Endogenic Processes
Endogenic processes are driven by the Earth's internal energy, primarily from radioactivity and geothermal gradients, leading to significant geological changes. Two main types of endogenic processes are discussed: diastrophism and volcanism. Diastrophism encompasses all processes that move or elevate the Earth’s crust, including mountain building (orogeny) and uplift (epeirogeny), while volcanism involves the movement of magma, resulting in volcanic formations.
Key Points:
- Diastrophism includes:
- Orogenic Processes: Mountain building through severe crustal folding.
- Epeirogenic Processes: Uplifting or warping of large crustal sections.
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Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics: Local movements and horizontal crustal shifts.
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Volcanism relates to magma movement onto the Earth's surface, forming various landforms.
- The processes are essential to understand how the Earth's surface evolves, as they create features that contrast with the wearing effects of exogenic processes. Thus, endogenic processes continuously build up landforms, countering the degradation caused by external forces.