Physical science is an encompassing term for the branches of natural science, and science, that study non-living systems, in contrast to the biological sciences. However, the term "physical" creates an unintended, somewhat arbitrary distinction, since many branches of physical science also study biological phenomena.


Astronomy
the study of the universe beyond the atmosphere of the Earth

Chemistry
the science dealing with the composition of substances, their interactions with energy and each other

Earth Sciences
the sciences related to the planet Earth

Geology
the study of the planetary structure of Earth and the physical processes which shape it (the broader subject of planetary science studies the structure of planets other than Earth)

Hydrology
the study of the movement and distribution of water across the Earth's surface

Meteorology
the study of Earth's weather patterns and other atmospheric phenomena (the broader subject of atmospheric sciences studies the structure of atmospheres in general rather than specifically Earth's)

Oceanography
the study of the ocean as a physical system

Soil science
the study of the pedosphere

Physics
the quantitative science dealing with matter and energy