Earth's Ever-Changing Surface

 January 25, 2024

7th graders have spent quite some time learning about the forces that shape Earth. From the wonders of plate tectonics to volcanic marvels, erosion, and beyond, here's a recap of the fascinating discoveries we made together.

Our month began with an exploration of the dance of Earth's tectonic plates. Discovering plate boundaries, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, we gained insights into the powerful forces that shape our planet's ever-changing surface. Real-life examples of plate boundaries provided us with concrete illustrations of the dynamic nature of Earth's crust. Here are some notable examples from our exploration:

• Mid-Atlantic Ridge (Divergent Boundary):

• The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a prime example of a divergent boundary. It runs down the center of the Atlantic Ocean, where the North American and Eurasian plates are moving apart. As the plates separate, magma rises from the mantle, creating new oceanic crust and forming an underwater volcanic mountain range.

• Himalayan Mountain Range (Convergent Boundary):

• The Himalayas exemplify a convergent boundary where the Indian plate collides with the Eurasian plate. The intense pressure and uplifting forces at this boundary have led to the formation of the world's highest mountain range. Mount Everest, part of the Himalayas, stands as a testament to ongoing plate convergence. Mount Everest continues to grow to this day!

• San Andreas Fault (Transform Boundary):

• The San Andreas Fault in California, USA, is a well-known transform boundary. Here, the Pacific and North American plates slide past each other horizontally. The lateral movement along the fault line is responsible for earthquakes, making it a critical area for studying the effects of transform plate boundaries.

• Iceland (Divergent Boundary):

• Iceland is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, making it a fascinating real-life example of a divergent boundary. The country experiences constant geothermal activity, with volcanic eruptions and geysers showcasing the dynamic interactions between tectonic plates.

• Andes Mountain Range (Convergent Boundary):

• The Andes Mountains in South America are a result of the convergence between the South American plate and the Nazca plate. The subduction of the Nazca plate beneath the South American plate has led to the formation of this extensive volcanic mountain range, known for its breathtaking landscapes.

• East African Rift System (Divergent Boundary):

• The East African Rift is an active divergent boundary where the African continent is slowly splitting apart. This process is causing the East African Rift System to form, with the Nubian and Somali plates drifting away from each other. The rift is a glimpse into the early stages of a potential future ocean.

• Ring of Fire (Convergent and Divergent Boundaries):

• The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone around the Pacific Ocean known for its high volcanic and seismic activity. It encompasses numerous plate boundaries, including convergent boundaries where subduction occurs (e.g., along the west coast of the Americas) and divergent boundaries (e.g., along the Pacific Plate).

These real-life examples provide tangible evidence of the dynamic interactions between tectonic plates, showcasing the diverse geological features that result from their movements at different types of plate boundaries.

We continued our exploration with a dive into weathering, erosion, and deposition. We learned that wind, water, and ice are powerful forces that play a key role in the development of the earth's surface. The creation of river valleys, canyons, and deltas were explored as examples of water-driven landscape changes. Glacial weathering, erosion and deposition emphasized the transformative impact of ice on mountains and valleys. The interconnectedness of weathering, erosion, and deposition in shaping Earth's landscapes became evident. The processes work together in a continuous cycle, influencing the formation of diverse landforms over time. 

Next we will be using the topic of bridges to teach how the components of a structural system work together to fulfill a specific structural function. Given a set of criteria and constraints the students will be tasked with building their own bridges.