Chapter 3: Our Changing Earth

Geography • Class 7

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Chapter Analysis

Intermediate6 pages • English

Quick Summary

The chapter 'Our Changing Earth' explores the dynamic nature of the Earth's surface, focusing on the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition that shape various landforms. It discusses the movements of lithospheric plates, which lead to phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The chapter also explains the role of different natural agents, including rivers, wind, glaciers, and sea waves, in continuously wearing away and reshaping the landscape. Additionally, the text highlights the importance of understanding these processes to anticipate natural disasters and prepare for their impacts.

Key Topics

  • Plate Tectonics and Earth Movements
  • Erosion and Deposition Processes
  • Earthquake Mechanics and Impacts
  • Volcanic Activity
  • Riverine Landforms
  • Coastal Landforms
  • Glacial Landforms
  • Desert Features

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the causes and effects of plate movements.
  • Identify different types of natural phenomena caused by both exogenic and endogenic forces.
  • Explain the process of erosion and deposition.
  • Recognize the different landforms created by water, wind, ice, and sea waves.
  • Detail the impacts of earthquakes and volcanic activities on the Earth's surface.
  • Explore preparation strategies to mitigate disaster impacts.

Questions in Chapter

Why do the plates move?

Page 17

What are exogenic and endogenic forces?

Page 17

What is erosion?

Page 17

How are flood plains formed?

Page 17

What are sand dunes?

Page 17

How are beaches formed?

Page 17

What are ox bow lakes?

Page 17

Additional Practice Questions

Explain how earthquakes are related to the movements of lithospheric plates.

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Answer: Earthquakes occur due to the adjustments of tectonic plates. When these plates move, they create stress at plate boundaries and within the plates themselves, which is released as seismic waves during an earthquake.

Discuss the formation of a delta and name a famous example.

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Answer: A delta is formed at the mouth of a river, where it deposits its sediment load as the water speed decreases upon meeting a slower body of water. A famous example is the Nile Delta in Egypt.

Describe the process of sediment deposition by rivers and its importance.

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Answer: Rivers transport sediments which accumulate to form features like floodplains. These deposits are rich in nutrients, making them highly fertile and important for agriculture.

What roles do glacial movements play in shaping landscapes?

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Answer: Glaciers erode the land by carving out valleys and moving debris as they advance. As they retreat, they leave behind features such as moraines and glacial lakes, reshaping the landscape significantly.

How does wind contribute to the formation of desert features like sand dunes?

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Answer: Wind transports loose sand in deserts, creating hill-like structures called sand dunes. The wind erodes the base more than the top of rocks, forming mushroom rocks.