Endogenic and exogenic forces

Exogenic forces gradually cut down and reshape elevated landforms. For exams understand landform development as interaction of both forces.

In a landslide rock and soil move downslope due to gravity. For exams remember it as a rapid mass movement.

Steeper slope and faster flow increase river energy. For exams connect gradient with the intensity of erosion.

Temperature changes expand and contract rocks and may break them. For exams call it physical or mechanical weathering.

In karst areas limestone dissolves in water to form special landforms. For exams connect karst with chemical weathering and solution.

Endogenic forces create relief by uplifting subsiding or deforming the surface. For exams understand them as forces with a constructive tendency.

Exogenic forces balance the surface by cutting high areas and filling low areas. For exams see them as destructive and leveling forces.

A mountain may form by endogenic uplift and a river cuts it by exogenic erosion. For exams use such examples to understand the relation between both forces.

Geomorphic processes break form and rearrange rocks. For exams treat Earth's surface as dynamic.

When energy decreases rivers wind or glaciers start depositing their load. For exams connect deposition with reduced energy.

Wind transports sand and deposits it elsewhere to form dunes. For exams connect dunes with wind deposition.

Crustal uplift occurs due to forces inside the Earth. For exams treat uplift as an endogenic process.

Weathering weakens rocks so erosion can remove them more easily. For exams understand weathering as preparation for erosion.

Endogenic processes operate from within Earth while exogenic processes operate through external surface agents. For exams differentiate them by source.

Sea waves strike, break, abrade, and remove material from coastal rocks. Since this erosion is caused by an external agent acting at Earth’s surface, it is exogenic erosion. Endogenic faulting, in contrast, results from tectonic forces operating within the Earth, not from wave action. Exam tip: Processes caused by waves, rivers, wind, and glaciers are generally exogenic processes.

Solution oxidation and hydration chemically alter minerals in rocks. For exams remember them as processes of chemical weathering.

In the upper course steep gradient makes a river cut downward deeply. For exams connect youthful river stage with vertical erosion.

Diastrophism and volcanism are both related to energy inside Earth. For exams treat both as endogenic processes.

Weathering and erosion cut sharp mountain features and make them lower and rounded. For exams consider old mountains as more eroded.

Rock texture minerals and climate affect the speed of weathering. For exams keep climate among the most important controls.

Water freezes and expands in cracks and can break rocks. For exams remember frost action as a form of physical weathering.

As soon as a landform appears at the surface external agents can start acting on it. For exams consider landform development a continuous process.

Exogenic forces work as weathering erosion and deposition. For exams remember these three stages together.

Endogenic forces create relief and exogenic forces modify it toward balance. For exams understand both as combined factors of landform formation.

Exogenic forces act on the Earth's surface through agents like water wind ice and waves. For exams remember them as surface processes.