Natural Resource Distribution MS-ESS3-1

Aquifer

A water-containing, underground layer of rock. Aquifer. An aquifer is a natural underground area where water is stored within layers of rocks and soil.

Erosion

The process in which rock is worn away and transported by water, wind, or ice is called erosion. Erosion is when natural forces like rain, wind, or ice move and wear away rocks and soil.

Fossil fuel

An energy source made of the remains of organisms that lived long ago, like coal or oil. Fossil fuels are ancient plants and animals turned into oil, coal, or gas that we use for energy.

Geologic time scale

A timeline of Earth's history based on major changes geologic time scale. The geologic time scale is a way to organize Earth's long history into different periods based on significant events, like the appearance of dinosaurs or the formation of mountains, for Grade 7 students.

Groundwater

Rain and melted snow that is stored in underground soil and rock. Groundwater. Groundwater is the water found beneath the Earth's surface, often used for drinking and watering crops.

Natural resource

A material or an energy source in the environment, like trees, water or wind. Natural resource. Natural resources are things we use from nature to help us live, like water for drinking or trees for building.

Plate tectonics

The theory that Earth's crust is made of moving plates plate tectonics. Plate tectonics is the idea that the Earth's surface is divided into large pieces that move and interact, causing earthquakes, mountains, and volcanoes.

Weathering

The processes which break down rocks weathering. Weathering is when rocks break apart into smaller pieces due to wind, water, and other natural forces.