Summary Earth and Life Science: Key Concepts and Principles

Earth and Life Science Notes



I. Introduction to Earth and Life Science



-Earth and Life Science studies the physical world and living organisms.

-Divided into Earth Science (geology, meteorology, oceanography,
astronomy) and Life Science (biology, genetics, ecology).



II. Earth Science



1. Earth’s Systems



Geosphere – Solid Earth (rocks, mountains, volcanoes).

Hydrosphere – All water on Earth (oceans, rivers, glaciers).

Atmosphere – The layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Biosphere – All living organisms and ecosystems.



2. Layers of the Earth



Crust – Thin outer layer, divided into continental and oceanic crust.

Mantle – Thickest layer, contains magma.

Outer Core – Liquid metal, mainly iron and nickel.

Inner Core – Solid, extremely hot due to pressure.



3. Plate Tectonics and Geological Processes



Continental Drift Theory – Continents move over time (Alfred Wegener).