Weathering The process by which the Earth’s surface is worn away by natural forces. Through either physical or chemical weathering the surface is worn down exposing deeper layers of the earth. Erosion Acid Rain Ice Wedges

Weathering pt 2 Physical Weathering – Breaking down rocks without altering their chemical composition. Chemical Weathering – Breaking down rocks by altering their chemical composition.

Plate Tectonics The theory that the Earth’s crust is broken into large chunks that move against each other, causing geologic events. Volcanoes Earthquakes Mountains Tsunamis

Earthquake A shaking of the ground usually caused by movement of the Earth’s crust or by a volcanic eruption. Can be very small or very large and destructive. Measured on the Richter Scale.

Volcano A mountain having a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas are erupted out of the Earth’s crust. Volcanoes create islands in the Pacific Ocean. Ring of Fire – A ring of volcanoes that circle the Pacific Ocean.

Tsunami A long, high sea wave caused by an earthquake, submarine landslide, or other disturbance.  A tsunami can travel hundreds of miles over the open sea and cause extensive damage when it encounters land. Also called tidal waves. Can move at speeds of 500 mph in deep water.

Ocean Currents Patterns of cold and warm streams of water that circulate through the oceans. The currents are generated from the forces acting upon the water like the earth's rotation, the wind, the temperature and salinity differences and the gravitation of the moon. 50 million tons of water can be moved in a second.

Hurricane A tropical cyclone with winds of 74 miles per hour or greater that occurs especially in the western Atlantic, that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning, sometimes moves to more temperate areas. Grows in strength when exposed to warm bodies of water.