Earth Science
The study of the earth or sciences related to the study of planet earth is part of earth science. It involves understanding how the earth works in order to produce and sustain life, as well as the earth's history as seen from fossils and land changes. Including the different areas and ecosystems of the earth, earth science can tell us where we've been and where we're heading when it comes to the evolution of the planet. This is what makes it fascinating and informative at the same time.
The Earth's Terrain
The earth is a very special planet. It is the only planet known to us that is able to support life. It is able to do this through a perfect combination of certain chemicals and through the protection of earth's magnetic core and ozone layer. The biosphere is where life on earth exists. It is divided into different biomes, which are based on land height and characteristics of terrain that allows certain animals to exist. It is because of these different biomes that we have plants and animals that are either native or can only be grown in certain parts of the world.
Earth's terrain changes depending on the different biomes, which means it's dependent on an area's positioning on earth. Land composition can change, and water supply can vary. The weather or climate is also dependent on the particular biome. For example, the ocean can be filled with underwater volcanoes, trenches, and plains. On land, you can also have mountains, lakes, rivers, meadows, deserts, and forests, but they will be different from those underwater in terms of how they are formed and the kind of life it supports.
Above the sea, we find many changes in composition of the land. As previously mentioned, we can have large grassy fields and valleys quickly followed by hills and mountains made of varying types of rock. The composition of the earth in these changing terrains can be different not only within the terrain but is definitely different in the different parts of the earth. For example, a mountain in northern Europe will not be made of the same material as a mountain in the south pacific. Water sources on land are different from ocean water, and their sources and flow are dependent on where they are, usually responding to the needs of the surrounding terrain.
Because of its unique and changing terrain, the need for maps arose early on in the evolution of civilizations. People needed to understand their surrounding areas, figure out where they were going, and how to get back to where they lived. Cartography or the study of map making tries to represent the earth's varying terrains on paper or using three dimensional models. Often, these maps are used for navigational purposes. Being able to read and understand maps is a very useful skill.
Next Article: Map Making
