Physical Systems

Physical Systems are natural characteristics of the Earth's features. Mountains, rivers, weather systems, plants, animals, water, and earthquakes are all examples of physical systems.

Physical systems are physical processes that shape the Earth's surface. How do volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and glaciers shape the Earth?

A volcano is a vent in the surface of the Earth where magma and gases can erupt with the movement of plates below the surface. Once a volcano erupts, hot lava, rock, and ash flow out, causing layers of rock and mountain to form. Watch the video below to see a volcano eruption.

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Plants and animals also play an important role in the Earth's physical systems. Plants and animals depend on one another and their surroundings to survive.

Every plant and animal needs energy to live. Plants get their energy from the soil, water, and sun. Animals get their energy from plants and other animals. This cycle, or food chain, helps plants and animals in an ecosystem survive, starting from the plant and ending with the animal.

Because plants and animals have to adapt to their environment, they modify it by moving natural resources around.

For example, beavers build dams, or homes, out of logs and sticks, changing river systems. Other animals dig holes, called burrows, underground; make dens; or build nests in trees. All of these adaptations change part of the physical system of the Earth.

Physical systems also affect how and where people live. In this module, you will learn how different physical systems impact people.