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

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. Ocean Currents

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.

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. Tsunamis

Worst ever tragedy in Sri Lanka History The most powerful earthquake in 40 years erupted under the Indian Ocean near Sumatra on Dec. 26, 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.

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. May 17, 1980August 13, 2005

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