- Internal processes are geomorphic activities driven by forces originating within the Earth's interior.
- These processes include tectonic activities, volcanism, earthquakes, and orogeny.
- They are also referred to as endogenic processes.
- The primary source of energy for internal processes is the Earth's internal heat.
- Plate tectonics is a major component, involving the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.
- Plate movements are driven by mantle convection currents.
- There are three types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent, and transform.
- Divergent boundaries occur where plates move apart, forming mid-ocean ridges like the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
- Convergent boundaries occur where plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains like the Himalayas.
- Transform boundaries occur where plates slide past each other, such as the San Andreas Fault.
- Volcanism is the process where molten rock (magma) reaches the Earth's surface, forming volcanoes.
- Volcanoes can be classified as active, dormant, or extinct.
- The primary types of volcanoes are shield volcanoes, composite volcanoes, and cinder cones.
- Volcanic eruptions can create landforms like lava plateaus and calderas.
- Earthquakes are sudden releases of energy caused by the movement of tectonic plates.
- Earthquake intensity is measured using the Richter scale and the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw).
- The point where an earthquake originates is the focus, and the surface point above it is the epicenter.
- Seismic waves include primary (P-waves), secondary (S-waves), and surface waves.
- Earthquakes can result in phenomena like tsunamis, landslides, and soil liquefaction.
- Orogeny refers to the process of mountain building, driven by plate collisions.
- Examples of orogeny include the Alpine orogeny and the Himalayan orogeny.
- The Earth's internal structure influences internal processes, comprising the core, mantle, and crust.
- The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer, while the asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer beneath it.
- Isostasy explains the balance of Earth's crust, floating on the denser mantle.
- Internal processes are responsible for creating primary landforms such as mountains, plateaus, and rift valleys.
- The heat energy driving these processes originates from radioactive decay and residual heat from Earth's formation.
- Internal processes are slower compared to external processes like weathering and erosion.
- Subduction zones, where one plate sinks beneath another, are significant for volcanic and earthquake activity.
- Hotspots like Hawaii are volcanic regions fed by mantle plumes, independent of plate boundaries.
- Rift valleys, such as the East African Rift, are formed at divergent plate boundaries.
- Island arcs, like the Japanese archipelago, are formed by subduction-related volcanism.
- Fold mountains are formed by compressional forces, as seen in the Andes and Rockies.
- Faults are fractures in the Earth's crust, categorized as normal, reverse, or strike-slip faults.
- Horsts and grabens are landforms formed by faulting, common in rift zones.
- Geothermal energy is a byproduct of internal processes and is harnessed for sustainable energy production.
- The Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean is a hotspot for volcanic and seismic activity.
- Internal processes contribute to the Earth's dynamic nature, constantly reshaping its surface.
- Magma differentiation leads to the formation of various types of igneous rocks.
- Volcanic eruptions can significantly alter local and global climates by releasing ash and gases.
- Submarine volcanoes and mid-ocean ridges are examples of internal processes occurring beneath oceans.
- Internal processes are also linked to the formation of minerals and ore deposits.
- The study of internal processes provides insights into natural hazards and aids disaster preparedness.
- Understanding these processes helps in the exploration of energy resources like geothermal and petroleum reserves.
- Internal processes are vital in shaping the Earth's structure and influencing its evolution over geological time scales.
Questions
- What is the primary source of internal processes in geomorphology?
- What is the term for the breaking apart of Earth's crust along a fault?
- What is the process of magma rising and solidifying on Earth's surface called?
- What type of plate boundary is associated with the formation of mountains?
- What is the layer of Earth where convection currents drive plate movement?
- What is the term for the process where two tectonic plates collide?
- What is the instrument used to measure earthquake magnitude?
- Which scale measures the energy released during an earthquake?
- What is the term for a fracture in Earth's crust along which movement occurs?
- What is the name of the area where most of Earth's volcanoes are located?
- What type of mountain is formed by the folding of Earth's crust?
- What type of plate boundary involves plates sliding past each other?
- What is the point on Earth's surface directly above an earthquake's focus called?
- What is the process by which oceanic plates are forced beneath continental plates?
- What is the term for molten rock beneath Earth's surface?
- What type of volcano has gently sloping sides and is built from fluid lava flows?
- What is the term for a circular depression formed after a volcanic eruption?
- What is the process by which continents move over geological time?
- What are the tectonic plates composed of?
- What is the zone where new oceanic crust is formed?
- What is the phenomenon where rock layers are bent due to compressive forces?
- What is the term for the shaking of Earth's surface caused by sudden energy release?
- What is the primary cause of tsunamis?
- What is the name of the supercontinent that existed around 300 million years ago?
- What is the deepest part of Earth's oceans, created by tectonic processes?
- What is the term for solidified lava on Earth's surface?
- What is the boundary called where two tectonic plates move apart?
- Which internal process is responsible for the formation of rift valleys?
- What is the layer of Earth beneath the lithosphere called?
- What is the primary composition of the Earth's outer core?
- What is the primary cause of volcanic activity at hot spots?
- What is the term for the movement of molten material within Earth's mantle?
- What is the region around Earth's core where seismic waves cannot be detected?
- What is the term for vertical displacement of land during an earthquake?
- What type of fault occurs when blocks of crust are pulled apart?
- What is the name of the volcanic belt in the Pacific Ocean?
- What is the term for the process of mountain building?
- What is the term for semi-molten rock in the mantle?
- Which internal process creates new crust at divergent boundaries?
- What is the process called when rocks change form under pressure and heat?