How do geologic sciences differ from hydrologic and atmospheric sciences?

In the context of Earth sciences, the primary distinction between these fields lies in their specific focus regarding the components of the planet.1

• Geologic sciences are concerned with the solid Earth. This includes the study of minerals, the composition and structure of rocks, the physical properties of the Earth's interior, and the geologic history of the planet, including paleontology and geochronology.12
• Hydrologic and atmospheric sciences focus on the water and air at or above the solid surface of the Earth. Hydrology examines the occurrence, distribution, and circulation of water, including groundwater and surface water. Atmospheric science investigates the structure and dynamics of the atmosphere, covering fields such as meteorology and climatology.134

While these disciplines are distinct, they are highly interlinked; for example, geomorphology studies how atmospheric and hydrologic processes, such as weathering and erosion, shape the solid Earth's surface. All three divisions share a common need to understand Earth's evolution over time and often deal with inaccessible environments, requiring a strong three-dimensional perspective.12