Exogenic and endogenic processes are two distinct geological processes that shape the Earth’s surface. Exogenic processes are those that are caused by external forces such as wind, water, and ice. Endogenic processes are those that are caused by internal forces such as plate tectonics and volcanism. Understanding the difference between these two processes is important in order to understand the Earth’s geologic history.
Exogenic Processes
Exogenic processes are those that are caused by external forces. These forces work to shape the Earth’s surface, creating features such as mountains, valleys, and rivers. Examples of exogenic processes include erosion, weathering, and mass wasting. Erosion is the process by which wind, water, and ice wear away at the Earth’s surface, creating features such as canyons and valleys. Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces due to the action of wind, water, and ice. Mass wasting is the process by which large amounts of sediment are moved by gravity.
Endogenic Processes
Endogenic processes are those that are caused by internal forces. These forces work to create features such as mountains and volcanoes. Examples of endogenic processes include plate tectonics and volcanism. Plate tectonics is the process by which the Earth’s crust is broken into large plates that move and interact with each other, resulting in the creation of mountains and volcanoes. Volcanism is the process by which molten rock, or magma, is erupted from the Earth’s surface, creating features such as lava flows and volcanic cones.
Exogenic and endogenic processes are distinct geological processes that shape the Earth’s surface. Understanding the difference between these two processes is important in order to understand the Earth’s geologic history. Exogenic processes are those that are caused by external forces such as wind, water, and ice, while endogenic processes are those that are caused by internal forces such as plate tectonics and volcanism.