GEOMORPHOLOGY

Geomorphology
The word “geomorphology” is originated from three Greek words:
Ge (γη ): Earth
Morfé (μορφή): Form
Logos (λόγος): Knowledge

Definition:
Geomorphology is defined as the science of landforms with an emphasis on their origin,
evolution, form, and distribution across the physical landscape.
It is concerned with the internal geologic processes of the earth's crust, such as tectonic
activity and volcanism that constructs new landforms, as well as externally driven forces of
wind, water, waves, and glacial ice that modify such landforms.
Some practical applications of geomorphology include hazard assessment including
landslide prediction and mitigation, river control and restoration, and coastal protection.
Importance of Geomorphology
 To understand geomorphological processes of various environment.
 To detect natural and environmental hazards efficiently, e.g. earthquake, flooding,
landslide, tsunami, volcanism etc.
 To identify various landform features and landscapes
 To identify various landform features from satellite images
 Coastal and river research
 Vulnerability studies
Geomorphologic Agents
A geomorphologic agent is any medium which is capable of modifying of landforms.
Tectonic activity, volcanism, wind, running water, tidal waves, glacial ice, interaction of
living organisms, that constructs new landforms and able to modify such landforms.
Most of the geomorphologic agents originate within the earth’s atmosphere and directed by
the force of gravity.
 GEOMORPHIC PROCESSES

Terrestrial Processes Extra-terrestrial Processes

Exogenetic Processes Endogenetic Processes

i. Weathering i. Faulting and Folding

ii. Erosion/Degradation ii. Volcanism
iii. Transportation iii. Earthquake
iv. Deposition/Aggradation iv. Landslide
v. Mass movement v. Diastrophism
vi. Metamorphism
Denudation
•Physical Weathering
•Chemical Weathering
•Biological Weathering
Classification of Geomorphologic Processes
Depending on origin, geomorphic processes are primarily classified into three
categories:
• Exogenic: Refers to external processes and phenomena that occur on or above the
Earth's crust.
• Endogenic: Refers to internal processes and phenomena that occur beneath the
Earth's surface.
• Extraterrestrial: Impact of comets, and meteorites (piece of rock or metal that has
reached the earth’s surface from outer space) are termed extraterrestrial, which
means from beyond the limits of earth’s domain.
Exogenic
Processes

Endogenic
Processes
Extra-terrestrial processes, e.g. fall of meteorite
Short Notes on Different Geomorphologic Process

Fluvial Process: Fluvial geomorphologic processes are those related to rivers and
streams. In this process flowing water found important in shaping the landscape.

Aeolian Processes: Aeolian processes relate to the activity of the winds and more
specifically, to the winds' ability to shape the surface of the Earth. Aeolian processes are
important in arid environments such as deserts.
Weathering Process: Weathering is the disintegration and decomposition of rocks in situ.

Rain Pressure

Erosion: Erosion is displacement of solids (soil, rock and other particles) by the agents of ocean
currents, wind, water, or ice by downward movement in response to gravity or by living organisms.
Mass Wasting: It involves the mass transfer of the masses of rock debris down slopes under the direct
influence of gravity. Sometimes aided by the transporting medium.

Impact of Meteorites: Produced by the extraterrestrial agents and earth’s gravitational attraction is
responsible for the fall of meteorites.

Effects of Living Beings: The interaction of living organisms with landforms is importance for the
geomorphologic system. Biology can influence many geomorphologic processes, ranging from
biogeochemical processes controlling chemical and physical weathering. Manmade road-cuts and fills,
and many other kinds of excavations profoundly modify the earth’s surface.
Diastrophism: Movements of the earth’s solid crust of any kind or degree can be
considered as diastrophism. The crust movement falls in two categories – slow movement
of plates and sudden movements (earthquakes).

Volcanism: It includes all sorts of volcanic activities together with the movement of the
molten rock or magma into or towards the earth’s surface.