Earth science or geoscience is an all-embracing term referring to the fields of

science dealing with planet Earth.[2] It can be considered to be a branch of pla

netary science, but with a much older history. There are both reductionist and h
olistic approaches to Earth sciences. The formal discipline of Earth sciences ma
y include the study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
Typically, Earth scientists will use tools from physics, chemistry, biology, chr
onology, and mathematics to build a quantitative understanding of how the Earth
system works, and how it evolved to its current state.
Contents [hide]
1 Fields of study
2 Earth's interior
3 Earth's electromagnetic field
4 Earth's atmosphere
5 Methodology
6 Earth's spheres
6.1 Partial list of the major earth science topics
6.1.1 Atmosphere
6.1.2 Biosphere
6.1.3 Hydrosphere
6.1.4 Lithosphere (geosphere)
6.1.5 Pedosphere
6.1.6 Systems
6.1.7 Others
7 See also
8 References
9 Further reading
10 External links
Fields of study[edit]
Lava flows from the Kilauea volcano into the ocean on the Island of Hawaii.
The following fields of science are generally categorized within the Earth scien
ces:
Geography specifically Physical Geography covers aspects of geomorphology, soil
study, hydrology, meteorology, climatology, and biogeography.[3]
Geology describes the rocky parts of the Earth's crust (or lithosphere) and its
historic development. Major subdisciplines are mineralogy and petrology, geochem
istry, geomorphology, paleontology, stratigraphy, structural geology, engineerin
g geology, and sedimentology.[4][5]
Geophysics and geodesy investigate the shape of the Earth, its reaction to force
s and its magnetic and gravity fields. Geophysicists explore the Earth's core an
d mantle as well as the tectonic and seismic activity of the lithosphere.[5][6][
7] Geophysics is commonly used to supplement the work of geologists in developin
g a comprehensive understanding of crustal geology, particularly in mineral and
petroleum exploration. See Geophysical survey.
Soil science covers the outermost layer of the Earth's crust that is subject to
soil formation processes (or pedosphere).[8] Major subdisciplines include edapho
logy and pedology.[9]
Ecology covers the interactions between the biota, with their natural environmen
t. This field of study differentiates the study of the Earth, from the study of
other planets in our Solar System; the Earth being the only planet teeming with
life.
Hydrology (includes oceanography and limnology) describe the marine and freshwat
er domains of the watery parts of the Earth (or hydrosphere). Major subdisciplin
es include hydrogeology and physical, chemical, and biological oceanography.[cit
ation needed]
Glaciology covers the icy parts of the Earth (or cryosphere).
Atmospheric sciences cover the gaseous parts of the Earth (or atmosphere) betwee
n the surface and the exosphere (about 1000 km). Major subdisciplines include me

teorology, climatology, atmospheric chemistry, and atmospheric physics.