Earth’s Physical Features

mountain A natural elevation of the Earth's surface having considerable mass, generally steep sides, and a height greater than that of a hill

Appalachian Mountains Rocky Mountains Which mountains are the oldest? How do you know?

canyon A V-shaped valley eroded by a river or a stream

Palo Duro Canyon in Texas What changes have occurred over time? What changes do you predict will take place over the next thousand years?

V-shaped valley A low area between higher areas through which a river or stream often flows

Waipio Valley in Hawaii What forces will change the shape of this valley over time?

U-shaped valley A low area between higher areas formed when a glacier slowly flows over a long period of time

How were the rock piles deposited?

delta A fan-shaped (triangular) deposit of earth materials located at the mouth of a stream or a river

Delta in Alaska Delta in Alpine Lake in Wyoming What changes take place as one body of water empties into a larger body of water?

alluvial fan A fan-shaped deposit formed by a fast flowing stream that slows and spreads out at the exit of a canyon or flatter plain

What evidence has been left behind when the flood waters carrying sediment evaporated in Death Valley?

beach The area above the shoreline, made of sand, stone, or gravel that has been deposited by the tide or waves

How do you think this beach will change over time? What could cause a sudden change to this beach? Galveston Beach in Texas

arch A rock formation shaped like an upside down U

What caused this arch to form over time? How do you think it will change in the future? Delicate Arch in Utah

sand dune A sand formation created by the wind

What force caused the sand dune to form? Over time will the sand dune still look the same?

cliff A high, steep, or overhanging face of rock formed by water of wind

How will this house be affected by change in the cliff over time? New Zealand

cave A hollow or natural passage formed under or into the earth with an opening to the surface

How was the entrance of this cave formed? How will it change over time? Animal Flower Cave in Barbados

cavern A large cave or a large underground chamber made from soluble rock where speleothems are found

stalactites stalagmites Stalactites are formed by water dripping or flowing from cracks on the ceiling of a cavern. When dripping water deposits on the floor of the cavern it forms stalagmites, which build up vertically from the cavern floor.

Here is an easy way to remember the difference between a stalagmite and a stalactite. A stalaGmite forms on the ground. A stalaCtite forms on the ceiling of the cavern.

Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico What evidence of change will be seen over time?

island A land mass, especially one smaller than a continent, entirely surrounded by water

These are pictures of Soldier Key Island, located off of the coast of Miami, Florida. The pictures were taken 2 weeks a part. What do you think caused this rapid change to the island? Hurricane Andrew in 2005CAUSE:

volcano An opening in the Earth's crust through which molten lava, ash, and gases are ejected

Mt. St. Helen’s in Washington Before eruption After eruption What changes do you observe?

These are actual photographs taken of Mt. St. Helen erupting over a time span of 35 seconds.

plateau A large, nearly level area that has been lifted above the surrounding area

Kaibab Plateau in Arizona What forces will affect this plateau?