Frequently students will ask “why do we have to learn science?” and in particular Earth Science. Seems they’d rather dissect a frog. But when tragedies like earthquakes and tsunamis strike, like the recent catastrophe in Japan,  we see the importance of this line of study.

Earth science helps us to better predict these events, develop warning systems, create buildings that can withstand the stress and ultimately save lives. In this situation we also have to understand the consequences of our energy choices, both at home and abroad. With this recent news clip from ABC News, we see how our understanding of ocean currents plays a role also.