Earth science deals with the study of the Earth and its relation with other planets in space. There are four earth sciences namely: geology, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. Geology is the study of the earth while meteorology is the science of the atmosphere; oceanography is the science of the oceans, and astronomy is the study of the universe.
The study of the earth has always fascinated scientists and laymen alike. Since the Earth is the only planet where we can live and thrive, many studies are being conducted to keep up with the dynamic state of this planet. Textbooks, magazines and journals are periodically published to give updates on the earth’s developments and changes, but sometimes there is vital information that needs immediate dissemination and can’t wait for print articles to come out. Online resources come in handy at this point.
The following are the most popular online resources for earth science:
- science.nationalgeographic.com. National Geographic magazine is perhaps the most widely read science magazine all over the world. Its issues come in glossy colors with rich pictures and in-depth write-ups on earth science topics and latest news bulletins. It is worthwhile to know that you don’t need to wait anymore for the next issue to be sold in bookstores and magazine stands, as you can now visit its website and bask in the rich online documentation of the earth and other science related issues.
- en.wikipedia.org. Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia that provides constantly updated information on almost all topics. Wikipedia allots a page for an article on earth science, including some suggested links for further readings. Readers are cautioned, however, on the veracity of information provided on this site, because it is an open site and anyone is allowed to edit its archives.
- sciencedaily.com. There is a wealth of information on this site about the latest research results, discoveries and breakthroughs about the earth. Updated every day, this online resource of earth science has the most up-to-date reports on a daily basis. Its records are rich with historical happenings related to the earth and other branches of science.
- eps.harvard.edu. Compilations of studies, dissertations, theses, experiments and investigatory reports of Harvard students in Earth Science are published in this site. Though the published works here are by students who are not yet fully pledged scientists, they still provide useful raw insights and observations on the earth’s overall composition.
- kids.earth.nasa.gov. For kids only. This site disclaimer makes it clear that this is a site that caters mainly to kids. However, the knowledge that a kid can gain from browsing on this online resource is no kiddy stuff at all, as it offers extensive write-ups on earth science that are presented in a more fun manner by means of illustrations, drawings, charts and attractive photos.
- extremescience.com. This online resource for earth science tackles extreme models of every species on earth, extreme records on natural occurrences such as the strongest earthquake, the longest eclipse etc. It is like a Guinness Book of World Records on earth science, accounting for the earth’s astounding episodes and phases as it transforms through time.
There are an abundance of online resources for earth science. The aforementioned sites are only a few, but they are considered as among the best sites available on the Internet. Care and patience is needed in searching for the best online source to ensure that you are getting correct and factual information.

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