Changes in the Earth

Earth's Changes

Quick Changes to Earth's Surface

Earthquakes

• An Earthquake is a sudden shaking of the ground that causes land to rise and fall.

• It can cause a fast changes to Earth's surface.

Open Ended

What is an earthquake?

Earthquakes

An earthquake happens quickly. The shaking starts suddenly. It usually lasts only a few seconds.

Cracks may form on the Earth's surface. The ground may shift and lose some strength. When the ground shakes, everything on it shakes, too.

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What happens after an earthquake?

Earthquake damage before and after

Effects of an earthquake

Multiple Choice

Which changes are caused by an earthquake?

• Cracks form on the Earth's surface.

• Rocks and mud are washed away.

• Wind moves dirt across the Earth.

Volcanoes

• A volcano is an opening of the Earth where lava, gases, and bits of rock erupt.

• It can cause a fast changes to Earth's surface.

Open Ended

What is a volcano?

Volcanoes

Before a volcano erupts, it looks like a quiet mountain. During an eruption, ash and dust burst from the opening at the top. Lava pours out. All of this happens quickly.

After the eruption, a huge chunk has blown off the mountaintop. Ash and dust cover the ground. New land begins to form as the lava cools into rock.

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What bursts out of a volcano?

Lava covering the land

Volcano erupting

Multiple Choice

What is one effect of a volcano?

• It causes a hurricane.

• It floods the land with water.

• It covers the ground nearby with ash and dust.

Multiple Choice

What changes Earth's surface quickly?

• glacier's melting

• earthquake

• erosion of a cliff

Multiple Choice

What changes Earth's surface slowly?

• weathering

• earthquake

• flood