In three to five sentences, explain how the valleys and mountain ranges form?
Valleys and mountain ranges form through different geological processes. One common way is through the movement of tectonic plates. When two plates collide, they can push and uplift the Earth's crust, forming mountain ranges. The folding and faulting of the crust can create valleys between these mountains. Another way is through erosion by water, ice, and wind. Over time, these forces can wear down the land, carving out valleys and leaving behind the more resistant rocks as mountain ranges. These processes can take millions of years to shape the Earth's surface into the diverse landscapes we see today.
A student claims that earthquakes are more destructive than tsunamis. In one or two sentences, explain at least two reasons that support the student’s claim.
One reason earthquakes are more destructive than tsunamis is that earthquakes can cause widespread structural damage to buildings and infrastructure over a larger area. Additionally, earthquakes can trigger other secondary hazards such as landslides and fires, further increasing their destructive potential.
Sea arches and sea stacks provide evidence of weathering and erosion. In three to five sentences, explain the roles weathering and erosion play in creating these landforms.(4 points)
Weathering and erosion play crucial roles in the formation of sea arches and sea stacks. Weathering refers to the breaking down and wearing away of rocks and landforms. In the case of sea arches, weathering begins with the action of waves and water, gradually eroding the base of a headland or cliff. Over time, this continuous erosion weakens the rock, causing it to collapse and leave behind a hole or arch. The arch is then further sculpted by erosion from waves and wind, eventually becoming a sea arch. Similarly, erosion is responsible for the creation of sea stacks. These are formed when the erosion of a sea arch continues, eventually causing the top part of the arch to collapse, leaving a tall, isolated pillar or stack. The processes of weathering and erosion work together over extended periods to shape and mold these distinct coastal landforms.
