5.1. Geomorphic Processes and Agents

Geomorphology is the study of nature and origin of landforms. One of the approaches for such study is deductive reasoning which depended largely on the geomorphic processes. The endogenic and exogenic forces causing physical stresses and chemical actions on earth materials and bringing about changes in the configuration of the surface of the earth are known as geomorphic processes. The action of exogenic forces result in wearing down (degradation) of relief and filling up (aggradation) of basins, on the surface of the earth. On the other hand, the endogenic forces continuously elevate or build up parts of the earth’s surface.

On the other hand, geomorphic agent is any exogenic element of nature like wind, waves, water, ice, ocean currents, etc. capable of acquiring and transporting earth material. When these elements of nature become mobile due to gradients, they remove the materials and transport them over slopes and deposit them at lower level.

A process is a force applied on the earth material affecting the same. An agent is a mobile medium which removes, transports and deposits earth materials. Unless stated separately, geomorphic processes especially exogenic and geomorphic agents are one and the same.