Constructive and Destructive Forces

Front

What are constructive forces?

Back

Constructive forces are natural processes that build up the Earth's surface, such as volcanic eruptions, sediment deposition, and mountain formation.

Front

What are destructive forces?

Back

Destructive forces are natural processes that break down or wear away the Earth's surface, such as erosion, weathering, and volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by wind, water, or ice.

Front

What is weathering?

Back

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks and minerals into smaller pieces by natural processes, including chemical, physical, and biological actions.

Front

What is contour plowing?

Back

Contour plowing is a farming practice where plowing is done along the contours of the land to reduce soil erosion and water runoff.

Front

What is a levee?

Back

A levee is an embankment built along the banks of a river to prevent flooding by controlling the flow of water.

Front

What is lava?

Back

Lava is molten rock that erupts from a volcano and flows onto the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the Grand Canyon?

Back

The Grand Canyon is a large canyon in Arizona formed primarily by the erosive action of the Colorado River over millions of years.

Front

What are two types of weathering?

Back

The two types of weathering are chemical weathering, which alters the chemical composition of rocks, and mechanical weathering, which breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition.

Front

What is sediment deposition?

Back

Sediment deposition is the process by which eroded materials are dropped off in a new location, often forming new landforms like deltas.