Download GLACIERS

Student Resource Sheet ESS - 26
GLACIERS
Through your research in preparation for your final book or presentation,
you learn that at one time much of Earth’s land surface was covered by
massive sheets of moving ice known as glaciers. These glaciers have
advanced and retreated many times during earth’s geologic history.
You also find evidence that glaciers still exist in some parts of the world
today. But what impact has the movement of these massive structures
had on earth’s surface? In this investigation, you will model the process of erosion by glaciers.
Objective
When you have completed this investigation, you should be able to
1.
describe the process of erosion and deposition by glaciers in order to explain how
glaciers can change the surface of the earth.
Materials
ice cube
Styrofoam plate
timer
sand
paper towels
Procedure
Activity 1: Modeling Erosion by Glaciers
1.
Read the procedures, “Glaciers and Erosion.”
GLACIERS AND EROSION
A. Press the ice cube lightly on the flat surface of the Styrofoam plate.
B. Move the ice cube back and forth several times. Record your observations in Chart 1,
“Glacial Erosion.”
C. Place a small pile of sand on the surface of the Styrofoam plate.
D. Place the ice cube over the sand on the Styrofoam plate. Allow the ice to sit for one
minute.
E. Lift the ice cube gently and observe the surface of the ice cube that had been touching
the sand.
F. Record your observations in Chart 1.
G. Place the ice cube back into the original position on the sand and move the ice back
and forth on the sandy surface over the Styrofoam plate.
H. Remove the ice and wipe the excess sand off the surface of the plate.
I. Examine the surface of the plate.
J. Record your observations in Chart 1.
2.
Reread the procedures and identify the procedure that represents the control in this
investigation.
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3.
Identify what the ice, the sand, and the Styrofoam plate represent in this investigation. Use
prior knowledge to support your response.
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4.
Conduct the investigation.
Chart 1:
Glacial Erosion
Glacier Model
Observations
Movement of ice with no sand over plate
Ice after resting on sand for one minute
Movement of ice and sand over plate
Activity 2: How do Glaciers Change the Earth’s Surface?
5.
Preview pages 89 – 93 in Prentice Hall Science Explorer: Earth’s Changing Surface.
6.
Study the pictures and read the captions.
7.
Describe how the pictures and diagrams might help you understand how glaciers change the
surface of the earth.
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8.
Read pages 89 – 93.
9.
Reread pages 89-93 and complete the graphic organizer, “Glacial Erosion and Deposition.”
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Analysis
1.
Explain how erosion and deposition by glaciers can change the surface of the earth. Provide
examples to support your response.
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2.
Determine if erosion by glaciers is a rapid or slow process. Use evidence from the
investigation and the text to support your response.
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STAR LOG ENTRY: Study the pictures in Figure 1. Describe how
the pictures help you understand how glaciers change the surface of the
earth.
Figure 1
Rounded Peaks
V-Shaped Valley
Glacier
Horns
Arête
Cirque
U-Shaped
Valley
Hanging Valley
Tarns
Adapted from: Holt: Modern Earth Science
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GLACIAL EROSION AND DEPOSITION
Types:
1. _____________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
Form by:
Change Earth’s surface by:
Erosion
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Plucking:
Deposition
Abrasion:
Till:
Moraine:
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Creates These Landforms:
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