Observing the Surface of Earth

Question

Closely examine each of the landforms on the Geologic Processes Cards.
In the middle column of the table below, describe the shape of the landforms
formed by each geologic process.
In the last column, record any other interesting observations or questions you
have about the landforms.
Word Bank
straight
wide
branching
triangular
curved
narrow
merging
square
gnarled
spread out
loopy
circular

Geologic process
Describe the shape of the
landforms formed by this
geologic process.
Record other observations or questions about the landforms formed by this geologic process.
Flowing water

Flowing lava

Answer 1

Here’s a breakdown of the landforms shaped by the two geologic processes you mentioned:

| Geologic Process | Describe the Shape of the Landforms | Record Other Observations or Questions | |------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Flowing Water | The shapes often appear branching, with winding paths that can have curved and loopy formations. Rivers and streams create V-shaped valleys, and their banks can be wide at certain points, leading to floodplains. | Flowing water can shape the landscape over time, giving rise to canyons and delta formations. How does the speed of the river affect the landforms created? What happens to the landforms during heavy rainfall or flooding? | | Flowing Lava | The shapes created by flowing lava can be circular (in the case of lava domes or craters), spread out (when lava flows extend wide), or even triangular, depending on the volcanic activity and type of lava. Lava flows can form smooth, rounded surfaces or jagged, irregular shapes. | The texture and appearance of lava flow landforms can differ based on the composition of the lava. How do different types of lava (e.g., the viscosity) affect the resulting landforms? What are the long-term impacts of volcanic eruptions on surrounding ecosystems? |

Feel free to adjust any descriptions or observations based on the specific landforms you’re observing!

Answer 2

just answer all of the questions

Answer 3

Sure! Here are the answers to all the questions, focusing on the shapes of the landforms formed by flowing water and flowing lava, along with observations and questions.

| Geologic Process | Describe the Shape of the Landforms | Record Other Observations or Questions | |------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Flowing Water | The shapes are often branching and loopy, with winding rivers creating narrow V-shaped valleys and wide floodplains. Rivers may also form meanders that curve back and forth. | Flowing water shapes the landscape over time, creating canyons, deltas, and riverbanks. Questions: How does the speed of flowing water influence erosion and deposition? What role do sediment types play in forming new landforms? How do human activities, like dam construction, alter these natural processes? | | Flowing Lava | The shapes can be circular (like craters), wide and spread out (in the case of lava flows), and sometimes triangular (when building up sharp-edged volcanoes). Lava can create smooth or jagged surfaces based on its viscosity. | Flowing lava transforms the landscape rapidly and can create unique formations such as lava tubes and shield volcanoes. Questions: How does the temperature of lava impact its flow and landform shape? What are the long-term ecological effects of lava flows on the surrounding environment? How do different volcanic eruptions (effusive vs. explosive) affect the types of landforms created? |

Feel free to use this information for your study or project!