1. The earth is the only living planet… * Continents – landmasses above water on earth

IV. External Forces Shaping the Earth a. Weathering and erosion alter the surface of the earth

Weathering

Weathering physical and chemical processes that change the characteristics of rock on or near the earth’s surface

v. Mechanical Weathering – processes that break rock into smaller pieces (doesn’t change the composition of rock, but the size) *Sediment - Small pieces of rock created by mechanical weathering (mud, sand or silt)

Examples of Mechanical Weathering

Camel Rock - Santa Fe, NM Example of Mechanical Weathering Wind and Water Erosion © Jon Benignus, 2011

(example – iron rusting) vi. Chemical Weathering – occurs when rock is changed into a new substance as a result of interaction between elements in the air or water and minerals (example – iron rusting) Why are the rocks red?

Erosion-movement of weathered material

ii. Erosion Occurs when weathered material is moved by the action of wind, water, ice and gravity Erosion is transporting sediment

2. Water, wind, and glaciers cause erosion… http://www.wwnorton.com/college/geo/animations/glacial_advance_retreat.htm

wind erosion Loess – windblown silt and clay sediment that produces very fertile soil

Water Erosion Delta – sediment is deposited in a fan-like landform when a river enters an ocean

Glaciation – changing of landforms by slowly moving glaciers, Glacial Erosion Glacier – a large, long-lasting mass of ice that moves because of gravity Glaciation – changing of landforms by slowly moving glaciers, Moraine – rocks left behind from a glacier that form a ridge or hill

Glacier

Moraine

V. Distribution of Physical Features on Earth: How do plate tectonics, weathering and erosion affect the location & distribution of physical features?

a. For the Ring of Fire, the location is due to being where the crust of the earth is very thin. This is the primary factor, plate tectonics, not climate. b. For the Great Plains, climate & type of soil are the primary factors in the location of this region. c. The climate of the Great Plains is Humid Continental, Semiarid and Humid Subtropical.

The type of soil is a major factor, in the Ring of Fire The type of soil is a major factor, in the Ring of Fire .Volcanic soil can be very fertile, as well as the soil in the Great Plains. Tropical Rainforest are located between the 23 ½ N Tropic of Cancer & 23 ½ Tropic of Capricorn, causes these areas to be quite warm and to have a lot of rain.