Plate Tectonics

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a crystalline structure and definite chemical composition. Minerals are identified by hardness, luster, color, streak, and cleavage.

Glaciers are massive bodies of ice that form from compacted snow. They shape landscapes by carving valleys, depositing sediment, and creating features like moraines and cirques.

Deserts receive less than 25 centimeters of rain per year. Hot deserts have extreme daytime temperatures, while cold deserts like Antarctica are dry but freezing.