GGR112H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Karst, Clay Minerals, Carbonate Rock
Document Summary
Geomorphology (morph means shape or form) is a sub discipline of geography concerned with origin of and processes by which landforms change. Landforms are the product of endogenic and exogenic processes. Endogenic (cid:271)uild (cid:858)i(cid:374)itial(cid:859) la(cid:374)ds(cid:272)apes (cid:894)e. g. (cid:396)o(cid:272)k fo(cid:396)(cid:373)atio(cid:374), mountain building) Denudation refers all exogenic processes working to reduce elevations or relief (e. g. flatten the surface). The major denudation processes include weathering, mass movement, erosion, transportation and deposition. Weathering - processes that physically or chemically alter rock at or near the surface. Erosion - the translocation of weathered materials by wind, water or ice, driven by gravity and solar energy. Physical weathering modification of physical state of rock only, no chemical change: e. g. frost action (e. g. freeze thaw), salt crystal wedging, impact from precipitation, abrasion, and rock falls, exfoliation. Tree roots penetrate existing cracks or joints in rocks, eventually break the rock apart as the roots continue to grow in size.
