UNIT 4 EARTH SYSTEMS AND RESOURCES

4.1 Plate Tectonics

• 4.1a Describe the three different plate boundaries and the mechanisms of how these boundaries move.
• 4.1b Explain how geologic formations can be found at plate boundaries, with a focus on earthquake formations.
• 4.1c Explain how plate tectonics and earthquakes can cause environmental issues.
• Textbook correlation Chapter 8, Module 24

4.2 Soil Formation and Erosion

• 4.2a Explain the process of soil formation and the different layers of soil after formation.
• 4.2b Explain the various ways soil can be eroded and how this can connect to water quality.
• Textbook correlation Chapter 8, Module 25; Chapter 11, Module 33

4.3 Soil Composition and Properties

• 4.3a Explain soil particle size and its connection to water holding capacity. Demonstrate the utility and use a soil triangle.
• 4.3b Explain the variety of methods to test the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil and carry out these tests.
• Textbook correlation Chapter 8, Module 25

4.4 Earth’s Atmosphere

• 4.4a Describe the structure and composition of the Earth’s atmosphere and explain how to read a diagram of the layers of the atmosphere.
• Textbook correlation Chapter 4, Module 9

4.5 Global Wind Patterns

• 4.5a Explain how environmental factors result in atmospheric circulation through density differences and the Coriolis effect.
• Textbook correlation Chapter 4, Module 10

4.6 Watersheds

• 4.6a Identify the characteristics of a watershed, and discuss the environmental impacts of human activity within watersheds.
• Textbook correlation Chapter 3, Module 8

4.7 Solar Radiation and Earth’s Seasons

• 4.7a Define insolation, explain how it varies at different Earth latitudes, and describe how these differences are related to the shape of the Earth.
• 4.7b Identify why the Earth has seasons and describe the variability of insolation at different latitudes throughout a full year.
• Textbook correlation Chapter 4, Module 9

4.8 Earth’s Geography and Climate

• 4.8a Explain the influence large bodies of water on terrestrial climate.
• 4.8b Explain the influence coastal mountains have on terrestrial climate.
• Textbook correlation Chapter 4, Module 10

4.9 El Niño and La Niña

• 4.9a Define El Niño/La Niña and their impacts on ocean currents, then describe the oceanic environmental problems associated with this weather phenomenon.
• 4.9b Explain the El Niño/La Niña weather patterns, then describe the terrestrial environmental problems associated with them.
• 4.9c Explain the El Niño/La Niña weather patterns and their environmental effects.
• Textbook correlation Chapter 4, Module 11