Dynamic+Earth

= **8.5 Dynamic Earth ** = **Contextual Outline ** The Earth’s landscapes result from the interplay of forces, internal and external, that continually reshape the Earth’s surface. These landscapes often show the effect of the most dramatic of the forces such as those internal tectonic forces responsible for the movement of the crustal plates over the surface of the Earth. The impact of crustal movements through earthquakes and volcanoes has been regularly recorded throughout human history. Although the Australian continent is now relatively stable, the geological record provides insight into its sometimes violent history.This module examines the evidence of present Earth structures resulting from tectonic forces and compares this evidence with the features of the Australian landscape with a view to understanding how the Australian continent came to its present shape and form. This module increases students’ understanding of the historical background, the nature and practice, the applications and uses, and the current issues, research and developments in Earth and Environmental Science. =Dynamic Earth Unit Planner= **Assumed Knowledge** //Domain: knowledge and understanding// Refer to the //Science Years 7–10 Syllabus// for the following: 5.7.1c) describe an appropriate model that has been developed to describe atomic structure 5.9.2a) discuss the evidence that suggests crustal plates move over time 5.9.4d) relate movements of Earth’s plates to convection currents in the mantle and to gravitational forces 5.9.4e) explain how interactions at plate boundaries may result in earthquakes, volcanic activity and new landforms.

=**Resources**= [|Summary of some of the main points from the unit]. Page by David tweed - HSC question is answered [|USGS: This Dynamic Earth], The Story of Plate Tectonics Online edition [|Convergent Plate Boundaries] - Chapter from text (?) [|Divergent Plate Boundaries] - Chapter from text (?) [|Build your own virtual volcano]
 * [|Plate Tectonics] - Good site for quick revision**

[|Continental drift, seafloor spreading and plate tectonics - Tulane University.] [|Plate tectonics] - good summary
 * Lithosheric plates and there motion**