Earth Science: Changing Earth – Weathering Craggy mountains, rounded hills, wide plateaus, and endless coasts—the landscapes of the Earth are almost as varied as the outside forces that have shaped them. The current form of the Earth is only a moment in its geological history. Weathering, erosion, and precipitation are constantly changing the appearance of … Read more
Earth Science: Tropical Grassland – Savanna Savanna grasslands are located between the humid tropical regions and dry deserts. Vast areas of this type of grassland are covered by only the occasional tree, cluster of trees, or scattered small woods. Savannas are common in Africa, but are also found in India, Australia, and the northern parts … Read more
Earth Science: Temperate Grassland – Steppe and Prairie Vast areas of grassland cover much of the Earth’s landmass. In tropical grassland or savanna areas, trees may be found frequently, whereas temperate or semitropical grassland areas have very little tree growth. The term steppe, which originates from the Russian language, describes the vast plains of grassland … Read more
Earth Science: Freshwater Wetlands Wetlands can be found in many different climates. They make up about 6 percent of land areas and provide habitats for numerous animal and plant species. However, they are under increasing threat of destruction. Freshwater wetlands form an interwoven network of lakes, streams, and rivers. They make a substantial contribution to … Read more
Earth Science: Origins and Geology – Saltwater Wetlands The term wetland is used to describe a range of habitats that are entirely submerged or partially permeated by water. There are freshwater and saltwater wetlands. In all of these habitats, the site where the water meets the land is always shifting. Saltwater wetlands are located at … Read more
Earth Science: Forests As Habitats and Economic Areas Forests provide habitats for myriad animal and plant species and support the subsistence of millions of people. But they are in great danger. About half of the original forests worldwide have already been destroyed. Between the subterranean roots and high-reaching crowns of the trees, a forest provides … Read more
Earth Science: Origins and Geology – Types Of Forests Forests cover about one-third of the Earth’s land area. Acting as a sort of green lung, they produce oxygen and store large amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide, so counteracting global warming. Three prominent types of forest make up the green belt of our Earth. The central … Read more
Earth Science: Surviving Drought Conditions Deserts may be barren, but they are nonetheless home to many plants and animals-both during the long droughts, and when there is a short-lived sea of flowers after a rare rainfall. Numerous desert inhabitants have developed amazing survival strategies in such dry, inhospitable environments. Many trees and bushes produce long … Read more
Earth Science: Origins and Geology – Ecosystems Animals and plants, together with the environmental conditions, soil, and climate of a place, create diverse, often sensitive ecosystems. Only small changes in the environment are required to upset the many interdependent relationships within the system, and destroy the balance that helps different species survive. Types Of Deserts … Read more
Discovery Science: Earth – Mountain Summits Since the beginning of time, people have had a special relationship to mountain summits. While scientists see a summit as the result of tectonic processes, climbers behold a formidable challenge. Most mountain summits are peaks in a range of mountains, although individual summits can also ascend from a plain. … Read more
