Environmental Science 101
Earth Systems Study Guide


After the "Earth Systems" lecture and readings you should be able to answer and discuss the following questions.

What is meant by the term "system"?

Describe the difference between an open system and a closed system. Give an example of each.

List and describe the four majr Earth systems.

What is geology?

What is geography?

What are minerals?

What are rocks?

What is the rock cycle, and why is it important?

List in order, from the surface to the center, the layers of the Earth's interior.

Where is the Earth's magnetic field generated? Why is the magnetic field environmentally important?

What is the basic premise plate tectonics?

How does plate tectonics affect the environment?

What is meteorology?

What is the difference between weather and climate?

What is hydrology?

What is oceanography?

What is biology?