Tectonic and surface processes interaction

POMPOSIELLO, C., M.G. LÓPEZ DE LUCHI & E.A. ROSSELLO

Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems

UNESCO, EOLSS Publishers

Lugar: Oxford (Reino Unido); Año: 2003; p. 100 - 120

Geomorphological processes are natural mechanisms of weathering, erosion, and deposition that result in the modification of the surficial materials and landforms at the Earth’s surface. The landforms that are found on the surface of the Earth are tectonic landforms—landforms that are created by massive Earth movements due to plate tectonics. This includes landforms with some of the following geomorphic features: fold mountains, rift valleys, volcanoes, and weathering landforms created by the physical or chemical decomposition of rock through weathering. Weathering produces landforms where rocks and sediments are decomposed and disintegrated. Erosional landforms—landforms formed from the removal of weathered and eroded surface materials by wind, water, glaciers, and gravity. This includes landforms with some of the following geomorphic features: river valleys, glacial valleys, coastal cliffs, and depositional landforms—landforms formed from the deposition of weathered and eroded surface materials. On occasion, these deposits can be compressed, altered by pressure, heat, and chemical processes to become sedimentary rocks. This includes landforms with some of the following geomorphic features: beaches, deltas, flood plains, and glacial moraines. Landforms are polygenetic because they show the influence of several of the above processes that can also change over time, and a single landscape can undergo several cycles of development. Erosional landforms—landforms formed from the removal of weathered and eroded surface materials by wind, water, glaciers, and gravity. This includes landforms with some of the following geomorphic features: river valleys, glacial valleys, coastal cliffs, and depositional landforms—landforms formed from the deposition of weathered and eroded surface materials. On occasion, these deposits can be compressed, altered by pressure, heat, and chemical processes to become sedimentary rocks. This includes landforms with some of the following geomorphic features: beaches, deltas, flood plains, and glacial moraines. Landforms are polygenetic because they show the influence of several of the above processes that can also change over time, and a single landscape can undergo several cycles of development.