Geomorphic processes
Topic: Geomorphic Processes: Weathering, Mass Movement, Erosion and Soil Formation · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 5 "Geomorphic Processes"
Meaning
Geomorphic processes are the forces that put physical stress and chemical action on earth materials and change the shape of the surface. Diastrophism (movement of the crust) and volcanism are endogenic processes, which come from inside the earth. Weathering, mass wasting, erosion and deposition are exogenic processes, which act at the surface. Between them, they explain why the surface keeps changing and stays uneven.
Example
In Uttarakhand, folding raised the Himalayas, which is an endogenic process. Weathering, landslides and river erosion are now wearing those slopes down, which are exogenic processes.
Don't confuse with
- Geomorphic agent: an agent is the moving medium, such as water, ice or wind. A process is the force or action it applies.