EARTH SCIENCE SYLLABUS

GENERAL EARTH SCIENCE/PHYSICAL GEOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

  1. History of Earth Science
  2. Historical figures
  3. Scientific Method

Origin and Evolution of the Universe

  1. Big Band Theory
  2. Doppler Effect
  3. Evolution of Sun and Planetary Structures

Earth's History

  1. Geological Time
  2. Fossils
  3. Catastrophic Events

Energy

  1. Solar Energy
  2. Gravity
  3. Radioactive Decay
  4. Electromagnetic Radiation

Rocks/Rock Cycle

  1. Igneous Rock
  2. Sedimentary Rock
  3. Metamorphic Rock
  4. Rock Cycle
  5. Minerals
  6. Resources

Features of the Continents

  1. Mountains
  2. Cratons
  3. Shields
  4. Stable Platforms

Structure of the Earth

  1. Earth's Interior
  2. Plate Tectonics/Continental Drift
  3. Mountain Building
  4. Earthquakes/Volcanoes
  5. Faults
Weathering/Erosion
  1. Types of Weathering
  2. Soil and Mass Movements
  3. Glaciers
  4. Deserts and Wind

Water

  1. Water Cycle
  2. Running Water
  3. Ground Water

Earth Processes and Cycles

  1. Water Cycle
  2. Carbon Cycle
  3. Nitrogen Cycle
  4. Phosphorus Cycle

The Atmosphere

  1. Structure of the Atmosphere
  2. Ozone
  3. Albedo Effect

Weather

  1. Convection Currents
  2. Coriolis Effect
  3. Global Winds
  4. Land and Sea Breezes
  5. Moisture, Clouds, and Precipitation
  6. Air Pressure and Wind
  7. Frontal Boundaries

Climate

  1. Factors Affecting Climate
  2. Global Warming
  3. Consequences of Climatic Change

Features of the Ocean Floor

  1. Continental Shelf
  2. Continental Slope
  3. Continental Rise
  4. Shoreline Structure
  5. Active and Passive Margins
  6. Deep Ocean Basins
  7. Rifts and Ridges

Ocean Currents/Waves

  1. Upwelling
  2. Deep Water Currents
  3. Gulf Stream
  4. Labrador Current
  5. Ocean Circulation
  6. Waves

Seasonal Variation

  1. Seasons
  2. Phases of the Moon
  3. Eclipses
  4. Earth's Axis

Soil Structure

  1. Types of Soil

  2. Horizons