4th Grade Science

Studying Earth systems, energy transfer, and the scientific method for fourth grade students.

Advanced Topics

Erosion and Earth's Changing Surface

How Does Earth Change?

The land on Earth is always changing! Erosion happens when wind, water, or ice moves rocks and soil from one place to another.

Causes of Erosion

  • Water: Rivers can wash away soil and create valleys.
  • Wind: Wind can blow sand and shape deserts.
  • Ice: Glaciers scrape and carve out land as they move.

Why Is Erosion Important?

Erosion shapes our landscapes, creates new landforms, and can also cause problems like loss of farmland.

Preventing Erosion

People plant trees and use special walls to protect soil and keep land healthy.

Examples

  • A river cutting a deep valley over thousands of years.

  • Strong winds forming sand dunes in a desert.

In a Nutshell

Erosion changes Earth's surface by moving rocks and soil with wind, water, or ice.