Which parts of Earth are studied by the Earth sciences?

The Earth sciences are concerned with the study of the solid Earth, its waters, and the air that envelops it. These fields are often categorized into several distinct, yet interlinked, components:1

• The Solid Earth: Geologic sciences focus on the physical and chemical makeup of the planet, including minerals, rocks, and the structures of the crust, mantle, and core. This includes the study of landforms, geologic history, and the processes that shape the terrestrial surface.123
• The Hydrosphere: This encompasses the study of the world’s oceans and seas (oceanography), as well as water on and within the ground (hydrology), and the study of glaciers and ice caps.14
• The Atmosphere: Atmospheric sciences examine the structure and dynamics of the atmosphere, including weather patterns, climate, and the physics and chemistry of the upper atmosphere.15
• The Biosphere: This represents the domain where life exists, interacting with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.6

Earth scientists study these regions to understand the planet's present features and its evolutionary history over millions of years.1