facebook Read About The Timescale of Earth's Events | Science for Grades K-2
1%
Processing, please wait...
It was processed successfully!
Reading Material

Read About The Timescale of Earth's Events

Download as PDF   Go Back to Lesson
children with hard hats listening to a scientist
WHEN DOES THE EARTH’S SURFACE CHANGE?

The Earth’s surface is constantly changing. Some events cause fast changes like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Other changes can be very slow like erosion.

To better understand how the Earth’s surface changes…

WHEN DOES THE EARTH’S SURFACE CHANGE?. The Earth’s surface is constantly changing. Some events cause fast changes like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Other changes can be very slow like erosion. To better understand how the Earth’s surface changes…

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN!

Volcanos change the Earth’s surface very quickly.

lava flows quickly from a volcano

When volcanoes erupt, hot lava is released from inside the Earth. As it cools and hardens, rock is formed and that can change the shape of the land.

Volcanos change the Earth’s surface very quickly. When volcanoes erupt, hot lava is released from inside the Earth. As it cools and hardens, rock is formed and that can change the shape of the land.
lava flows quickly from a volcano

Earthquakes change Earth’s surface in seconds.

road broken into pieces by a earthquake

Earthquakes cause the ground to crack. Sometimes roads are destroyed and even buildings can be damaged. These changes to the surface of the Earth happen fast.

Earthquakes change Earth’s surface in seconds. Earthquakes cause the ground to crack. Sometimes roads are destroyed and even buildings can be damaged. These changes to the surface of the Earth happen fast.
road broken into pieces by a earthquake

Sometimes water changes the Earth’s surface quickly.

scientific demonstration of water erosion washing away trees

During a landslide, water from heavy rain can cause land in certain places to slide down a hill. Hills that don’t have any plants or trees are more likely to have a landslide.

Sometimes water changes the Earth’s surface quickly. During a landslide, water from heavy rain can cause land in certain places to slide down a hill. Hills that don’t have any plants or trees are more likely to have a landslide.
scientific demonstration of water erosion washing away trees

Erosion can change Earth’s surface very slowly.

water flowing over rocks and making them smooth through erosion

Water erosion is when water slowly moves pieces of the Earth’s surface from one place to another. Over many years, rough rocks can become smooth from the flowing water.

Erosion can change Earth’s surface very slowly. Water erosion is when water slowly moves pieces of the Earth’s surface from one place to another. Over many years, rough rocks can become smooth from the flowing water.
water flowing over rocks and making them smooth through erosion

Glaciers change the Earth’s surface very slowly.

aerial view of a glacier moving into the water

Glaciers are huge pieces of ice that move very slowly. Glaciers are found in very cold places. They are so heavy that they can make big changes when they move.

Glaciers change the Earth’s surface very slowly. Glaciers are huge pieces of ice that move very slowly. Glaciers are found in very cold places. They are so heavy that they can make big changes when they move.
aerial view of a glacier moving into the water

EARTH'S EVENTS VOCABULARY

Earth’s Surface
The outermost layer of the Earth. We live on the Earth’s surface.
Erosion
When tiny pieces of the Earth’s surface are moved from one place to another. This usually happens due to wind or flowing water.
Timescale
How long it takes for something to happen. Some things happen in seconds like an earthquake and other things like erosion can take millions of years.
Volcano
A mountain-like structure that can erupt and lava can flow out of it.
Earthquake
A natural event that happens when the ground shakes.
Landslide
When land, mud and rocks slide down a slope.
A huge piece of ice that slowly moves.

QUESTIONS ABOUT EARTH'S EVENTS

How does an earthquake change the Earth’s surface?

An earthquake can cause cracks in the Earth’s surface. Roads can break into pieces and bridges can fall down.

How does a volcano change the Earth’s surface?

Lava can flow down the sides of a volcano and spread over the land. It can even flow into the ocean. Once the lava cools it hardens into rock.

How would you describe a landslide?

A landslide is when heavy rain soaks into the Earth and causes the land to fall down because of gravity. If there are no plants to hold the soil in place, it is more likely to happen.

How does a rough rock become smooth?

Over very long periods of time weathering and erosion from wind or water can make a rough rock smooth.

How did the Grand Canyon form?

Over millions of years, the Colorado River has worn away rock to form the Grand Canyon. Even today, it continues to change very slowly. Wind has also helped form the Grand Canyon, but not as much as water.

How does a glacier change the land?

A glacier is a very slow-moving chunk of ice. Because it is so heavy, it changes the shape of the land as it slowly moves over it.
X
Success
We’ve sent you an email with instructions how to reset your password.
Ok
x
Choose Your Free Trial Period
3 Days

3 days to access to all of our teaching resources for free.

Continue to Lessons
30 Days

Get 30 days free by inviting other teachers to try it too.

Share with Teachers
Get 30 Days Free
By inviting 4 other teachers to try it too.
4 required

*only school emails accepted.

Skip, I will use a 3 day free trial

Thank You!

Enjoy your free 30 days trial