Six Forces That Shape Earth's Surface

Six forces unsettle Earth's surface

Rock and soil are not static. Gravity is in constant motion. They move, break down, and rearrange because of six forces. The six forces shape the mountains, valleys, coastlines, and caves. They make Earth dynamic. Weathering and erosion are two terms you need to understand this velocity. "Weathering" describes the processes that break down rock and soil in place. It represents a weakening of the rock. "Erosion" describes the processes that pick up and move that material. These forces often overlap.

Water moves soil, wind moves dust

These forces do not act alone. Often, they blend and combine. Water can speed up erosion via gravity. One interpreter put it: "With gravity doing most of the work in this type of erosion, especially on steep slopes." Water erosion is the dominant force worldwide. The ramifications of this erosion are most visible, especially on steep, rocky terrain. The force of moving water carves the Grand Canyon and the Norwegian fjords. Most of the displacement includes loose particles and rock. Water is the first step to this displacement. Then, wind erosion occurs. This happens where wind removes loose particles that water has already split. Obviously, wind carries dust, sand, and other particles. The particle movement carves dust and moss from the surface.

Moving ice scrapes and carries rock

Glaciers are another major element in the erosion cycle. Moving ice scrapes and carries rock, Plus, it reshapes terrain. The ice acts like a conveyor belt. It moves soil and rock along its path. Then, these debris create landforms like moraines and drumlins. The forces provide a moving carpet that conveys the debris, eroding and sculpting the landscape.

Waves wear away the shoreline

Coastal erosion is driven by wave action. Waves wear away the shoreline as they crash. The collision acts like a loose sandpaper on the shoreline. This causes the ground to break down over time. Also, the waves and sediment swell pulls the rocks apart. The process is greater during storms and hurricanes. High winds and large waves can intensify the erosion. Plus, it leads to severe damage to coastal areas.