Alteration has two new spell archetypes that can deal damage:
Sand/Earth spells use stamina in addition to magicka, and have a chance to stagger or knock down enemies. These are resisted by magic resistance and armor, with every 25 points of armor reducing the spell's damage by 1%, at a maximum of 32% reduction at 800 or more armor. Earth spells also deal 25% more damage to automatons.
Constriction spells lower the armor of enemies they hit in addition to dealing damage. They are resisted by magic resistance only.