Processes That Shape the Earth

Fossils are the remains or traces of plants and animals that lived long ago, preserved in rock.

Scientists study fossils to learn about the types of plants and animals that existed in the past and how they lived.

Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's crust that move and shift, causing earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Erosion is the process by which natural forces like wind and water wear away rocks and soil.

Vegetation erosion occurs when plant roots push up on surfaces, causing soil and materials to shift.

Scientists use satellite images to track the movement of tectonic plates over time.

Soil layers can provide information about the types of plants and animals that lived in an area.

Rock layers can contain fossils that give clues about past climates and ecosystems.

Rock samples can provide evidence of plant and animal remains, helping scientists understand past life.

Soil samples can reveal the type of soil and what plants and animals might survive in that environment.