Endogenic Processes | CUET PG Geography | Notes

The endogenic process is an internal geomorphic process. The energy emanating from within the earth is the main force behind endogenic geomorphic processes. Volcanism, metamorphism, earthquakes, crustal warping, folding, and faulting are the major types of endogenic processes. 

Concept

• The term “endogenic process” refers to the internal processes that occur within the Earth, driven by heat and other forces originating from its interior.
• These processes play a pivotal role in shaping the Earth’s lithosphere, which includes the crust and the uppermost mantle.
• Diastrophism and Sudden Movements are the two basic forms of earth movements.
• Earth’s interior heat is the ultimate source of energy that drives endogenic movements.
• Rotational and tidal friction, radiation, and primordial heat from the earth’s origin all contribute to this energy.
• The majority of the earth’s internal heat comes from radioactive decay which accounts for 50% of it and gravitation which causes pressure gradients.
• The lithosphere experiences diastrophism and volcanism as a result of the energy released by geothermal gradients and internal heat flux.
• The action of endogenic forces is unequal due to changes in geothermal gradients and heat flow from within, strength, and crustal thickness. As a result, the original tectonically regulated crustal surface is not homogeneous.

Major Types of Endogenic Process

• Plate Tectonics: The Earth’s lithosphere is divided into several large and small tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. The movement and interaction of these plates, such as converging (coming together), diverging (moving apart), or sliding past one another, lead to various geological features and phenomena.
• Volcanic Activity: The movement of molten rock (magma) from the Earth’s mantle to its surface, resulting in volcanic eruptions. This can lead to the formation of volcanic landforms like volcanoes, lava plateaus, and geysers.
• Seismic Activity (Earthquakes): Caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, creating seismic waves. This release is usually due to the movement of tectonic plates or volcanic activity.
• Mountain Building (Orogenesis): The formation of mountain ranges due to the collision and compression of tectonic plates.