Geomorphology is the study of landforms, their processes, forms, and deposits on Earth's surface, as well as other planets. Landscapes are examined to determine how earth surface processes such as air, water, and ice can shape the landscape. This article will explain the concepts of Geomorphology which is a part of the geography syllabus. Geomorphology is an important concept for the UPSC exam.

Geomorphology

• Geomorphology is a term that studies changes in the earth’s surface due to these exogenic and endogenic forces, where exogenic forces are the external forces originating within the earth’s atmosphere and endogenic forces are internal forces generated from within the earth.
• At present we have very little knowledge about the earth's interior and most of this little knowledge is through indirect evidence.
• The processes/movements that happen from inside of the earth are called endogenesis processes like for example volcanoes, and earthquakes.
• It is generally believed that the radioactive decay of elements inside the earth is the major source of energy for the endogenesis process.
• The action of outside agents like wind, rivers, and glaciers is called exogenesis process. The sun is the major source of energy for the exogenetic process.
• Through Geomorphology, we study the evolution and origin of landforms.

Objective of Studying Geomorphology

• Change in the earth’s surface has an impact on our life.
• Even for our food security, the Agriculture sector needs favorable landforms to grow. For example, Rice can’t grow in Aeolian landforms.
• Change in the land surface due to erosion and deposition of material either helps or harms us.
• Therefore, it is important to study geomorphology with the following objectives:
  • To understand better the land surface that has consequences in our everyday life.
  • For sustainable use of natural resources including land use.
  • For planning against detrimental effects.

Geomorphic Process and Geomorphic Agent

• Geomorphic process/agent refers to the elements that help in changing the earth’s surface. It can be categorized into two parts:
  • Endogenic forces are called Geomorphic processes
  • Exogenic forces are called Geomorphic agents

Endogenic Forces

• Endogenic processes are primarily driven by energy emerging from within the earth.
• These are internal forces that emanate from within the earth.
• The endogenic forces are mainly generated by:
  • Radioactivity
  • Primordial Heat of the earth
  • Rotational and tidal friction
  • Geothermal gradients and heat flow from within the earth (it shapes the earth by continent-building forces, mountain-building forces, volcanism, earthquakes, etc.)

Exogenic Forces

• Exogenic forces are the external forces originating within the Earth’s atmosphere.
  • For example: running water, wind, glaciers, waves, ocean currents, groundwater, etc.
• Exogenic materials in nature have the power to transfer earth material, which is why they are referred to as Geomorphic agents.
• However, Exogenic forces are also associated with exogenic processes.
• Exogenic processes are processes that derive their energy from the atmosphere and help reduce the earth’s relief.
  • Examples include weathering, erosion, mass movement, deposition, etc.
• Exogenic processes vary from region to region due to varying climatic conditions.

Topics under Geomorphology in UPSC Syllabus

• Factors controlling landform development
• Endogenetic and exogenetic forces
• Origin and evolution of the Earth’s crust
• Physical conditions of the earth’s interior
• Continental drift
• Isostasy
• Plate tectonics
• Recent views on mountain building
• Vulcanicity
• Earthquakes and Tsunamis
• Landscape development

Significance of Geomorphology

• For physical geographers, geomorphology is crucial not only for understanding Earth's physical changes, but also for preparing for hazards.
• Deforestation, soil qualities, and seasonal precipitation, for example, might help better assess the frequency of flooding episodes and their potential risk.
• Geomorphology helps in studying the actual erosion processes that help to comprehend the effects of waste water movement, ice, and wind, as well as weathering processes.
• Geomorphology can help in anticipating risks associated with climate change effects on various geomorphological agents like glaciers and rivers to avoid climatological hazards

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed Geomorphology and the importance of Geomorphology for the UPSC exam. Through Geomorphology, we study the evolution and origin of landforms. At last, we discussed the significance of geomorphology.