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An introduction to Geomorphic Processes - Coggle Diagram
An introduction to Geomorphic Processes
Introduction:
The geomorphic cycle is like the Earth's life story, telling us how the landforms we see today came to be. It involves two main components: land-building or tectonic processes, and land-modifying or erosion processes.
A. Land-Building or Tectonic Processes
Land-building processes are like the architects of the Earth's surface. They include three main activities: folding, faulting, and volcanism.
Folding:
Imagine the Earth's crust as a giant, flexible blanket. Folding happens when this blanket is pushed and squeezed, creating wrinkles or folds in the crust. These folds can turn into mountains over time.
Faulting:
Sometimes, the Earth's crust cracks under pressure. This crack is called a fault. Faults can move, causing earthquakes and shaping the landscape.
Volcanism
Picture the Earth's crust as a puzzle with pieces constantly moving. Volcanoes are like openings in this puzzle where molten rock, ash, and gases escape from inside the Earth. Over time, volcanic activity builds new land.
B. Land-Modifying or Erosion Processes:
Erosion is like nature's sculptor, shaping the landforms created by tectonic processes. Agents of erosion include rivers, glaciers, and wind.
Glaciers
Imagine a slow, powerful bulldozer made of ice moving across the landscape. Glaciers shape mountains, valleys, and fjords as they carve through the Earth's surface.
Wind
Think of the wind as a gentle artist painting the land with sand and dust. Wind erosion can create dunes and unique rock formations.
Rivers
Picture a river as a busy artist carving its way through the land. Rivers erode the soil and rocks, creating valleys and canyons over time.
C. Recycling Eroded Material:
The Earth is a master recycler, turning eroded material into new rocks. This happens through the formation of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
Sedimentary Rocks:
Picture tiny particles, like sand or mud, settling at the bottom of lakes or seas. Over time, these layers compact and harden, forming sedimentary rocks.
Metamorphic Rocks:
Imagine rocks undergoing a makeover. Metamorphic rocks are created when existing rocks are exposed to heat and pressure, transforming them into new rocks with different characteristics.