Earth Sciences

• Earth Sciences
• Open Courseware (OCW) - general
   
  • Geography (OCW)
     
  • Geology (OCW)

• Earth sciences - includes the study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, oceans and biosphere, as well as the solid earth. Earth scientists use tools from physics, chemistry, biology, chronology and mathematics to understand the Earth system and how it evolved.
   
• Geology - describes the rocky parts of the Earth's crust and its historic development. It embraces mineralogy and petrology, geochemistry, geomorphology, paleontology, stratigraphy, structural geology, engineering geology and sedimentology.
   
• Geophysics and geodesy - investigates 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 tectonic and seismic activity.
   
• Soil science - covers the outermost layer of the Earth's crust.
   
• Oceanography and Hydrology - describe the marine and freshwater areas of the watery parts of the Earth.
   
• Glaciology - covers the icy parts of the Earth.
   
• Atmospheric sciences deal with the gaseous parts of the Earth (atmosphere) involving meteorology, climatology, atmospheric chemistry and atmospheric physics.
  Based on Wikipedia

Some of the terms used in Earth Sciences - click on any one above to Google it.

Why Earth Science? (video) . . . . . .

  Earth Sciences - Open Textbooks  
Links to open access (free) textbooks.

• Jon Claerbout's Classroom (Professor (emeritus) at Stanford University) - free books: Image Estimation by Example, Basic Earth Imaging, Earth Soundings Analysis, Imaging the Earth's Interior, Fundamentals of geophysical data processing

• Textbook Revolution, Earth Science

  Earth Sciences - Support for Learners  
Sites that actively support learners - eg learner communities, forums, expert help etc

• Mindat Mineralogy Messageboard - general, how to, talk pages, maintenance, miscellaneous, other languages, best minerals

• Science Forums, Earth Sciences

  Earth Sciences - Best Resource Sites  
iBerry's choice - other recommendations welcome!

• Columbia University (US), Center for International Earth Science Information network (CIESIN) - mission to provide access to and enhance the use of info worldwide, advancing understanding of human interactions in the environment and serving the needs of science and public & private decision making, independent non-governmental organization: Programs & Projects, Data & Information, Education & Outreach, News & Events, Media, Links

• EnviroLink Network (US) - non-profit organization, grassroots online community uniting organizations & volunteers around the world, up-to-date environmental information and news: Actions You Can Take, Articles, Educational Resources, E-Mail Lists, Events, General Info, Government Resources, Jobs & Volunteering, Maps, Organizations, Publications, Resources for Non-Profits

• Geology.com (US) - information about geology and earth science to visitors without charge: News, Careers, Articles, Maps, Satellite Images, Dictionary, Rocks, Store

• US Geological Survey (US) - multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information and water, dedicated to timely, relevant and impartial study of landscape, natural resources, and natural hazards that threaten: Maps, Imagery and Publications, Hazards, Newsroom, Education, Jobs