Changes in Earth's Surface - Vocabulary

Front

A natural disaster caused by an overflow of water onto land that is usually dry.

Back

Flooding

Front

A weathering process where water seeps into cracks, freezes, expands, and eventually breaks the rock apart.

Back

Freeze/thaw

Front

Sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements along faults or volcanic activity.

Back

Earthquakes

Front

Large masses of ice that move slowly over land.

Back

Glaciers

Front

The downhill movement of soil and rock due to gravity.

Back

Mass wasting

Front

The process by which natural forces move weathered rock and soil from one place to another.

Back

Erosion

Front

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.

Back

Pollution

Front

The eruption of magma from beneath the Earth's crust to the surface.

Back

Volcanic activity

Front

A significant and often sudden event causing great damage or suffering.

Back

Catastrophic event

Front

Elements that contribute to the breakdown of rocks, such as temperature, water, and biological activity.

Back

Weathering factors