what is geologic process

what is geologic process

1 year ago 37
Nature

Geologic processes are events that occur on a geological timescale ranging between millions of centuries, hundreds of meters, and thousands of kilometers. These processes involve interactions of the atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. They are dynamic actions or events that occur at the Earths surface due to the application of natural forces resulting from gravity, temperature changes, freezing and thawing, chemical reactions, and seismic shaking. Some examples of geologic processes include:

  • Erosion: This involves the movement of rock fragments through gravity, wind, rain, rivers, oceans, and glaciers.

  • Rock cycle: This describes the ways in which rocks are slowly recycled over millions of years and transformed between the three rock types: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.

  • Weathering: This is the breakdown of rocks, soils, and minerals through contact with the Earths atmosphere, water, and biological organisms.

  • Volcanism: This is the process of magma and associated gases rising from the Earths interior and erupting onto the surface.

  • Plate tectonics: This is the movement of the Earths lithosphere, which is composed of the crust and uppermost part of the mantle, due to the motion of convection currents in the mantle.

Geologic processes are important because they shape the Earths surface and affect the distribution of natural resources, such as minerals, water, and fossil fuels. They also influence the Earths climate and the evolution of life on the planet.

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