Soils are often found in layers, with each having a different chemical composition and texture. The earth processes we see today, including erosion, movement of lithospheric plates, and changes in atmospheric composition, are similar to those that occurred in the past. Grades 9-12 Interactions among the solid earth, the oceans, the atmosphere, and organisms have resulted in the ongoing evolution of the earth system. We can observe some changes such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on a human time scale, but many processes such as mountain building and plate movements take place over hundreds of millions of years. Back to the Top Misconceptions Listed below are some of the common misconceptions that students have about earth science that relate to the topic of landslides.
Gravity increases with height.
Gravity requires a medium to act through. Mountains are rapidly created. Earth's gravitational attraction is drastically reduced on mountain tops. Continents do not move. Ground water typically occurs as basin, lakes, and fast flowing streams.