Earth Science Final Review Master Overview

Introduction

• Mini-series Purpose: Full overview of the Earth Science course for the year
• Important Note: This is a high-level overview; for deeper dives, refer to linked specific topic videos

Unit 1: Prologue

Observations and Inferences

• Observation: Use of five senses (see, touch, taste, smell, hear) to notice details
• Inference: Drawing a conclusion based on observations (similar to a prediction)

Rate of Change

• Formula: Change in value / time
• Example Calculation:
  • Change in value: 400 - 100 = 300 meters
  • Time: 3 minutes
  • Rate of change: 100 meters/minute
  • Units: Ensure correct units

Density

• Definition: Amount of mass in a given volume
  • Water expands when it freezes; ice floats on liquid water due to lower density
• Density Relationships:
  • Increase in temperature -> Volume increases -> Density decreases (causes convection currents)
  • If an object is cut in half or doubled, its density remains unchanged
• Formula: Density = Mass / Volume (manipulatable from the reference tables)

Unit 2: Describing Earth

Earth's Shape

• Actual Shape: Oblate spheroid (Wider at equator, not a perfect sphere)
• Effect: Weigh more at poles due to proximity to inner core
• Reason: Rotation causes widening (like spinning pizza dough)

Polaris (North Star)

• Location: Directly aligned with Earth's axis of rotation
• Usage: Navigation
• Altitude: Equals observer's latitude (e.g., 42° latitude -> Polaris 42° in the sky)
• Evidence: Photos from space

Earth's Spheres

• Lithosphere: Solid material (land, rock)
• Hydrosphere: Water (very thin layer compared to earth's size)
• Atmosphere: Air/gases formed from volcanic eruptions (78% nitrogen, remaining oxygen and other trace gases)
  • Four Layers: Divided by temperature changes (Refer to page 14 of the reference table)
  • Ozone Layer: Present in the stratosphere, absorbs heat, and protects from UV radiation

Latitude and Longitude

• Latitude: Parallels running east-west, measure north-south
• Longitude: Measure east-west, staring at prime meridian through Greenwich, England
• International Date Line: Opposite of prime meridian
• New York State Map: Latitude and longitude with minutes
  • Same Lines: Same solar time
  • Time Zones: Move east -> Time increases; move west -> Time decreases
  • Earth Rotation: West to East, 15° per hour

Iso Lines and Contour Maps

• Iso Line: Connect points of equal value (definitely on the final exam)
• Gradient: Formula (Change in field value / distance), similar to rate of change
• Contour Maps: Iso lines to show the land shape (smaller circles mean higher spots)
  • Contours: Close -> Steep slope; Far -> Gradual slope
  • Depression: Indicated by hasher marks
  • Max/Min Elevation: Max is one less than the next line would be; Min is one more than the previous line
  • River Flow: Contour lines bend upstream, indicating flow direction

Next Units and Review

• Upcoming: Astronomy (Part 2)
• Additional Resources: Check linked videos for deeper dives into specific topics

Good Luck!