1. EXPLORING THE EARTH

2. Earth’s Major Spheres
The hydrosphere includes all liquid water on Earth—both saltwater and fresh water.
The atmosphere consists of the gaseous envelope surrounding the Earth.
Although the atmosphere extends more than 100km up, 90% is within 16km of the surface.

3. Earth History
Spheres work together in a System: A change in any part of the system will affect the other parts
Energy: All energy on earth comes from the sun
Constructive forces & destructive forces: Forces that have built up, or torn away the surface of the earth and changed it over time

4. Branches of Earth Science
--Ology: The study of
Geology: Study of forces that have shaped the earth
Oceanography: Study of Oceans
Meteorology: Study of the atmosphere
Astronomy: Study of the universe outside of the atmosphere
Environmental science: Study of the environment and resources.

5. Earth’s Topography TOPOGRAPHY: The shape of the land
Can be flat, sloping, hilly, or mountainous.
Topography includes:
Elevation: Height above sea level
Relief: Difference between highest and lowest parts of an area
Landforms: A feature about the topography (how the topography is shaped)

6. Landforms Plains: Nearly flat, rolling surface with very little relief
Mountains: Landform with high elevation and high relief.
Mountain Range: Series or group of mountains
Plateau: Landform with high elevation and flat

8. Landform Region An area that has one type of landform
Examples: Rocky Mountain Region, Appalachian Region, Great Plains

9. Map Vocabulary (Pg. 26)
Scale: Relates distance on a map to a distance on earth
Symbols: Stand for features on the map
Key: List of symbols with explanation
Degrees: Distance in a circle

10. Equator: Line ½ way between north and south poles
Prime Meridian: ½ way between east and west—separates the hemispheres

11. Longitude: Lines going north to south…
Longitude: Lines going north to south….measured in degrees from the prime meridian
Latitude: Lines going east to west…measures degrees north or south from the equator

12. The Global Grid

13. Map: flat model of the earth or part of the earth
Globe: Sphere that represents the entire earth
Topographic Map: Map that shows the surface features of an area.

14. Topographic Maps Contour lines: Connect the points of equal elevation
Contour Intervals: Change in elevation from one line to another
Index Contours: Labeled Contour lines