Internal processes

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.