Volcanology is the study of volcanoes, lava, magma, and related geological, geophysical, and geochemical phenomena. It’s a branch of geology that examines the processes involved in the formation, eruption, and evolution of volcanoes, as well as their impact on the Earth’s surface and atmosphere. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Magma Chambers: Underground reservoirs of molten … Read more
Tectonics is the study of the Earth’s lithosphere, its structure, and its movement. It’s essentially the study of how Earth’s plates interact and cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain ranges. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Plate Tectonics: The theory that Earth’s lithosphere is divided into several plates that move and interact. Plate Boundaries: The areas where … Read more
Seismology is the study of earthquakes and the propagation of elastic waves through the Earth. It involves the detection, analysis, and interpretation of seismic waves to understand Earth’s internal structure, processes, and hazards. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Seismic Waves: These are vibrations that travel through the Earth, generated by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or human-made … Read more
Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, the rocky inner layer above the core. This movement is responsible for continental drift, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Earth’s lithosphere is broken into numerous plates. These plates float on the asthenosphere … Read more
Geology is the science that deals with the Earth’s physical structure and substance, its history, and the processes that act on it. It encompasses the study of rocks, minerals, landforms, and the processes that shape them, including plate tectonics, volcanism, and erosion. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Study of Earth’s materials: rocks, minerals, and soil … Read more
Geophysics is the study of the Earth using quantitative physical methods. It involves applying the principles of physics to understand the Earth’s structure, composition, and processes. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Utilizes physics principles: Gravity, magnetism, seismology, and electromagnetism are core to geophysical investigations. Explores Earth’s interior: Geophysics helps us understand the Earth’s layers, from … Read more
Earth science is the study of Earth’s physical characteristics, its history, and the processes that shape it. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines and seeks to understand our planet’s complex systems. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Study of Earth’s composition: This involves investigating the materials that make up our planet, from its core to … Read more