<P> The Earth sciences can include the study of geology, the lithosphere, and the large - scale structure of the Earth's interior, as well as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere . Typically, Earth scientists use tools from geography, chronology, physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics to build a quantitative understanding of how the Earth works and evolves . Earth science affects our everyday lives . For example, meteorologists study the weather and watch for dangerous storms . Hydrologists study water and warn of floods . Seismologists study earthquakes and try to predict where they will strike . Geologists study rocks and help to locate useful minerals . Earth scientists mainly work "in the field"--climbing mountains, exploring the seabed, crawling through caves, or wading in swamps . They measure and collect samples (such as rocks or river water), then they record their findings on charts and maps . </P> <P> The following fields of science are generally categorized within the Earth sciences: </P> <Ul> <Li> Physical geography, covers aspects of geomorphology, soil study, hydrology, meteorology, climatology, and biogeography . </Li> <Li> Geology describes the rocky parts of the Earth's crust (or lithosphere) and its historic development . Major subdisciplines are mineralogy and petrology, geochemistry, geomorphology, paleontology, stratigraphy, structural geology, engineering geology, and sedimentology . </Li> <Li> Geophysics and geodesy investigate 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 the tectonic and seismic activity of the lithosphere . Geophysics is commonly used to supplement the work of geologists in developing a comprehensive understanding of crustal geology, particularly in mineral and petroleum exploration . See geophysical survey . </Li> <Li> Soil science covers the outermost layer of the Earth's crust that is subject to soil formation processes (or pedosphere). Major subdisciplines include edaphology and pedology . </Li> <Li> Ecology covers the interactions between the biota, with their natural environment . This field of study differentiates the study of the Earth, from the study of other planets in the Solar System; the Earth being the only planet teeming with life . </Li> <Li> Hydrology (includes oceanography and limnology) is a study revolved around the movement, distribution, and quality of the water and involves all the components of the hydrologic cycle on the earth and its atmosphere (or hydrosphere). "Sub-disciplines of hydrology include hydrometeorology, surface water hydrology, hydrogeology, watershed science, forest hydrology, and water chemistry ." </Li> <Li> Glaciology covers the icy parts of the Earth (or cryosphere). </Li> <Li> Atmospheric sciences cover the gaseous parts of the Earth (or atmosphere) between the surface and the exosphere (about 1000 km). Major subdisciplines include meteorology, climatology, atmospheric chemistry, and atmospheric physics . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Physical geography, covers aspects of geomorphology, soil study, hydrology, meteorology, climatology, and biogeography . </Li>

What are the main areas of earth science