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 planetary science, but with a much older history. There are both reductionist and holistic approaches to Earth sciences. The formal discipline of Earth sciences may include the study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Typically, Earth scientists will use tools from physics, chemistry, biology, chronology, 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 study2 Earth's interior3 Earth's electromagnetic field4 Earth's atmosphere5 Methodology6 Earth's spheres6.1 Partial list of the major earth science topics6.1.1 Atmosphere6.1.2 Biosphere6.1.3 Hydrosphere6.1.4 Lithosphere (geosphere)6.1.5 Pedosphere6.1.6 Systems6.1.7 Others7 See also8 References9 Further reading10 External linksFields 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 sciences:

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, geochemistry, geomorphology, paleontology, stratigraphy, structural geology, engineering geology, and sedimentology.[4][5]Geophysics and geodesy investigate the shape of the Earth, its reaction to forces and its magnetic and gravity fields. Geophysicists explore the Earth's core and 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 developing 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 edaphology and pedology.[9]Ecology covers the interactions between the biota, with their natural environment. 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 freshwater domains of the watery parts of the Earth (or hydrosphere). Major subdisciplines include hydrogeology and physical, chemical, and biological oceanography.[citation needed]Glaciology covers the icy parts of the Earth (or cryosphere).Atmospheric sciences cover the gaseous parts of the Earth (or atmosphere) between the surface and the exosphere (about 1000 km). Major subdisciplines include me

teorology, climatology, atmospheric chemistry, and atmospheric physics.