Theories of Landform Formation: How the Earth Shapes Itself
Have you ever wondered how mountains, valleys, and lakes are formed? There are various theories that explain the formation of landforms, all highlighting how the Earth continuously changes over time.
1. Plate Tectonics – Internal Forces
When the Earth's tectonic plates collide or move apart, they create features like the Himalayas, the East African Rift Valley, and even earthquakes like the San Andreas Fault.
2. Erosion & Weathering – The Wearing Down of the Earth
Water, wind, and ice can cause fluvial erosion, glacial erosion, and coastal erosion. A good example is the Grand Canyon, which was carved out by the Colorado River over millions of years.
3. Volcanic Activity – Earth's Fire
Volcanoes such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Mauna Loa create mountains and plateaus through lava and ash eruptions.
4. Geomorphic Theories – Changes Over Time
Davis’ Cycle of Erosion explains how landforms go through stages of youth, maturity, and old age, while Penck and Hack suggest that uplift and erosion occur simultaneously.
These theories illustrate the dynamic processes that continue to shape our planet’s surface.
