Examples of Exogenous Forces that Can Change the Shape of the Earth

Illustration of the Sahara Desert Formed by Exogenous Energy (Mostafa Ft Shots-Pexels)

YOGYAKARTA - Did you know, there are two forces that help shape the earth's surface, one of which is called exogenous force. Exogenous energy can be understood as energy whose source comes from outside the earth's core. This energy is able to change and even remodel the surface that has previously been formed. There are many examples of exogenous energy. Read this article to add to your knowledge.

Example of Exogenous Energy

In the book entitled Dinamika Litosfer dan Dampaknya Terhadap Kehidupan which was compiled by Agus Pratomo, S.Pd, it is explained that exogenous energy is opposite to endogenous energy. Exogenous energy changes the shape of the earth's surface which was previously formed by endogenous energy.

It is worth noting that geological forces are divided into two, namely endogenous and exogenous. Each force is capable of influencing the shape of the earth. Endogenous forces come from within the earth such as tectonism, volcanism, earthquakes or earthquakes, and many more.

Meanwhile, exogenous energy comes from outside the earth. This energy works on the earth's surface, comes from various elements ranging from atmospheric elements, hydrosphere, and biosphere. The following is an example of exogenous energy that is able to change the shape of the earth.

Wind power

Wind is an exogenous energy source that changes the shape of the earth's surface. Wind is able to transport small particles such as sand or dust to erode the earth's surface. This case occurs in many desert areas such as the Sahara Desert.

Water power

Rivers, rain, or sea waves are able to change the shape of the earth's surface. This energy will trigger erosion. The impact is quite diverse, for example eroding the valley into a basin or changing the basin into a valley.

Chemical weathering

Another energy that is able to change the earth is chemical elements that exist on earth such as acids, oxygen, and many more. This phenomenon occurs, for example, in the Guilin Karst, China. Chemical weathering on limestone is able to form beautiful karst resembling stone towers.

Glacier movement

Glaciers are layers of ice that are formed due to very cold air temperatures. Large-sized glaciers can move slowly to erode the earth's surface and form new surface shapes. An example of glacier movement that changes the earth's surface is the Norwegian Fjord, a deep but narrow bay that is formed due to the influence of glacier movement.

Mass soil movement

Mass soil movement occurs due to the influence of gravity that causes landslides. When the mass of soil moves, the earth's surface changes. This phenomenon is widely found in Indonesia, especially in cliff areas.

Activity of organisms

Organisms such as plants, animals, and humans also include exogenous forces. The activities of organisms, whether intentional or not. For example, plant roots are able to shift or destroy rocks. Or human mining activities are able to significantly change the shape of the earth's surface.

Those are some examples of exogenous forces. Visit VOI.id for other interesting information.