Geomorphic processes

The endogenic and exogenic forces causing physical stresses and chemical actions on earth materials and bringing about changes in the configuration of the surface of the earth are known as geomorphic processes. Diastrophism and volcanisms are endogenic geomorphic processes. Weathering, mass wasting, erosion, and deposition are exogenic geomorphic processes. All processes that move, elevate, or build-up portions of the earth’s crust come under diastrophism. Orogeny is a mountain building process whereas epeirogeny is a continental building process. Volcanism includes the movement of molten rock (magma) onto or toward the earth’s surface and the formation of many intrusive and extrusive volcanic forms. Weathering is the action of elements of weather and climate over earth materials. Mass movements transfer the mass of rock debris down the slopes under the direct influence of gravity. Landslides are relatively rapid and perceptible movements. The materials involved are relatively dry. The size and shape of the detached mass depend on the nature of discontinuities in the rock, the degree of weathering, and the steepness of the slope. Erosion involves the acquisition and transportation of rock debris. The deposition is a consequence of erosion. The erosional agents lose their velocity and hence energy on gentler slopes and the materials carried by them start to settle themselves.