Earth's materials & Systems

4.2 Understand Earth's materials and systems and surface processes.

a. Recognize various forms of evidence (e.g., seismic waves, iron meteorites, magnetic field data) that led to the current model of Earth's structure (i.e., hot but solid inner core, a liquid outer core, a solid mantle and crust).

b. Demonstrate knowledge of the dynamic processes of erosion, deposition, and transport, including evidence for connections between these processes and the formation of Earth's materials.

c. Demonstrate knowledge of relative and absolute dating techniques, including how half lives are used in radiometric dating and of how evidence from rock strata is used to establish the geologic timescale.

d. Recognize the factors that can alter the flow of energy into and out of Earth's systems (e.g., tectonic events, ocean circulation, volcanic activity, vegetation).

e. Relate the abundance of liquid water on Earth's surface and water's physical and chemical properties to the dynamic processes shaping the planet's materials and surface.

f. Demonstrate knowledge of surficial processes that form geographic features of Earth's surface (e.g., mechanical, chemical, and biological weathering).