Changing Earth's Surface

Core

The central part of the Earth, below the mantle, is the core. The core is the innermost layer of Earth, made mostly of iron and nickel, and it's responsible for generating our planet's magnetic field.

Crust

The thin rocky outer layer of Earth, above the mantle, is called the crust. The crust is the hard, outer shell of the Earth where we live.

Deposition

The process of dropping sediment by water or wind. Deposition. It is when particles carried by wind or water settle and accumulate in a new location.

Earthquake

A sudden shaking of rock in the Earth's crust. Earthquake. It is the release of energy in the Earth's crust that causes the ground to shake.

Epicenter

The point directly above the focus of an earthquake, on Earths surface, is the epicenter. The epicenter is the spot on the Earth's surface right above where an earthquake starts underground.

Erosion

The process in which rock is worn away and transported by water, wind, or ice is erosion. Erosion is when natural forces move bits of rock or soil from one place to another.

Fault

A break in Earth's crust along which rocks move. Fault. A fault is a crack in Earth's surface where sections of rock can slide past each other, causing earthquakes.

Glacier

A large mass of slow moving ice and snow. Glacier. A glacier is a huge, slow-moving river of ice and snow formed from compacted snow over many years.

Humus

Decayed plant and animal matter in soil. Humus. Humus is the dark, organic material in soil formed from the decomposition of plants and animals, helping to enrich and maintain soil health.

Landform

A natural land feature, like valleys, hills or plains. Landform. A landform is a natural shape or feature on the Earth's surface.

Landslide

The sudden movement of loose rock and soil down a slope. Landslide. In simple terms, a landslide is when a lot of rocks and earth on a hillside suddenly falls or slides down.

Lava

Molten rock that reaches the Earth's surface. Lava. Lava is hot liquid rock that flows out of a volcano during an eruption.

Magma

Molten rock beneath the Earth's surface. Magma. Magma is hot, liquid rock found beneath the Earth's crust.

Mantle

The layer of rock between Earth's crust and core. Mantle. The mantle is a thick layer of rock inside Earth that moves slowly and affects how continents and oceans are shaped.

Moraine

A ridge of rock debris deposited by a glacier. Moraine. A moraine is a pile of rocks and soil left behind by a moving glacier.

Soil horizon

A soil layer different from the layers above and below it, in particle size or pH. Soil horizon. A soil horizon is a distinct layer within the soil that differs in color, texture, structure, or composition from other layers.

Soil profile

A cross section of soil that shows the different layers horizons. Soil profile. A soil profile is a vertical slice through the soil, showing its layers like a layered cake.

Topsoil

The upper layer of soil where plants grow. Topsoil. Topsoil is the rich, fertile layer of soil on the Earth's surface that provides nutrients and support for plants to grow.

Volcano

A mountain through which lava flows to Earths surface. Volcano. A volcano is an opening in Earth's crust that allows molten rock, gases, and ash to escape.

Weathering

The processes which break down rocks. Weathering. Weathering is the process where rocks are broken down into smaller pieces by natural forces like wind, water, and temperature changes.