Exploring Earth’s Surface EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? G1-1

Topography – shape of the land Determined by an area’s Elevation - height above sea level of a point on Earth’s surface Relief – difference in elevation between the highest and lowest parts of an area Landforms – feature of topography formed by the processes that shape the Earth’s surface. All landforms have elevation and relief Landform region- large area of land where the topography is similar EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? G1-1

There are three main types of landforms Plains Mountains Plateaus EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? G1-1

A landform made of flat or gently rolling land with low relief Plains A landform made of flat or gently rolling land with low relief Two types of plains Coastal plain Interior plain EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? G1-1

Coastal plain – plain that lies along the seacoast, low elevation and low relief i.e. area of land that wraps along the eastern and southeastern shores of the USA EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? G1-1

Interior plain – a plain that lies away from the coast Interior plain – a plain that lies away from the coast. Elevation can vary, but relief is low i.e. Great Plains EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? G1-1

Mountains A landform with high elevation and high relief Mountain Range – a group of mountains that are closely related in shape, structure and age EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? G1-1

Plateaus Landform with high elevation and more or less level surface (low or no relief) The Piedmont region of North Carolina (where we live) is a plateau EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? G1-1

Earth’s Four Spheres Lithosphere Atmosphere Hydrosphere Biosphere EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? G1-1

Lithosphere EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? Earth’s solid rocky outer layer. Makes up the earth’s crust and uppermost mantle Made of continents, islands, and ocean floor Surface varies from smooth plains to jagged mountain peaks G1-1

Atmosphere Outermost sphere A mixture of gases that surround a planet EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? Atmosphere Outermost sphere A mixture of gases that surround a planet Earth’s atmosphere mostly made of nitrogen and oxygen Also contains water vapor , carbon dioxide and other gases G1-1

Hydrosphere All the water on Earth including oceans, lakes, rivers, and ice Most of our water is ocean EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? G1-1

Biosphere The sphere or area around the planet Earth where life exists. Most life forms live on, or near the surface of Earth. Some live deep within the hydrosphere Others thrive in the depths of the lithosphere (solid portion of Earth). EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? G1-1

Class Work and Homework Fill In What did I learn Confused Say Read pages G14 – G18. Answer questions 1-5 with complete sentences. EQ: How do I describe the topography and spheres that make up the Earth’s surface? G1-1