Earth sciences bring together geological, atmospheric and environmental processes. Rocks, weather, water and ecosystems can be studied at different scales, with field observations and data analysis helping connect them.
Geology, weather and environmental processes
Geology, meteorology and environmental science provide complementary perspectives on the planet. The Ocean Physics guide offers a related perspective on water movement, observation and environmental processes.
Rock formation, weather patterns and ecosystem dynamics connect observations with explanations of Earth processes. Field observations, weather data and environmental cases can support different kinds of enquiry.
Resource management, climate change and biodiversity raise environmental questions that require evidence as well as consideration of consequences.
Geophysics, remote sensing and hydrology
Environmental geophysics investigates conditions beneath the surface.
Geophysical techniques can contribute information about subsurface structures to environmental assessments. The interpretation depends on the method and its limits.
Remote sensing uses information obtained at a distance to examine Earth processes.
Satellite imagery and data analysis can support environmental monitoring. A measurement or image must be interpreted in relation to the question being asked.
Research and environmental responsibility
Group discussion and collaborative analysis can help communicate observations and test explanations. They are educational approaches, not evidence of a currently available field trip or research placement.
Geoethics considers responsibilities associated with scientific work and the effects of decisions about Earth resources and environments.
Case discussion can examine those ethical questions alongside scientific evidence.
Questions about earth sciences
Does Earth sciences only concern rocks?
No. This overview also includes weather, water, environmental processes and methods for observing them.
What does applied hydrology examine?
Applied hydrology examines water resources and related challenges. It connects physical processes with questions about management and sustainability.
Related study
For a current programme outline or a specific study enquiry, use Contact.
The USGS Mineral Resources Program science overview connects geological processes, mineral deposits, resource assessment and environmental effects. It provides an external example of applying Earth-science evidence to resource questions.
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