Fundamental Concepts for

Essential Principle 2: The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of the Earth.

2a. Many earth materials and geochemical cycles originate in the ocean. Many of the sedimentary rocks now exposed on land were formed in the ocean. Ocean life laid down the vast volume of siliceous and carbonate rocks.

K-12 Scope and Sequence: Grade bands 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 address concepts in depth.

2b. Sea level changes over time have expanded and contracted continental shelves, created and destroyed inland seas, and shaped the surface of land.

K-12 Scope and Sequence: Grade band 9-12 mentions concepts; Grade band 6-8 addresses concepts in depth.

2c. Erosion –the wearing away of rock, soil and other biotic and abiotic earth materials –occurs in coastal areas as wind, waves, and currents in rivers and the ocean move sediments.

K-12 Scope and Sequence: Grade bands K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 address concepts in depth.

2d. Sand consists of tiny bits of animals, plants, rocks and minerals. Most beach sand is eroded from land sources and carried to the coast by rivers, but sand is also eroded from coastal sources by surf. Sand is redistributed by waves and coastal currents seasonally.

K-12 Scope and Sequence: Grade bands K-2 and 9-12 mention concepts; Grade bands 3-5 and 6-8 address concepts in depth.

2e. Tectonic activity, sea level changes, and force of waves influence the physical structure and landforms of the coast.

K-12 Scope and Sequence: Grade band K-2 mentions concepts; Grade bands 6-8 and 9-12 address concepts in depth.