What are
Physical
Processes?
PHYSICAL PROCESSES
Physical Processes are natural forces
that change Earth's physical
features, including forces that build
up and wear down Earth's surface.
Some Examples of Physical Processes
*ocean currents
*earthquakes
* hurricanes
*tsunamis
*volcanoes
Ocean Currents
There are a number of ocean currents found around the
Earth. An ocean current is fast moving water like a vast river
flowing from one place to another. These currents are
caused by differences in temperature, differences in salinity,
and by wind. Currents are responsible for a vast amount of
movement of the water found in the Earth’s oceans.
Ocean Currents
How can ocean currents
effect the environment and
people? Name 3 effects.
Earthquakes
A sudden movement of the
ground caused by shifts in
parts of the earth's crust.
These usually will occur along
a fault.
Earthquakes
How can earthquakes
effect the environment
and people? Name 3
effects.
Hurricanes
a storm that forms over
the ocean and has strong
winds and large amounts
of rain
Hurricanes
How can hurricanes
effect the environment
and people? Name 3
effects.
Tsunamis
Tsunami is a Japanese word that can be
translated as "harbor wave". A tsunami is a
series of waves caused by earthquakes,
landslides, volcanic eruptions, or even
explosions.
Tsunami
Worst ever tragedy in Sri Lanka
History
The most powerful earthquake in 40 years
erupted under the Indian Ocean near
Sumatra on Dec. 26, 2004. It caused giant,
deadly waves to crash ashore in nearly a
dozen countries, killing tens of thousands.
A long stretch of Sri Lanka's coast was
devastated by these killer waves, with
more than 40,000 dead and staggering 2.5
million
people
displaced.
Although
1,600km from the epicentre, the waves
struck with huge force and swept inland as
far as 5 kilometers. Waves as high as six
meters had crashed into coastal villages,
sweeping away people, cars and even a
train with 1700 passengers. It was the
worst human disaster in Sri Lanka history.
Tsunami
How can a tsunami effect
the environment and
people? Name 3 effects.
Volcanoes
a vent in the earth's
crust through which
lava, steam, ashes,
etc., are expelled.
Volcanoes
How can volcanoes
effect the
environment and
people? Name 3
effects.
May 17, 1980
August 13, 2005
On May 18th, 1980 the eruption of Mount St. Helens in
southwest Washington state disrupted the lives of
thousands and changed more than 200 square miles of
rich forest into a grey, lifeless landscape. Now, more
than twenty-six years later, the land around the
mountain is slowly healing. Nature may be covering the
scars of the 1980 eruption, but many people will never
forget what happened that spring day.
Other Physical Processes
Monsoons and Tornadoes
In Arizona, as in other regions of the world
including India and Thailand, we experience
a monsoon, a season of high temperatures,
high winds, and high moisture, resulting in
potentially deadly weather.
The term "monsoon" comes from the Arabic
"mausim" meaning "season" or "wind shift."
This is why vehicles
should be abandoned
if a tornado
approaches.
What do physical processes cause?
*Economic loss
*Destruction of crops
*Destruction of property
*Population movement
*Geographical changes
*Emotional stress and
loss of family