Discovery Science: The Earth – Origins and Geology
Since its origin 4.56 billion years ago, the Earth has been subject to countless geological changes. Despite the apparent stability of the continents, they are in constant motion and may even break apart one day causing some mountain ranges to rise and others to disappear. This is all part of the continuous rock cycle. While most processes are so slow that humans are not even aware of them, others are abrupt with sometimes fatal consequences.
Natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions show the power of the forces located in the Earth’s interior. The Earth’s outer crust is constantly affected by water, wind, and temperature fluctuations and opposing forces such as gravity. These forces are reflected in the landscape of the Earth’s surface.