Introduction to Earth Systems - Surface Features

Introduction to Earth Systems - Surface Features in the Geosphere

• This lesson covers surface features in the geosphere, including topography, landforms and Earth-shaping forces, using mapping tools
• Objectives include understanding topography and landforms, exploring Earth-shaping forces, and utilizing mapping tools
• Topography describes the shape of the land using elevation, relief, and landforms
• Elevation is the height above sea level
• Relief is the difference in elevation between the highest and lowest points in an area
• Landforms are features like mountains, plateaus, dunes, and rivers
• Different landforms have different combinations of elevations and relief

Constructive Forces

• Constructive forces create or build landforms by adding material to the Earth's surface
• Examples of these forces:
  • Mountain formation like the Himalayas, formed by colliding tectonic plates
  • Creation of new landmasses by volcanic activity

Destructive Forces

• Destructive forces break down or erode landforms, reducing elevation
• Examples of these forces:
  • Erosion of rocks due to factors such as rain, wind, ice, and temperature changes
  • Natural events like landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. These can release ashes into the atmosphere, affecting the living organisms

Modeling Landforms

• Modern mapping uses computers, aerial photos, and satellite images to create maps showing land features
• Topographic Maps use contour lines to show elevation by connecting points at the same height

Topographic Maps

• Contour lines in a topographic map show the shape of a landform (elevation)
• Contour intervals represent the change in elevation between contour lines
• Features like ridges, valleys, and depressions can be identified using the shape of contour lines
• Hilltops are shown as closed contour loops
• Steep slopes are marked with closely spaced contour lines
• Flat areas are marked by widely spaced contour lines

Aerial Photography

• Aerial photography uses photos taken from airplanes to capture detailed images of a large area
• Photographs are pieced together to create a detailed image of a large area

Satellite Imagery

• Satellites collect and store data about the Earth's surface
• Computers process this data creating satellite images with features such as plants, land, water, snow, and ice

Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• Global Positioning System (GPS) uses satellites signals to determine a location
• Geographic Information System (GIS) combines data, and helps solve problems like flood risk analysis
• Both GPS and GIS are more useful than topographic maps because they provide more information about the terrain by combining multiple data sources allowing a more detailed analysis and precise locations.

Measurements and Interpretations

• Mapping tools and data help to precisely understand shapes, elevations, and landforms, assisting in critical analysis of given datasets