance (slope)(slope)

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Example:Example:

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DensityDensityDescribes the amount of volume in a specific amount of volumeDescribes the amount of volume in a specific amount of volumeDensity is the same for the same substance at a Density is the same for the same substance at a constantconstant

temperaturetemperature and and pressurepressureDensity triangleDensity triangle

D = M/V; M = DV; V = M/VD = M/V; M = DV; V = M/V

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A note on temperature & density…A note on temperature & density…

Most materials have their greatest densityMost materials have their greatest densitySolidSolid, then , then liquidliquid, then , then gasgas

Exception: Exception: WATER WATER EXPANDSEXPANDS when freezes when freezesWater has its greatest density @ 4˚CWater has its greatest density @ 4˚CDensity of liquid water is 1.0 g/mlDensity of liquid water is 1.0 g/mlGreatest density of water:Greatest density of water:

LiquidLiquid, then , then solidsolid, then , then gasgas

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Regular Solid Regular Solid (use geometric formula)(use geometric formula)

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Irregular Solid: Irregular Solid: water displacementwater displacement

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Subtract volumes:Final volume – initial volume = volume of irregular mass

Examples:Examples:

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Documents

Understanding the Earth System Building a Planet Building a Planet 1