Natural forces that influence and profoundly affect the shape and structure of the planet are referred to as geological processes. There are two types of geological processes, one of which is the exogenous or external processes. These are natural processes that cause profound changes in the landscape and even in the ecosystem of a certain area. Weathering, erosion, mass wasting, and sedimentation are all examples of this type of geological process.
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Weathering is the process of disintegrating, breaking apart, and altering of rocks, soil, and minerals together with other materials as a result of exposure to various environmental influences. It is the process of breaking down large rocks into smaller ones through contact with the Earth’s subsystems. Physical and chemical weathering are the two main types of weathering.
Physical weathering, also known as mechanical weathering, is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller sediments while maintaining their composition. Breaking, cracking, and grinding are some examples wherein big rocks are broken down into smaller ones through mechanical forces centered along rock fractures. These can develop as a result of changes in temperature, pressure, and other factors, whether rapid or gradual. There are different types of physical weathering, depending on what causes the rocks to disintegrate, such as Frost Action or Ice Wedging, Abrasion, Exfoliation, and Root Wedging.
Chemical weathering is the process through which rocks change and break down as a result of exposure to various substances and chemical reactions. It involves alteration in some materials and the chemical composition of rocks, resulting in the change in the shape or color of the rock's surface. The chemical processes that contribute to these changes include oxidation, carbonation, hydration, hydrolysis, and acidification. Acid rain is one example wherein the reaction to carbonic acid can weaken certain materials and allow changes in their chemical characteristics.
- Erosion is the movement, from point A to point B, of deteriorated sediments that have been broken down by the weathering process. It is the process by which gravity, wind, water, and ice wear away at the Earth's surface. Running rivers, rainfall, seawater intrusion, surface runoff, flooding, and strong winds all contribute to erosion. These are the natural forces capable of exfoliating and scraping the surface and exposing the layers underneath it. Erosion can also be caused by the movement of terrestrial animals during population movement.
- Furthermore, erosion is caused not just by natural factors, but also by a variety of human activities such as deforestation (the chopping down of trees for construction purposes), urbanization, and overgrazing of farm animals. In some cases, erosion can result in significant damage and loss of the surface structure and foundation, posing a serious threat to the community's and properties' safety.
- Gravity is a natural force that prevents rock and soil from remaining in their original positions. When rock and soil are being carried downslope, due to the influence of gravity, it is called Mass Wasting. Mass wasting, also known as mass movement, is a harmful process that can develop in places where the movement might be triggered. Heavy rain or snow, particularly steep slopes, removal of plants and trees, industrial activity, and tectonic events are all common triggers and drivers for mass movements. The sort of material involved, how it moves, and how rapidly it moves are used to classify mass wasting.
When significant amounts of sediment, mainly rocks of various sizes, fall downslope, debris flow occurs. Debris flow, unlike landslides, does not require water to move down.
Mudflow occurs when dirt and water join and move downslope. This is most common near flowing water, where soils and sands are constantly damp and have been saturated in water for an extended period of time.
Slumps occur when weakly consolidated elements such as soil and rock layers migrate slowly downslope. Because of the depression created by the land's downslope movement, the area would eventually appear curved.
- It is the settling on the ground of objects such as soil rock pieces and soil particles. This is commonly seen in stream and sea erosion. The sediment load builds up over time, forming a new layer of land. This silt layer will eventually dry out and become part of the soil in certain tiny inland waterways.
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