What are two earth changes that happen slowly?
Earth changes, or geological processes, shape our planet over long periods of time. Some of these changes occur at a pace that is almost imperceptible to human observation. In this article, we will explore two such slow-moving earth changes: erosion and plate tectonics.
Erosion is a gradual process by which natural forces such as wind, water, and ice wear away at the Earth’s surface. Over millions of years, erosion can dramatically alter the landscape. For example, the Colorado River has carved out the Grand Canyon over millions of years through a process of erosion. This slow, yet relentless force continues to shape the landscape, changing the course of rivers and sculpting unique geological formations.
Plate tectonics, another slow-moving earth change, involves the movement of large sections of the Earth’s crust. These tectonic plates are constantly shifting, colliding, and moving apart, leading to a variety of geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountains. The movement of these plates is so slow that it takes millions of years to see significant changes. However, the long-term effects of plate tectonics are profound, influencing the Earth’s climate, sea levels, and the distribution of landforms. The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, for instance, is believed to have contributed to the formation of the Himalayas over millions of years.
