Using Models as Evidence

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Geologic Process Noun

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[jee-oh-loj-ik pros-es]

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Geologic Process

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A natural process that creates, modifies, or destroys landforms on a planet's surface over a period of time.

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Example: Magma rising through Earth's layers shows how volcanic activity forms new land.

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Landform Noun

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[land-form]

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Landform

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A natural feature of the Earth’s solid surface, such as a mountain, valley, plain, or channel.

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Example: A diagram showing mountains and valleys illustrates the concept of landforms as natural features of Earth's surface.

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Novae Noun

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[no-vay]

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Novae

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Domed landforms with radiating fractures, found on Venus, believed to be created by rising molten rock from underground.

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Example: A domed landform on Venus with fractures shows how rising molten rock creates novae.

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Channel Noun

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[chan-l]

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Channel

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A long, narrow landform created by the flow of a liquid, such as water or lava, across a surface.

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Example: A river channel showing how water flow shapes the land, with a cross-section to illustrate erosion.

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Weathering Noun

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[weth-er-ing]

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Weathering

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The process by which rock is broken down into smaller pieces by environmental factors like water, wind, or ice.

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Example: The river erodes the land, breaking down rock into smaller pieces, showing weathering.

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Erosion Noun

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[ih-roh-zhuhn]

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Erosion

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The process of moving weathered rock and soil, known as sediment, from one location to another by wind or water.

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Example: The image shows a river eroding the riverbank, moving sediment downstream.

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Claim Noun

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[klaym]

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Claim

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A statement that answers a question or explains a phenomenon, which must be supported by scientific evidence and reasoning.

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Example: A claim is supported by evidence and reasoning, like saying desalination is costly due to energy use.

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Evidence Noun

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[ev-i-duhns]

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Evidence

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Information and data gathered through observation and experimentation that is used to support or refute a scientific claim.

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Example: The image shows steps of the scientific method, illustrating how evidence is gathered through observation and experimentation.

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Model Noun

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[mod-l]

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Model

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A representation used to study objects or processes that are too large, small, or complex to observe directly.

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Example: A molecular model shows how atoms are connected in a molecule.

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System Noun

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[sis-tuhm]

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System

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A group of interacting parts that work together to form a complex whole, such as Earth's geologic systems.

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Example: Earth's systems like atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere interact to form a complex whole.