surface of the earth

Unit 10, Chapter 29

Integrated Science

29.2 The Surface of Earth Earth’s surface is

constantly changing.

Recall that earthquakes, volcanoes, mountains, and the construction of new lithosphere are events that occur at plate boundaries.

These events are changing the appearance of Earth’s surface all the time.

*The features we see on Earth’s surface represent the dynamic balance between constructive processes versus destructive processes.

29.2 Mountain Building

*Mountains form in three main ways: — by folding at convergent plate boundaries— by movement of chunks of land at faults— by volcanic activity

*Mountain-building is a major constructive process.

Mountain Building Processes:

*Fold Mountains: Form as two convergent plate boundaries collide

Example: the Himalayas (Mt. Everest)

Mountain Building Processes:*Fault Block Mountains- Pressure at plate boundaries cause the lithosphere to crack and pieces of it tilt or move causing a valleys and tilt mountains

Example: mountains around San Andreas Fault

Mountain Building Processes:*Volcanic Mountains- Extensive layering of lava and volcanic material builds up over time to form a dome mountain.

Example: Mount Rushmore

Destructive Processes *Erosion- (also known as

weathering) is a major destructive process.

*Erosion is a continuous physical and chemical event that cause land and rock to wear down.

The rate of erosion is related to the height and steepness of the mountain—the steeper the mountain is, the faster it erodes because it is easier to push material down a steep slope than a gradual slope.

Formation of Soil *A soil profile is a

cross-section that shows the different layers of soil in the ground.

It takes a long time and a lot of weathering for soil to have all the layers.

Young soil does not have each of these layers.

Glaciers *A glacier is a huge mass of ice that can be many kilometers thick and thousands of kilometers wide.

Glaciers at the poles are a frozen form of about 2 percent of all the water on Earth.

Glaciers are formed from the accumulation of snow over hundreds or thousands of years.

Sometimes you can’t see the whole story:

Your turn:Read section 29.2 pgs 568-575and add to your notes.

Rocks and Rock Cycle*A rock is a naturally formed

solid usually made of one or more minerals.

The terms igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic refer to how a rock was formed.

The rock cycle illustrates the formation and recycling of rocks by geological processes.

Igneous Rocks*Igneous Rocks are made of magma or lava

— Intrusive igneous rocks are formed below Earth’s surface

— Extrusive igneous rocks are formed above Earth’s surface

Sedimentary Rocks*Sedimentary Rocks- rocks that form from

sediment that is compressed and cemented over a long period of time

Metamorphic Rocks*Metamorphic Rocks- a rock that is transformed

by tremendous heat and pressure

Answer On Your Paper: Is erosion a constructive or destructive force

that shapes the land? — Explain your answer.