Earth's Changing Surface
Earth's surface is constantly changing through processes such as weathering, erosion, volcanic activity, and earthquakes that shape the landscapes around us.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Weathering is the breaking down of rocks by wind, water, ice, and temperature changes
Erosion is the movement of weathered material by water, wind, or ice to a new location
Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath Earth's surface
Deposition occurs when eroded material is dropped and settles, building up new landforms such as deltas and sand dunes
Key Vocabulary
Weathering
The process by which rocks and minerals are broken down by physical, chemical, or biological forces
Erosion
The movement of weathered rock or soil from one place to another by water, wind, or ice
Tectonic plates
Large sections of Earth's crust that move slowly, causing earthquakes and volcanic activity at their boundaries
Deposition
The process by which eroded material is dropped and settles in a new location, building up landforms
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
What is the difference between weathering and erosion?
Question 2
Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are caused by:
Question 3
A river drops sand and mud at its mouth, building up a fan-shaped landform. This process is called:
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Weathering is the breaking down of rocks by wind, water, ice, and temperature changes
- ●Erosion is the movement of weathered material by water, wind, or ice to a new location
- ●Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath Earth's surface
- ●Deposition occurs when eroded material is dropped and settles, building up new landforms such as deltas and sand dunes