ELS3

• Exogenic processes


  Processes which occur on the earth's surface due to the influence of exogenic forces
• Exogenic forces


  Forces which derive their strength from the earth's exterior or originate within the earth's atmosphere
• Exogenic processes


  • They result in wearing down and are considered as land wearing forces
• Main exogenic processes

  • Weathering
  • Mass Wasting
  • Erosion
  • Deposition
• Denudation


  A general term covering all the exogenic processes, meaning to strip off or uncover
• Exogenic geomorphic agents


  Elements of nature capable of carrying out exogenic processes, e.g. wind, water, waves
• Gravity and gradients


  • Make exogenic geomorphic agents mobile, as they move from higher to lower levels, high to low pressure
• Weathering


  Mechanical disintegration and chemical decomposition of rocks through the actions of various elements of weather and climate
• Physical weathering


  Physical process of breaking down rock into smaller particles without any chemical changes
• Processes of physical weathering

  • Freezing and thawing (frost action)
  • Abrasion
  • Exfoliation
  • Pressure unloading
  • Heating and cooling
• Chemical weathering


  Breakdown of rocks into smaller particles or sediments by chemical change, primarily involving oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water
• Processes of chemical weathering

  • Oxidation
  • Hydration
  • Acid precipitation
• Biological weathering


  Contribution to or removal of minerals and ions from the weathering environment, and physical changes due to the growth or movement of organisms
• Processes of biological weathering

  • Burrowing and wedging by organisms
  • Human disturbance of vegetation and soils
  • Decaying plant and animal matter
  • Plant root pressure