Earth's Surface Changes and Properties

Front

What are rapid changes to the Earth’s surface?

Back

Natural events that occur and change the Earth’s surface within minutes, days, weeks, or months.

Front

Provide examples of rapid changes to the Earth’s surface.

Back

Volcanic eruptions, flash floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, landslides, and tsunamis.

Front

Define weathering.

Back

The breaking apart of larger rocks into smaller pieces called sediments.

Front

Define erosion.

Back

The movement of sediment from one location to another.

Front

Define deposition.

Back

The dropping off of sediment as the motion of the wind or water slows or comes to a stop.

Front

What are agents of change?

Back

Wind, water, waves, and ice.

Front

How do agents of change affect the Earth’s surface?

Back

They break apart rocks, carry them away, and drop them off in new locations, creating landforms.

Front

Define landform.

Back

A natural feature of the Earth’s surface.

Front

What is a canyon and how is it formed?

Back

A deep narrow valley with steep sides, formed from the weathering and erosion of flash floods or rivers.

Front

What is a sand dune and how is it formed?

Back

A hill or mound of sand found along beaches and in deserts, formed from the deposition of sand by wind.