Name: ___________________________________________ Date: _______________________________
Constructive and Destructive Forces
Layers of the Earth
(may want to color each layer)
Earth
Crust
Mantle
Outer Core
Inner Core
Plate Tectonics
Plate: A section of Earth’s crust that fits together with other sections like puzzle pieces.
Three ways plates move:
1. convergent (including subduction) 2. divergent 3. transform
1. Plates moving toward each other diagram:
convergent subduction
Name: ___________________________________________ Date: _______________________________
2. Plates moving apart: 3. Plates moving along side each other:
divergent transform
Describe how plates are able to float.
Plates “float” because they are located on top of the mantle, which consists of thick, moving magma.
Describe how mountains are created due to plate movements.
Mountains are created when two plates converge (collide) and are pushed upwards.
What is the Ring of Fire?
The Ring of Fire is the edge of two plates which are coming together at a subduction zone. There are
many volcanoes and earthquakes along the Ring of Fire.
Volcanoes
Volcano: A mountain that forms as molten rock flows through a crack onto Earth’s surface.
Describe the difference between magma and lava?
Magma is hot liquid rock inside the earth’s mantle. The term lava is used when magma reaches the air.
Explain how volcanoes are considered a constructive force?
As lava erupts from a volcano, it runs down the side of the volcano and cools, creating new land.
Explain how volcanoes are a destructive force?
Volcanoes produce hot lava, ash, and gas, which kill people, plants, and wildlife.
Name: ___________________________________________ Date: _______________________________
Earthquakes
Earthquake: A shaking of Earth’s surface caused by movement of rock in the crust.
Fault: A crack in the Earth’s crust.
Epicenter: The point on Earth’s surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.
Use the diagram to explain how earthquakes form.
Earthquakes are formed when plates (pieces of Earth’s crust) move.
Most earthquakes occur along convergent and transform boundaries.
Use the diagram to explain how earthquakes can be a destructive
force.
As the ground shakes, damage is caused to the buildings, streets,
and infrastructure.
What are seismographs and how are they used?
Seismographs are machines that record movement in Earth’s crust. They are used to help scientists
learn about earthquakes. Data from a seismograph can tell scientists when it happened, how strong it
was, and how long it lasted. It can also tell scientists where the quake’s epicenter is located.
Thinking questions: Why is it important that scientists study earthquakes? Record data? How can
they use new technology benefit cities?
When scientists record data and study earthquakes, they can learn about the strength and length of an
earthquake. They can also learn how to better predict earthquakes. This will help cities because
engineers can design buildings that will withstand earthquakes.
Name: ___________________________________________ Date: _______________________________
Changes to Landforms
Weathering: The process of breaking down rock by natural means. (ice, animals, wind, water)
EXAMPLES
Ice
Wind
Erosion: The process of moving sediment by wind, moving water, or ice.
Deposition: The process by which sediment drops out of water.
delta
Delta: An area of new land at the mouth of a river, formed from sediments carried by the river.
Sinkhole: A large hole formed when the roof of a cave collapses.
Sediment: Soil and small pieces of rock.
Name three things that cause erosion: 1) wind 2) water 3) ice
Explain how water causes erosion: The moving water carries away sediment. Over time, water erosion
may leave gullies or ditches in the ground.
Explain how wind causes erosion: Wind moves sediment across the land. The faster wind moves, the
more energy it has. If wind has a lot of energy, it can move more sediment.
Explain how ice (glaciers) cause erosion: As glaciers move, sediment sticks to the ice and is carried to
another location, where it is deposited.
Explain the weathering and erosion process. How does it begin with weathering to its ending process
of deposition.
1. Rocks are worn down in the process of weathering.
2. Small pieces of rock (sediment) are carried away through erosion.
3. As the sediment slows, it is deposited in a new location, forming a new landform.
Name: ___________________________________________ Date: _______________________________
Human Interactions
Dam: Built by humans to block water
Provide 2 benefits to dams
1) Prevent floods
2) Provides energy (hydroelectric power)
Provide 2 negatives about dams
1) affects animal life
2) can create damage or floods if they break
How do storm drains help reduce erosion?
Storm drains provide a way for water to be channeled away from dirt and towards the ocean so water
does not flow across the land.
Beaches
Beach restoration: Beach restoration is used to help repair beaches or stop erosion. Building a jetty and
dredging sand are both examples of beach restoration projects.
Jetty: A wall-like structure that sticks out into the ocean. Many jetties are built from large rocks.
State two problems for humans on beach erosion and deposition
1) Sand moves away from some beaches and builds up others.
2) Moving sand fills in channels, which then become too shallow for boats to pass through.
