The Earth’s surface is shaped by various processes that can be divided into external and internal depending on their location. Therefore, the relief of the planet in its present form is the reflection of a complicated set of such processes. Their consideration allows to reveal different types of energy involved in landscape formation. The principal external processes are weathering of rocks, which shapes the Earth’s surface, and their denudation or, in other words, removal (Ouellette, 2017). They are caused by other forces, mostly by rivers, glaciers, winds, and waves (Ouellette, 2017). The removed materials, in turn, accumulate at lower elevations such as valleys and hollows.
External processes are not the only ones that have an impact on the Earth’s surface, and they are accompanied by internal processes, which are more complex. They build land relief and affect the appearance of mountains and other geographical formations. Such changes in the interior levels of Earth result from the work of earthquakes, volcanic activity, or mountain buildings (Ouellette, 2017). The outcome of internal processes is the formation of folds and splits. For example, the process of folding is the interaction of forces with opposite directions on the Earth’s crust (Ouellette, 2017). It bends the rock layers on the surface and thereby shapes a new landscape.
Thus, the formation of the Earth’s surface is the result of the work of external and internal forces. They both have an impact on the process but differ in location and effects. Internal forces build relief through tectonic plates’ movement, whereas external influence comes from the works of rivers and glaciers. Hence, the combination of external and internal processes led to the creation of the surface in its current state.
Reference
Ouellette, V. (2017). Forces that cause landforms. Sciencing. Web.