4.e.2.3 earth in the universe earths surface changes (1)
TRANSCRIPT
4.E.2.3: Give examples of how the surface of the Earth changes due to slow processes such as erosion and weathering, rapid processes such as landslides, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.
The Earth is Constantly Changing
Slow Changes Erosion Weathering Deposition Examples: Canyons,
valleys, caves, deltas, mushroom rocks and rock arches
Rapid Changes Results of a natural
disaster. Examples: landslides,
volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis
Slow Changes
FOUR MAIN THINGS CAUSE SLOW CHANGES:
1. Water2. Wind3. Plants4. Ice
A change to Earth’s surface that takes a very
long time
Water: Deltas
Water can slowly carry sediments of weathered rock and deposit those pieces to a new location (deposition)
This process makes DELTAS.
These are formed at the mouth of rivers.
Water: Canyons
Canyons are formed when a river cuts through rock over a very long time.
The river slowly weathers and erodes the rock.
Weathering and Erosion by Wind : Mountains Become Flat
Over time, a mountain can flatten.Weathering and erosion slowly changes the
shape of a mountain.
Wind: Rock Arches and Hoodoos
Wind can carry weathered rock.
When the little pieces hit rock, it can form unique shapes.
The wind acts as a sandblaster, slowly shaping the rock into formations like a rock arch and a hoodoo.
Ice: U-Shaped Valleys
The movement of ice from a glacier can weather and erode rock.
When the glacier melts, a U-Shaped Valley will be left.
Ice: Weathering
Ice can also break rock apart.
Water seeps into the cracks of rock. When the water freezes, the rock breaks apart.
Plants: Weathering
Plants can grow into the cracks of rocks and cause weathering.
As the plant gets bigger and bigger, the rock gives way and cracks.
Rapid Changes
Volcanic eruptionsLandslidesEarthquakesTsunamisChanges to Earth’s
surface that occurs over a short period of time. Usually the result of a
natural disaster.
Tectonic Plates
The Earth is divided into separate sections called tectonic plates.
These plates move very slowly
The plates can move side by side, away from each other or toward each other
During the movement, some natural disasters may occur.
Earthquakes
The result of a sudden release of energy from the movement of plates.
They can cause cracks in the ground and fault valleys may form.
Streams/rivers may change paths.
Volcanic Eruptions
The movement of plates can cause volcanoes to erupt.
When a volcano erupts, the surface of the Earth changes.
New land can form, vegetation in the lava path can be destroyed
Landslides
The mass movement of rock, debris, and soil down a slope of land
Can be caused by heavy rainfall, earthquakes, overdevelopment and deforestation.
Tsunamis
A series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance.
Usually associated with earthquakes occurring below or near the ocean.
Volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides, and coastal rock falls can also generate a tsunami.
Review1.What are the slow changes to Earth’s surface?2.What are the rapid changes to Earth’s
surface?3.What are the cause and effects of an
earthquake?4.What are the cause and effects of a landslide?5.What are the cause and effects of a tsunami6.What are the cause and effects of a volcanic
eruption?