PST

In geology, denudation is the long-term sum of processes that cause the wearing away of the earths surface leading to a reduction in elevation and relief of landforms and landscapes. Endogenetic processes such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics uplift and expose continental crust to the exogenetic denudation processes of weathering, erosion, and mass wasting. Contents 1 Processes 2 Rates 3 Proposed cycles 4 Volcanic landforms 5 Medical use 6 References Processes Denudation incorporates the mechanical, biological and chemical processes of erosion, weathering and mass wasting. Denudation can involve the removal of both solid particles and dissolved material. These include sub-processes of cryofracture, insolation weathering, slaking, salt weathering, bioturbation and anthropogenic impacts.[1] Factors affecting denudation include: Surface topography Geology Climate (most directly in chemical weathering) Tectonic activity Biosphere Anthropogenic activity

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