Environmental Sciences: A
Multidisciplinary Field
Prepared by: Sir Kim
It is the study of living
organisms
+ the branch of science that deals
with the identification of the
substances of which matter is
composed; the investigation of
their properties and the ways in
which they interact, combine,
and change; and the use of
these processes to form new
substances.
+the branch of science concerned
with the nature and properties of
matter and energy. The subject
matter of physics, distinguished
from that of chemistry and
biology, includes mechanics, heat,
light and other radiation, sound,
electricity, magnetism, and the
structure of atoms.
+the natural science of the
relationships among living
organisms, including
humans, and their physical
environment.
+the branch of science
concerned with the
processes
and phenomena of the
atmosphere, especially as
a means of forecasting the
weather.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, you
should be able to
+ Define the environment and its
elements
+ Understand the nature of
environmental science as a
field of study
+ Know and demonstrate
necessary skills and career
paths of environmental science
students
What is Environment?
It is defined as anything that surrounds living and non-living things
and their dynamics.
It is constituted by the interacting systems of physical, biological and
cultural elements inter-related in various ways, individually as well
as collectively.
These elements may be explained as under:
1. Physical Elements
2. Biological Elements
3. Cultural Elements
+ Are spaces, landforms, water bodies, climate, soils, rocks
and minerals.
Physical + The type and quality of the physical elements existing in a
specific area define the characteristics of the habitat of
Elements living things, its opportunities as well as limitations
+ These will also affect the kind of life humans, animals and
plants.
Plants, animals, microorganisms
Biological and humans that constitute the
Elements biosphere.
Scope of the
Environment
Atmosphere
+ Contains the gases that surround the
Earth
a. It sustains life on Earth;
b. It saves it from hostile environment
of outer space;
c. It absorbs most of the cosmic rays
from outer space and a major
portion of electromagnetic radiation
from the sun;
Atmosphere
d. It transmits non-harmful radiation such
as ultraviolet, visible, near infrared (300
to 2500 nm), and radio waves. (0.14 to
40 m) while filtering out the damaging
ultraviolet waves below about 300nm.
The atmosphere is also composed of
nitrogen and oxygen besides argon,
Carbon dioxide, and trace gases
Layers of the Atmosphere
1. Troposphere – Lowest layer where weather occurs and where humans
live. Extends up to 8 – 15km.
Temperature decreases with latitude.
2. Stratosphere – The layer above troposphere, extending from about
15km to 50km high.
Contains the Ozone layer which absorbs and scatters UV radiation.
Temperature increases with altitude.
3. Mesosphere – The middle layer, extending from 50km to 85km high.
The Coldest layer(as low as -90°C), Meteors burn up in this layer.
Layers of the Atmosphere
4. Thermosphere – A very thin layer extending from about 85km to
600km or more.
Contains the Ionosphere(electrically charged), where auroras occur, and
the temperature increases significantly with altitude.
It is the hottest layer because of direct absorption of solar radiation.
5. Exosphere – The outermost layer, extending from around 600km
outward into space.
It gradually fades into space and contains very few particles.
Hydrosphere
+Comprises all types of water resources such as oceans, seas, lakes,
rivers, streams, reservoir, polar ice caps, glaciers, and ground water.
a. 97% of the Earth’s water supply is in the oceans
b. About 2% of the water resources are locked in the polar icecaps and
glaciers.
c. Only about 1% is available as fresh surface water. Rivers, lakes,
streams, and ground water which is appropriate for human
consumption
Main parts of Hydrosphere
1. Oceans – Largest bodies of water, covering 70% of Earth’s
surface.
2. Rivers and streams – flowing fresh bodies of water that
move across the land and eventually drain into oceans,
lakes, or other rivers.
3. Lakes and ponds – Still bodies of water that accumulates in
depressions in the land. Lakes are larger while ponds are
smaller.
Main parts of Hydrosphere
4. Ground water – Water found beneath Earth’s surface, stored
in soil or rock layers called aquifers. It supplies wells and
springs.
5. Glaciers and ice caps – large masses of frozen water, mostly
found in Antarctica, Greenland, and high mountain ranges.
They store the majority of Earth’s fresh water
Main parts of Hydrosphere
6. Atmospheric water – Water in the form of vapor in the
atmosphere, contributing to the water cycle through
precipitation.
7. Wetlands – Areas where water covers the soils for part of
the year. Ex. Swamps and marshes
+The outer mantle of the
solid Earth. It consist of
minerals occurring in the
Lithosphere Earth’s crusts and the soil.
Ex. Minerals, organic
matters, air and water
Biosphere
+Indicates the realm of living
organisms and their
interactions with the
environment(atmosphere,
lithosphere, and
hydrosphere).
The Scientific
Method
+ The step-by-step process of solving
a question or problem.
1. Determine the problem
2. Problem statement
3. Determining the goal of the study
4. Develop a hypothesis
5. Test the hypothesis
6. Analyze the result
Skills in the Environmental Science field
1. Searching and reading books and scientific journals (researching
skills)
2. Fieldwork(practical applications of scientific knowledge)
3. Laboratory(data gathering and practical application skills)
4. Documentation
5. Data management
6. Familiarization and use of instruments and equipment
7. Coding, programming, and use of software
8. Analysis of results and technical writing
Careers in Environmental Science
Cartographer, mapper,
planner
Claudius Ptolemy – recorded
longitudes and latitudes in
degrees for roughly 8,000
locations on his world map
Careers in Environmental Science
Researcher or laboratory analyst
Dr. Angel C. Alcala - established marine
protected areas (MPAs) in the Philippines. He
introduced the concept of “no-take zones”,
where fishing and other extractive activities
are prohibited to allow ecosystems to recover
and replenish.
Careers in Environmental Science
Journalist or Writer
Howie Severino - documentary
host and producer for GMA
Network’s “I-Witness”.
a vocal advocate for climate
change awareness.
Careers in Environmental Science
Manager of an environmental-related
business or company
Teacher or Professor
Corporate social responsibility officer
17 UN Sustainable Development Goals
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health and well-being
4. Quality education
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
17 UN Sustainable Development Goals
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions
17. Partnerships for the goal
Activity 1
1. Why do you think that multidisciplinary knowledge and
skills are necessary in the study of Environmental Science?
2. How can you help your community in solving
environmental issue?
3. Choose one of the seventeen UN sustainable Development
Goals. What actions ca you do in order to help achieve that
goal?
