(A-FR)Inv2.Exp4 Earth's Surface Forces

What are the two major systems of forces on Earth's surface?

plate tectonics and weather/water forces

What drives the surface processes on Earth?

gravity and sunlight

What are the internal forces associated with plate tectonics?

forces that move continents and build mountain ranges

How do the forces associated with plate tectonics and weather/water interact?

plate tectonics build up mountains while weather/water forces wear them down Signup and view all the answers

What is the rock cycle?

a cycle that involves the formation, alteration, and breakdown of rocks Signup and view all the answers

How does water affect the rock cycle?

water affects all aspects of the rock cycle, from rainfall to sedimentation to metamorphism Signup and view all the answers

Where do sedimentary rocks form?

beneath the ocean Signup and view all the answers

What role does water play in mantle convection?

water lowers the viscosity of rock, allowing mantle convection Signup and view all the answers

How does water contribute to the formation of magma?

water lowers the melting temperatures of rock, helping to form magma underground Signup and view all the answers

What are the two dominant forces that change Earth's surface?

gravity and electric forces Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the large-scale geologic processes driven by gravity on Earth?

Precipitation, stream flow, glacial movement, avalanches, and landslides. Signup and view all the answers

What is the acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface?

9.8 m/s^2 Signup and view all the answers

What effect does gravity have on the rock of Earth's continents?

It carries it down to the ocean. Signup and view all the answers

What breaks down rock into smaller pieces during the wearing down of land by gravity?

Electric forces. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most powerful agent for the weathering of rocks?

Water. Signup and view all the answers

What are geologic processes that occur over a wide range of time scales known as?

Geologic time. Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of gradual geologic processes?

Sedimentation, erosion, small earthquakes, and meteor impacts. Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of sudden catastrophic geologic events?

Volcanic eruptions, immense floods, large earthquakes, and large meteor impacts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the erosion of landscapes?

Weathering. Signup and view all the answers

Why is weathering critically important to humans?

It breaks down rock to form soil, which is needed to grow the global food supply. Signup and view all the answers