Abstract: The paper reviews the history of the earth science, that is, it began from understanding a certain area and a geological process, through a long accumulation of knowledge, than developed a huge system of knowledge. In particular, the paper also discusses three leaps of knowledge on the earth science during the 20th century. From two sides, development of geology and new challenge, the paper discusses inevitability of emergence, present situation and future development of a new and high level comprehensive discipline dealing with material system of the earth. In order to suit development of discipline and new mission, the authors from geological point of view suggest some adjustment measure, such as, enhancing research work to the modern and present geological process, enhancing cross and osmosis with close discipline, reforming teaching methods and adjusting higher geological education and so on.

Key words: the earth system, global tectonics, environment, reforming higher geological education, the earth system, global tectonics, environment, reforming higher geological education

摘要： 回顾了地球科学从认识某一局部地区的某一种地质作用过程开始，经过长期的积累，发展成为具有多个分支学科的庞大知识体系的历史，着重讨论了在20世纪中它所经历的三次认识上的飞跃。从学科发展和所面临的新挑战两方面，探讨了涉及整个地球物质系统的新的、更高层次的综合性学科产生的必然性，现状及其发展。从地质学的角度提出了为适应学科发展和新任务应该采取的若干调整措施，包括加强近、现代地质作用过程的研究，加强与其他相邻学科的交叉与渗透，改革研究方法和调整高等地质教育等。

关键词: 地球系统, 全球构造, 环境, 改革高等地质教育, 地球系统, 全球构造, 环境, 改革高等地质教育