Science Benchmark Earth is a dynamic planet. Processes that change the Earth's surface operated in the past much as they do today. Evidence of past surface and climatic changes are indicated in the rock and fossil records. Rocks are composed of minerals. Rocks and minerals cycle through processes that change their form.
Several processes contribute to changing the Earth s surface.
Earth s surface is changed by heat flowing from Earth's hot interior toward the cooler surface and by atmospheric processes. Earth s surface can change abruptly through volcanoes and earthquakes. Earth s surface can change gradually through rock formation, mountain building, weathering, and erosion. Small changes that repeatedly occur over very long time periods can add up to major changes to the Earth s surface. Students will understand the processes of rock and fossil formation.