Aim: What are the three general landscapes and what are their characteristics? 4-19-13 Do Now: Using your reference tables (page 2) tell me the three general landscapes found in New York State. HW: R&H 302-304 A&E 1-6

All three landscape regions are classified on the basis of gradient, elevation, and rock structure. Plains are characterized by low elevation, little change in slope, and horizontal sedimentary rocks. Long Island is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain which stretches down the eastern seaboard to Florida. Plains (Lowlands)

Plateaus (Uplands) Plateaus are areas of high elevation with horizontal undistorted rock structure. Plateaus may have regions with a more level slope or regions with steep slopes. These steep slopes are the result of valleys cut by streams or glaciers, creating an eroded plateau.

Mountains (Highlands) Mountains are characterized by high elevation, steep gradients, and distorted rock structures. These distorted structures consist of faults, folds, or volcanic rock.

What Differentiates Landscapes? What are the three types of landscapes? What are their characteristics? How do we differentiate between a mountain and a plateau?

Aim: What affects the development of the landscapes we see? Do Now: What is the difference between a mountain, plain and plateau? What characterizes a landscape region? HW: R&H 304-309 A&E 7-18

Uplifting and Leveling Forces Uplifting Forces are those which raise landscapes and are powered by the convection cells in the aesthenosphere. Leveling Forces are those which work to breakdown or lower landscapes and are powered by energy from the sun and gravity. When one force is stronger than the other the landscape will change to resemble the stronger force.

Landscapes and Climate Arid Climates are characterized by little vegetation. No vegetation = rapid weathering and erosion. Therefore arid climates have steep slopes and angular landscapes. Humid climates have abundant vegetation which hold the sediments better. Humid climates are characterized by gentle slopes and more rounded landscapes, chemical weathering also helps make these features.

Arid or Humid?

Arid or Humid?

Arid or Humid?

Arid or Humid?

Arid or Humid?

Arid or Humid?

Impact Craters Impact craters form when meteors crash into Earth’s surface. There are less impact craters found on Earth than other celestial bodies because of weathering, erosion, bodies of water, and Earth’s atmosphere. When a meteor hits partial melting of the crust occurs and ejecta are shot up into the air, and fall surrounding the crater. Barringer Meteor Crater, Arizona

Aim: How do landscapes affect stream drainage? 4/28/12 1. 2. Do Now: 1. Name the rock layer that is most resistant to weathering and erosion. 2. Name the rock layer that is the least resistant to weathering and erosion. 3. Explain your choices. HW: R&H 311-313 A&E 19-25 3. 4. Escarpment 5. 6.

Stream Drainage Patterns

Dendritic Drainage Usually occurs in areas of horizontal sedimentary rocks. The rocks show little difference in resistance

Trellis or Block Drainage Seen in folded and faulted rock with a great difference in rock resistances

Radial Drainage Occurs in domed structures (i.e. volcanoes) and rocks used have little difference in resistance

Annular Drainage Forms in areas where dome structures are present but there is much difference in rock resistance. Concentric Circles form.

Lets Play the “Stream Dream Team Challenge”

Aim: How do humans affect the Landscapes we see? 4/26/11 Do Now: 1. What is the current world population of the human race? 2. Take out your review books HW: R&H 315-317 A&E 26-30

Population Growth The human population on Earth is growing at an exponential rate (i.e. 1 makes 2, 2 makes 4, 4 makes 8, etc.) This rapid increase in population over a short period of time has had many effects on our natural environment

Landscape Change Deforestation leads to an increase erosion Increase in surface runoff caused by construction of roads increases erosion Chemicals added to the environment by human activities increases chemical weathering of landscapes

Atmospheric Change Aerosols (CO2, Methane, Water Vapor) added to the atmosphere by human activity can trap infrared heat reradiated by the Earth’s surface (Greenhouse Effect). Aerosols can also lead to an increase in precipitation, changing the rates of weathering and erosion in a given area.

Going Green In 2008 the average American produced 4.5 pounds of solid waste per day. The same year it was reported that the average Long Islander produced 9 pounds of waste per day.

Take out Review Books Page 309