File info: Earth's relief is the physical variation in the Earth's surface. It includes mountains, hills, valleys, plains, and plateaus. The Earth's relief is constantly changing due to plate tectonics, erosion, and other forces.
Plate tectonics
Plate tectonics is the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are large, slowly moving pieces of the Earth's crust. They are constantly moving and colliding with each other. When tectonic plates collide, they create mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
Erosion
Erosion is the process of wearing away rock and soil. Erosion is caused by wind, water, and ice. Wind erosion can wear away rocks and soil, and it can also transport sand and dust. Water erosion can wear away rocks and soil, and it can also create rivers, lakes, and oceans. Ice erosion can wear away rocks and soil, and it can also create glaciers and ice sheets.
Other forces
Other forces that can change the Earth's relief include volcanic eruptions, meteor impacts, and human activities. Volcanic eruptions can create new mountains and islands. Meteor impacts can create craters and other landforms. Human activities can change the Earth's relief by building dams, mining, and deforestation. |