Rivers
What are the main components of a river system?
1.source
2.tributarys
3.floodplain
4.delta
What are the different types of glaciers?
continental glaciers and alpine glaciers
What are the 3 main types of rock layers and how do they form?
what is igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
What are the main gases that make up Earth's atmosphere, and what percentage of each is present?
nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%)
What are the primary ways humans impact the environment, and what are the most significant negative consequences of these impacts?
climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation
how does the shape of a river change as it flows?
gradient decrees as river flow
How do glaciers move?
by internal deformation of the ice, and by sliding over the rocks and sediments at the base
What is the principle of superposition and how does it help in understanding the order of rock layers?
providing a simple rule for determining relative ages – the layers are stacked in chronological order from older to younger as you go from bottom to top
Describe the different layers of the Earth's atmosphere, including the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere
Each layer has unique characteristics, primarily distinguished by temperature changes with altitude and the presence of specific atmospheric phenomena
How does deforestation contribute to climate change, and what are some alternative approaches to land management that could mitigate its effects?
sustainable forestry, agroforestry, and conservation tillage
what are the different types of river valley?
V-shaped
U-shaped
flat-floored
rift valleys
What is a glacier?
How can fossils found in rock layers help scientists understand Earth's past?
providing a record of life, past environments, and the evolution of species
How does the atmosphere protect Earth from harmful solar radiation?
ozone layer, which absorbs harmful UV rays, and the Earth's magnetic field, which deflects charged particles from the sun
What are the major sources of pollution, and how can we reduce their impact on ecosystems and human health?
industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal.
what is an estuary?
The tidal mouth of a large river
How do glaciers impact the landscape?
through erosion and deposition
What are some examples of disturbances to rock layers, like faults or folds?
Faulting: This occurs when rocks crack and break due to stress in the Earth's crust.
Explain the concept of air pressure and how it changes with altitude
ozone layer, which absorbs harmful UV rays, and the Earth's magnetic field, which deflects charged particles from the sun
How does overconsumption contribute to resource depletion, and what steps can individuals and societies take to promote sustainable consumption patterns?
exceeding the Earth's regenerative capacity, leading to a "Earth Overshoot" where we are using more resources than the planet can replenish
how do rivers shape the land?
a large, natural stream of flowing water that usually originates from a source like a spring, lake, or melting snow
What is the impact of climate change on glaciers?
leading to their melting and retreat, contributing to sea level rise, and altering regional water resources
How can the study of rock layers help us understand how the Earth's surface has changed over time?
By examining the arrangement, composition, and fossil content of these layers, scientists can reconstruct past environments, tectonic activity, and climate changes
What is the greenhouse effect, and how does it relate to Earth's temperature?
a natural process where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to support life
In what ways can human activities, such as agriculture and urbanization, be modified to minimize their environmental impact and promote ecological balance?
sustainable agricultural practices, efficient urban planning, responsible resource management, and technological advancements.