Comparison of global change at the Earth's three poles using spaceborne Earth observation

Throughout its ~4.5 billion year history, the Earth has experienced periods of warming and cooling. However, the current drastic increase in global temperatures is well outside of the Earth’s cyclic norms, and evidence for human-caused global climate change is compelling. Paleoclimatology, the study of ancient climate conditions, provides ample evidence for human-caused global climate change by comparing recent conditions with those in the past.

Earth’s Magnetic FieldEarth has an invisible shield that protects us from harmful space radiation. This shield is called the magnetic field, and it is generated by the movement of molten iron in Earth’s outer core. The magnetic field extends into space, forming the magnetosphere, which deflects charged particles from the Sun. By studying Earth's magnetic field, scientists can learn more about navigation, space weather, and planetary motion.Science and Engineering Practices (SEP):...

Earth’s RotationsEarth is constantly spinning on its axis, an imaginary line passing through the North and South Poles. This motion is called rotation, and Earth takes approximately 24 hours to complete one full turn. Earth’s rotation is responsible for the cycle of day and night, the apparent movement of the Sun and stars, and the Coriolis effect, which affects wind and ocean currents. Understanding Earth’s rotation helps scientists study timekeeping, weather patterns, and planetary...

Branches of Earth ScienceEarth Science is the study of our planet, including its land, water, air, and living things. It has five main branches, each focusing on different parts of the Earth.Geology is the study of rocks, minerals, and Earth's natural processes. Geologists learn how fossils form, how rivers shape the land, and how volcanoes erupt.Oceanography focuses on the ocean. Oceanographers study waves, marine life, and the ocean floor. Meteorology is the study of weather and the...

Magnetic Polarity Evidence for Continental DriftOne of the most substantial pieces of evidence supporting continental drift and plate tectonics comes from Earth’s magnetic field. Over millions of years, Earth’s magnetic polarity has reversed many times, meaning the north and south magnetic poles have switched places. When molten rock cools and solidifies at mid-ocean ridges, the magnetic minerals inside align with Earth's magnetic field at that time. This creates striped patterns on the...

Earth’s RevolutionsWhile Earth rotates on its axis, it also moves around the Sun in a path called an orbit. This motion is called revolution, and it takes about 365.25 days (one year) for Earth to complete one full trip around the Sun. Earth’s revolution, combined with the tilt of its axis, causes the changing seasons and affects the length of daylight throughout the year. Understanding Earth’s revolution helps scientists study seasonal cycles, climate patterns, and planetary...