Shaping the Earth

Select an agent below to see its effect

Definitions & Distinctions

Breakdown In Place

Weathering

The process of breaking down rocks in situ (on the spot) without moving them.

Types:

  • Physical/Mechanical: Rocks crack due to freezing water (Ice Wedging) or temperature changes.
  • Chemical: Acid rain or oxygen react with minerals (like Iron rusting).
Transportation

Erosion

The process of transporting weathered material by agents like wind, water, ice, or gravity.

Agents:

  • Rivers: Carve V-shaped valleys and transport sediment to the sea.
  • Wind: Picks up fine sand to shape dunes and polish rocks.
  • Glaciers: Giant ice sheets scraping the landscape.

Key Examples for Exams

Process Feature Formed Example
Cave Formation
(Carbonation)		 Caves, Swallow Holes Limestone Karsts (Mammoth Caves)
Abrasion
(Glacial)		 U-Shaped Valleys Yosemite Valley, Nanda Devi
Deflation
(Wind)		 Blenken (Depressions) Thar Desert