THE ROLE OF EARTH SCIENCE ON HUMAN LIFE

                When one student come and study in the University, he or she has little and very limited information about the campus. That time, accidents such as going to the wrong class or being late to a particular lesson happens frequently. As time goes, he or she learn and adapt with the environment around. He or she then gains the knowledge about where the classes are, how the grades are given, what to avoid in the campus or even as simple as where to find the toilets. This knowledge makes it possible for him or her to study comfortably, efficiently and confidently. So what about humans who do not only study but live a life on earth? They also need the knowledge about the place where they are living. This knowledge or as it is known as Earth Science, will help humans to live a better and safer life from some natural hazards.

                Earth science deals with finding important resources that are vital to human life. Fresh water supply is one of the major resources which Earth Science is concern about. Although earth is covered by a huge area of oceans, only fresh water is usable. It can only be found in rivers, lakes and under the ground. Humans need fresh water for almost everything. Farming, cooking and cleaning are only a few examples of fresh water usage. Unfortunately not all areas have rivers or lakes. Moreover, under-ground water has different depths. Earth Science helps humans by mapping water table so that each area has enough amount of fresh water supply. Another problem with fresh water is that they are so limited. Water cycle, a process which water drains from higher ground to the sea and then evaporates to form clouds, which at last will return back to the ground as rain drop at a specifically given condition, occurs in a certain fixed time. If humans overuse fresh water resources, the water table will not recover properly. Earth Science provides humans ways to preserve these reserves. Other important resources that humans are so dependent on are minerals and hydrocarbons. Just like fresh water, these resources are used in almost all aspect of life. Building construction, feeding transportation vehicles and making jewelry are the common examples. Minerals and hydrocarbons are mostly located under the ground unseen. Besides that they are found in the forms of oars. Humans could not simply dig the ground and have these resources ready to use. Minerals and hydrocarbons oars have to undergo processes before they could finally be consumed. If it cost more to produce than the benefit it gives then these oars are not valuable. By studying the ground structure, Earth Science helps humans to have good predictions on where to dig economically. Earth Science also enables humans to make innovation so that the process of digging, refining and distributing of minerals and hydrocarbons can be more effective.

               

                Human life might have been better by well managed natural resources consumption, but is it enough to only prosper on those resources? Humans, a part from their ability to process their surrounding environment, also have the need of safety from the unmanageable natural hazards. Earth Science also deals with reducing some natural hazards risks. Lots of people die from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions every year. Both events only occur in geologically active places, but why thousands pass away from these natural hazards? Despite the dangers they posse, these places produce extremely fertile soil both for agriculture and farming. People would rather take the risks to live on these fertile soils than going away. Therefore Earth Science studies both earthquake and volcanic eruption to predict future cases. Even though it seems impossible to precisely predict both events, early warning system can reduce the fatality risks, making it possible for people to evacuate in time. Reducing natural hazard risks can also be avoided by well-planned building construction. Death toll from these natural hazards, mostly come from falling debris. From the study of ground structure, Earth Science gives suggestions on how to build both strong and light construction in geologically active regions. Poorly planned building construction can also be disastrous in non-geologically active sites. Unstable ground for an example, are also a major cause for buildings to collapse. Again, Earth Science prevents these by giving suggestions on where to avoid unstable ground.

When the student finally learned the features of his or her University, he or she gains the ease to get along with the lessons and other activities around the campus. With the knowledge he or she gained, there would be no more wrong classes or being late. Similarly to how campus knowledge eases University students, Earth Science acts on a much bigger scale. It does not only help one human, but millions of them, to live better and safer from some natural hazards. Humans will have to learn more from their surroundings in order to achieve an even better and safer life in the future.