Acid rain can wear away limestone.
Earth science is a broad field that encompasses several scientific disciplines, including geology, oceanography and meteorology. It also incorporates many others, like physics, biology and chemistry. At the middle school level, there are several science fair projects on earth science that can help you learn more about the subject, and how it applies to nature and everyday life.
Frozen Erosion
The earth breaks down rocks and other materials using several natural processes, including freezing and thawing. According to Home Science Tools, you can recreate these processes using a plastic bottle, water, a freezer and several different rock samples, such as limestone, granite and sandstone. Fill the bottle with water, drop in your rock samples and then place the bottle inside the freezer until the all of the water has frozen. This will likely take a few hours. Then, remove the bottle, allow the water to thaw, and repeat the process three to five more times. Observe your rock samples and see which have incurred the most damage. The freezing of the rocks causes water to expand, which creates cracks, while the thawing pulls small pieces of the rock apart.
Heat and Ocean Currents
Water temperature plays an important role in generating the earth's ocean currents, including its most expansive one: the global conveyor belt, which circulates ocean water around the planet. According to Science Buddies, you can recreate how heat affects ocean currents using a casserole dish, some blocks (or other supports), a candle, cooking oil and flakes of thyme, or a similar herb. Pour some oil into the dish, add some thyme, and then set up the dish so it is suspended between the two blocks. Place a candle underneath the dish, light it and observe what happens. The flame will induce convection, and the oil will generate mini-currents, which swirl the thyme around.
Recreate the Effects of Acid Rain
Acid rain often occurs when there is an excess of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The rain can be incredibly harmful to living things as well as an area's local geological features. According to Home Science Tools, you can recreate the effects of acid rain using vinegar, a number of different rock samples, such as limestone and calcium carbonate (chalk). Simply place your sample in a bowl, pour on some vinegar and observe. The acidic vinegar will react with the alkaline rocks and cause them to deteriorate, producing a layer of leftover sediment. You can also experiment with other acidic liquids, such as lemon juice.
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