Question

Which are physical processes?​

Answer 1

Physical processes are the natural processes that are able to change and shape the physical features on Earth. These processes can be divided into four categories: tectonic movement, volcanic activity, erosion, and glaciation.

The tectonic movement is a major factor that manages to construct or destroy major physical features. Because of the sheer size of the tectonic plates, they are able to create whole mountain chains, valleys, plateaus, new continents, but also some of the plates get destroyed, and some features disappear forever.

The volcanic activity is triggered by the pressure and temperature from the mantle layer. When the magma pushes upwards and comes toward the surface, it starts to lift up the crust until it final breaks through it. This results in the creation of volcanoes, some as island arcs, some as continental arcs. On top of it, the lava flows and the pyroclastic material released also form new physical features.

The erosion is a process that is destructive. It is the process of removal of material form its original place. This process has the tendency to flatten the surface, and it constantly does so. The erosion is removing sediments from the rocks, as well as layers of the soil, eventually resulting in their total destruction.

The glaciations is a process that occurs only under specific weather conditions, usually during an ice age. The glaciations manages to cause such changes in the affected area that it creates one of the most spectacular, interesting, and oddly shaped features on out planets, all of which is accomplished by the power of the ice.