STANDARD E4: THE FLUID EARTH
Students explain how the ocean and atmosphere move and transfer energy around the planet. They also explain how these
movements affect climate and weather and how severe weather impacts society. Students explain how long term climatic
changes (glaciers) have shaped the Michigan landscape. They also explain features and processes related to surface and ground- water and describe the sustainability of systems in terms of water quality and quantity.
E4.p1 Water Cycle (prerequisite)
Water circulates through the crust and atmosphere and in oceans, rivers, glaciers, and ice caps and connects all of the
Earth systems. Groundwater is a significant reservoir and source of freshwater on Earth. The recharge and movement
of groundwater depends on porosity, permeability, and the shape of the water table. The movement of groundwater
occurs over a long period time. Groundwater and surface water are often interconnected.

Ecology - Students will answer questions involving content knowledge and process skills in the area of ecology and adaptation in featured biomes.

Meteorology - This event emphasizes the use of process skills within designated meteorological topics. Skills to be addressed and evaluated may include observing, classifying, measuring, inferring, predicting, communicating, and using number relationships.

Oceanography - Students will use process skills to complete tasks related to physical and geological oceanography.

E4.p2 Weather and the Atmosphere (prerequisite) The atmosphere is divided into layers defined by temperature. Clouds are indicators of weather.

Meteorology - This event emphasizes the use of process skills within designated meteorological topics. Skills to be addressed and evaluated may include observing, classifying, measuring, inferring, predicting, communicating, and using number relationships.

Oceanography - Students will use process skills to complete tasks related to physical and geological oceanography.
E4.p3 Glaciers (prerequisite)
Glaciers are large bodies of ice that move under the influence of gravity. They form part of both the rock and water cycles. Glaciers and ice sheets have shaped the landscape of the Great Lakes region. Areas that have been occupied by ice sheets are depressed. When the ice sheet is removed, the region rebounds.