4th Grade Geology Vocabulary

Front

Heat

Back

A type of energy that makes things warm or hot, like the Sun warming the Earth.

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Pressure

Back

A force that pushes or squeezes something, like deep inside the Earth where rocks press together.

Front

Tsunamis

Back

Huge and powerful ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanoes, or landslides.

Front

Tectonic Plates

Back

Large, moving pieces of Earth’s crust that slowly shift and cause earthquakes, mountains, and volcanoes.

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Weathering

Back

The process of rocks breaking down into smaller pieces over time due to wind, water, or ice.

Front

Erosion

Back

The movement of rocks, soil, or sand by wind, water, or ice from one place to another.

Front

Rock Cycle

Back

The natural process that changes rocks from one type to another over millions of years.

Front

Drift

Back

The slow movement of something, like how continents shift over time.

Front

Faults

Back

Cracks in the Earth's surface where rocks move, which can cause earthquakes.