What factors affect how landscapes change?

Jihoon claims that changes to a landscape are only visible above ground. Elicia tells Jihoon that he is wrong because we can see changes to landscapes both above and below ground. Which of the following statements is the BEST support for Elicia’s thinking?

Erosion does not contribute to changes in the Earth’s landscape.

Tara says there are changes in the landscape over time. She believes that throughout millions of years, rock layers and rock formations change, and this shapes our landforms. Her teacher tells her to find a photograph that supports her claim.

Which photo would be best for her to submit to her teacher as evidence?

Humans do not contribute to the changing of landscapes.

What does the term landscape mean? Example: There are changes in the landscape throughout the years due to weathering and erosion.

Read the following excerpt about rock formations in Zion National Park:

“Zion has spectacular geology. The arid climate and sparse vegetation expose bare rock and reveal the park’s geologic history. Evidence of deposition (sedimentation), lithification, uplift, weathering, erosion, tectonics, and volcanic activity make the park a showcase for changing landscapes. Volcanic vents, created as a result of the weakening of the Earth’s crust during tectonic events, allowed lava flows and cinder cones to form. Cinder was piled several hundred feet high in classic cone shapes, and lava flowed into valleys. Cinder cones and black basalt flows are visible west of Rockville and on the Kolob Terrace.”

Text courtesy of: https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/teachers/lessonplans/LandscapesActivityGuideADA.pdf

Based on the text, which of the following statements BEST describes the changes to the landscape in Zion National Park?

Fossils are evidence of changes to Earth’s landscape.

Fossils and rock layers can explain the changes in landscapes over time.

How are landscape changes recorded by layers of rocks and fossils?