Processes that Shape Earth Geologic Processes that Shape

Processes that Shape Earth

Geologic Processes that Shape Earth • Geologic Processes: natural forces that shape Earth • Fast • Volcanoes • Earthquakes • Flash Flooding • Mudslides • Slow • Plate tectonics • Weathering • Erosion • Wind • Water • Glaciers

Weathering and Erosion • Weathering: breaking down of rock • Wind, water, plants, chemicals • Erosion: transports matter away • Wind, water, glaciers

Erosion Water Erosion Creates • Canyons • Deep valleys Wind Erosion Creates • V-shaped • Arches Valleys • Dust bowls • Sand dunes Glacial Erosion Creates • Land erosion • Moraine: a pile of rocks and sediment • U-shaped valleys

Deforestation • Deforestation: removal of large forests for human development • Soil is exposed and is eroded faster • Soil gets depleted of nutrients

Landslides • Landslide: when masses of rock, earth and debris are moved down hill • Mudslides: the debris in a landslide • Caused by: • Heavy rain • Earthquakes • Volcanic eruptions • Droughts

Humans and Natural Disasters • Landslides happen most on the coasts and in the mountains • Health hazards associated with Mudflows and Landslides • Rapidly moving water and debris • Utility lines breaking • Access to health care cut off

Plate Tectonics • Plate tectonics has shaped the Earth for 4 billion years • Utah has been moved on or near the equator several times due to plate tectonics • Moving plates create changes in topography (surface features of the land) and climate

Hazards with Earthquakes and Volcanoes Earthquakes • Power lines falling • Water and sewer lines breaking Volcanoes • Pyroclastic flows • Ash clouds

How do Geologic Processes Affect Humans? • Tear down buildings • Kill people • Destroy roads, homes, dams