Constructive and Destructive Processes Study Guide
S5E1. Students will identify surface features of the Earth caused by constructive and destructive
processes.
a. Identify surface features caused by constructive processes.
• Deposition (deltas, sand dunes, etc.), earthquakes, volcanoes, faults
b. Identify and find examples of surface features caused by destructive processes.
 Erosion (water-rivers and oceans, wind),weathering, impact of organisms,
earthquakes, volcanoes
c. Relate the role of technology and human intervention in the control of constructive and
destructive processes. Examples include, but are not limited to
• Seismological studies, flood control (dams, levees, storm drain management, etc.),
beach reclamation (Georgia coastal islands)
Big Idea: Landforms are made by constructive and destructive forces within the Earth.
Scientists use technology to alter and protect landforms.
 Landforms can be altered by weathering and erosion. Some of the processes are
constructive and some processes are destructive. Some happen quickly and some
happen slowly.
 Earth’s crust can move gradually, which can form mountains. The crust can also move
quickly. This results in earthquakes and volcanoes.
 Scientists use technology to predict changes in landforms, like earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions. They also use technology to restore beaches.
Vocabulary:
Landform- a natural land shape or feature
Topography- all the kinds of landforms in a certain area
Constructive- a process that builds up the Earth’s surface
Destructive- a process that breaks down the Earth’s surface
Sediment- tiny fragments of rock
Weathering- the process of wearing away rocks by natural means
Erosion-the process of moving sediment by wind, moving water, or ice
Deposition- the process of sediment being dropped out of water or wind
Earthquake- a shaking of Earth’s surface, caused by movement of rock in the crust
Volcano- a mountain that forms as lava flows through a crack onto Earth’s surface
Delta- an area of new land at the mouth of a river, formed from sediments carried by river
Sand dunes- hills of sand, formed by the wind
Canyons- deep valleys with steep sides, formed when fast rivers erode rock
Plains- large, low, flat areas
Jetty- a wall-like structure that sticks out into the ocean
Dam- stops the flow of a river, forming a lake, and releasing a controlled amount of water
into the channel
Levee- a wall of concrete or earth built along the banks of a waterway
Seismology- the study of earthquakes
Review:
1. List 2 constructive forces: ______________________________________________________________
2. List 4 destructive forces: _______________________________________________________________
3. Which destructive forces happen rapidly? ______________________________________________
4. Which destructive forces happen slowly? _______________________________________________
5. List 6 landforms formed by erosion: ____________________________________________________
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6. List 3 landforms formed by deposition: _________________________________________________
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7. In which order are the following processes most likely to occur: erosion, deposition,
weathering? Explain. _________________________________________________________________
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8. Where are earthquakes and volcanoes typically found close to? _________________________
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9. What are three major methods of flood control? ________________________________________
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Critical Thinking:
1.
How can wind and water change landforms? __________________________________________
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2. How can water make a body of water deeper or wider? ________________________________
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3. How do mountains on the bottom of oceans form? _____________________________________
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4. How does the work of seismologists help prevent earthquake damage? __________________
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6. What is one benefit of building dams? What are two negative side effects of building
dams? _______________________________________________________________________________
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7. How can an island change shape from erosion? _________________________________________
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8. How can an island change shape from deposition? ______________________________________
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9. How do plants affect weathering and erosion? _________________________________________
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10. How do people restore beaches? _______________________________________________________
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11. Explain how gravity can be a destructive force. _________________________________________
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12. Could gravity also be considered a constructive force? Why or why not? __________________
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