The core skill is identifying processes that shape Earth’s surface. Key processes include weathering expanding cracks and erosion moving the resulting loose material downhill. Evidence in landforms, such as enlarged fractures and basal sediment piles, indicates sequential weathering and erosion. To check, match breaking in place to weathering and transport to erosion. A common misconception is that weathering involves movement, but weathering is stationary breakdown, distinct from erosion's transport. Earth’s surface changes due to multiple interacting processes over time, gradually modifying slopes. These processes work together to break down and redistribute Earth's materials.

The core skill in understanding Earth's dynamic landscape involves identifying processes that shape its surface, such as weathering, erosion, deposition, and glacial movement. Key processes include river erosion forming V-shaped valleys and glacial erosion creating U-shaped ones. Evidence in landforms, such as narrow V-profiles with streams versus wide U-profiles with ice indicators, distinguishes the shaping agents. To check understanding, match features like valley cross-sections to their erosive processes. A common misconception is confusing weathering, which breaks down rocks in place, with erosion, which transports the broken material away. Earth's surface changes result from multiple interacting processes, including water and ice. Over time, these processes continuously reshape terrains, producing varied valley types.