12/7 D,E TE Background Lesson

Changing Landscapes
S-4.7B I Can observe and identify slow changes to Earth’s surface caused by weathering, erosion, and deposition from water, wind, and ice.

Exploring the forces that shape Earth's transformations

Forces of Change

Wind, water, and ice gradually shape Earth's surface over time. These natural agents scour and carve the land, creating new landforms. Explore how these forces transform the Earth's landscape through erosion, deposition, and weathering. Discover the power of wind, the persistence of water, and the slow but steady movement of ice.

Multiple Choice

Which natural agent scours and carves the land, creating new landforms?

• Wind

• Water

• Ice

• Fire

Water - The Sculptor of Land

Did you know? Water is a powerful force that shapes our planet. It scours and carves the land, creating magnificent landforms like canyons and valleys. From the mighty force of waterfalls to the gentle erosion of rivers, water is nature's sculptor. Dive into the wonders of water and explore the fascinating world it creates!

Forces Behind Earth's Transformations

Water, ice, and wind have shaped the Earth's surface for billions of years, resulting in diverse landscapes. The Colorado River carved the majestic Grand Canyon, while glacial ice formed the Great Lakes. Relentless winds have chipped away at sandstone formations in the Southwest. All regions on Earth have their own unique story of change.

Multiple Choice

Which force has shaped the Earth's surface for billions of years?

• Water

• Ice

• Wind

• Fire

Water

Water is the force that has shaped the Earth's surface for billions of years. It has carved out magnificent canyons, formed stunning coastlines, and eroded mountains. Its power is evident in the creation of features like the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef. Water is truly a remarkable force of nature.

Forces of Change

Weathering breaks rocks into smaller particles. Erosion carries them away. Deposition builds up land. Wind, water, and ice are the agents of change. Glacial ice left flat rocks in the N.E. states. Water deposited silt on the Texas plains. Wind sculpted sandstone.

Multiple Choice

Which agent of change is responsible for sculpting sandstone?

• Weathering

• Erosion

• Deposition

• Wind

Wind Sculpting Sandstone

Trivia: Wind is a powerful agent of change that sculpts sandstone through a process called abrasion. As wind blows sand particles against the rock surface, it gradually erodes and shapes the sandstone over time. This natural phenomenon creates stunning rock formations and landscapes around the world.

Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition

Students observe and record the results of weathering, erosion, and deposition on pieces of coquina limestone. By measuring the mass before and after agitating the limestone in water, and observing the deposition of sediment, students can understand the transformative forces shaping Earth's surface. This process, similar to the sculpting of limestone deposits by waves, occurs over eons.

Multiple Choice

What can students understand by observing the results of weathering, erosion, and deposition on pieces of coquina limestone?

• The transformative forces shaping Earth's surface

• The sculpting of limestone deposits by waves

• The mass of the limestone before and after agitating it in water

• The deposition of sediment

Sculpting Limestone with Waves

Trivia: Waves have the power to shape limestone deposits through a process called weathering, erosion, and deposition. This natural phenomenon sculpts the surface of the Earth, creating unique formations. The force of the waves gradually wears away the limestone, leaving behind stunning landscapes and geological wonders.