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CHAPTER 1

SCIENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT

It may seem like Environmental Science is its own field of study separate from other scientific disciplines, but in fact, it is made up of numerous scientific fields. Climatology, meteorology, biology, ecology, botany, geology, zoology, physics, agriculture, and chemistry are all important components of the scientific study of the environment. Whether they are studying the way animals interact in their natural habitats, the formation of rocks, the elements found in the earth, or the effects of climate change on our planet, scientists are crucial in shaping our understanding of the world. CLIMATOLOGY Climatologists study the long-term patterns of the earth’s climate. They research high- and low-pressure systems, pollutants and allergens in the air, and the causes and effects of climate change. They measure trade winds and trade wind patterns, such as El Niño and La Niña. These patterns cause shifts in global precipitation,

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