Physical Processes Cy-Woods HS

Physical Processes Natural events that affect the environments of regions.

Earth Earth is made up of 4 spheres: Lithosphere Atmosphere Hydrosphere Biosphere

Lithosphere Crust and Upper Mantle Solid rock portion of Earth

Atmosphere The layer of gases surrounding Earth Oxygen we breathe protects the Earth medium for weather and climate

Hydrosphere Water elements of Earth Ocean, seas, rivers, lakes, and water in the atmosphere

Biosphere Part of Earth where plants and animals live Made up of Lithosphere, Atmosphere, and Hydrosphere

Physical Processes Impact these spheres, but more importantly, they impact us.

Weathering Mechanical weathering: Processes that break rock into smaller pieces without changing the composition of the rock Ex. Ice, plant roots, human activities More common in dry areas

Weathering Chemical weathering: Process when the rock is changed into a new substance Decomposes as a result of interaction between air or water and the rock More common in warm, moist climates

Erosion Water erosion The movement of weathered material by water Reshapes landforms by depositing or removing sediment

Erosion Wind erosion The movement of weathered material by wind Reshapes landforms by depositing or removing sediment

Erosion Glaciation The movement of weathered material by glacier Reshapes landforms by depositing or removing sediment Carves the land dramatically

Tectonic Forces Internal forces that shape Earth’s surface and begin beneath the lithosphere Volcanoes

Tectonic Forces Internal forces that shape Earth’s surface and begin beneath the lithosphere Earthquakes Mostly along boundaries (fault lines)

Tectonic Forces Internal forces that shape Earth’s surface and begin beneath the lithosphere Tsunami Result of earthquakes and landslides

Soil-building Processes that determine the soil-composition of a region Determines agriculture

Soil-building Desertification an expansion of dry conditions to moist areas that are next to deserts Dry soil = poor agriculture

Climate and Weather Determines agriculture, carrying capacity, and life of regions Extreme climates

Climate and Weather Disasters Hurricanes, droughts, tornados, floods, blizzards