Chapter 1
Big Bang has been the mainstream of scientific view. It
Theories on the Origin of the Universe
Aristotelian Universe
Aristotle established a geocentric universe in which
fixed, spherical Earth is at the center surrounded by
concentric celestial spheres of planets and stars and the
four classical elements fire, air, water and earth which
were acted on by two factors- gravity, which is the
tendency of the earth and water to sink and levity,
which is the tendency of air and fire to rise.
Heliocentric Universe
The Greek astronomer and mathematician Aristarchus
of Samos was the first person to present an explicit
argument for a heliocentric model of the solar system,
placing the Sun not Earth at the center known Universe.
He used tides to explain heliocentricity and the
influence of the Moon.
Big Bang Theory
describes the universe as originating in an infinitely tiny,
infinitely dense point or singularity between 13 to 14
Billions years ago. A similar theory had been proposed
although not pursued in 1922 by the Russian Alexander
Friedman.
Earth Systems
The Slow Carbon Cycle
The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in June 15, 1991
discharged millions of tons of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere resulting in the decrease in the
temperature worldwide
*Igneous Rock
Are formed through the cooling and solidification of
magma or lava
Ex. Granite, Diorite, Cyanide, Basalt and Andesite
*Sedimentary Rocks
Rocks are form from material that has accumulated on
Earth’s surface in a process called deposition. The
deposited materials consists of the products of
weathering and erosion and other materials as well that
are unavailable at the surface of the Earth, such as
organic materials.
Lithification- is the process by which
unconsolidated material becomes solidified into rocks
meaning transform into rock.
*Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic rock are sedimentary or igneous rocks
that have been changed under pressure while deep in
the crust of the earth.
It is form when a sedimentary or igneous rock is
exposed to high pressure, high temperature or both,
deep below the surface of the Earth.
Earth Systems Overview Earth System Science
The Earth is a system consisting of four major Earth System Science is the study of how the four
interacting components: spheres of the Earth system interact continually, each
• the atmosphere, affecting the others.
• the biosphere, Example: A scientist that studies global warming is an
• the hydrosphere, and Earth System Scientist.
• the geosphere
The Atmosphere
The Earth is surrounded by a blanket of air, which we
call the atmosphere.
• The atmosphere consists of four unique layers
(the troposphere, the stratosphere, the
mesosphere, and the thermosphere).
• The atmosphere reaches over 350 miles up
from the surface of the Earth.
• The atmosphere is primarily composed of
nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%).
Other components exist in small quantities.
The Biosphere
The biosphere is the “life zone” of the Earth, and
includes all living organisms (including humans), and all System Interactions
organic matter that has not yet decomposed. Volcanoes (geosphere) erupt, sending ash and gases
• The biosphere is structured into a hierarchy into the air (atmosphere) and sending lava and ash
known as a food chain.
down onto surrounding forests (biosphere) and human
Energy and nutrients, like carbon, are transferred from
habitations (biosphere).
one level of the food chain to the next

The Hydrosphere
The hydrosphere contains all the water found on our
planet.
• Surface Water: Includes the ocean as well as
water from lakes, rivers and creeks.
• Ground Water: Includes water trapped in the
soil and groundwater.
• Atmosphere: water vapor.
• Frozen water: Includes ice caps and glaciers.
Specifically called the cryosphere.
• Only about 3% of the water on Earth is “fresh”
water, and about 70% of the fresh water is
frozen in the form of glacial ice. (0.9% in liquid
form)
The Geosphere
The geosphere is the solid part of the earth, from
the core to the surface.
• Includes volcanoes, rocks, minerals, coal,
oil etc.
• Mineral resources are mined from the
geosphere.