Exogenetic

Exogenetic refers to the geological processes that occur on the surface of the Earth and are driven by forces such as weathering, erosion, and gravity. These processes shape the Earth's landscape and are contrasted with endogenetic processes, which occur within the Earth's crust and are driven by tectonic forces.

Overview

Exogenetic processes are primarily driven by the sun's energy and the Earth's gravitational field. They are responsible for the degradation and reshaping of the Earth's surface, creating features such as valleys, mountains, and canyons. These processes include weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition.

Weathering

Weathering is the breakdown of rocks at the Earth's surface by the action of rainwater, extremes of temperature, and biological activity. It does not involve the removal of rock material. There are three main types of weathering: physical weathering, chemical weathering, and biological weathering.

Erosion

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by exogenetic processes such as wind or water flow, and then transported and deposited in other locations. It is a key exogenetic process that shapes the Earth's landscape.

Transportation

Transportation is the movement of eroded material from one location to another. This can occur through processes such as river flow, glacier movement, wind action, and wave action.

Deposition

Deposition is the process by which eroded material is dropped or settles out of the transporting medium (water, wind, or ice) and accumulates to form features such as beaches, dunes, and river deltas.

See also

• Endogenetic
• Geology
• Geomorphology
• Erosion
• Weathering