Destructive Forces:
Changing the Earth's Surface
eBook created by:
Vicki Fruge
EDLD 5346
Cohort 13
There are many forces that contribute to changes in the surface of the Earth. What do you think is the force that has caused the most changes on Earth?
What is the most powerful destructive force that has shaped this planet?
Did you guess--
EARTHQUAKE!?!
Earthquakes are very powerful. They can move land for several miles. There are different types of earthquakes. Sometimes, the earth cracks and slides in different directions. Other times, the earth is pushed higher or lower than it was originally. The picture on the right shows a stretch of road that was cracked during an earthquake. The land is now higher on the left side of the crack than it is on the right side of the crack. That takes a lot of power!
Instead of earthquakes, you might guess volcanoes. An erupting volcano can destroy thousands of acres in just a few seconds.
As devastating as volcanoes can be, they are not the most destructive force on planet Earth.
The answer is: A raindrop.
A raindrop?
Yes, a raindrop!
Raindrops, and more importantly, the moving water they create, are the most destructive force on Earth. Moving water is the driving force that most changes the Earth. Water has slowly changed the surface of the earth through weathering and erosion .
Weathering and erosion play an important part in changing rocks and changing the shape of Earth. Weathering is a process that breaks down rocks, from large boulders to form small gravel and soil. Erosion is the removal and carrying off of these materials from one place to another. The Grand Canyon was shaped by water from the Colorado River breaking down, and carrying away, rock particles. What an impressive sight! It is amazing what a raindrop can do!
Thank you for reading my book!
I hope you enjoyed reading it, as much as I enjoyed making it.