Erosion alters terrain from "summary" of Principles of Geology, Volume 1 by Charles Lyell,Sir Charles Lyell
The forces which are incessantly at work in modifying the crust of the earth are mainly two; namely, the aqueous and igneous. The former, comprehending the agency of water whether in the state of ice, snow, running streams, or the waves of the sea, is by far the most important. The effects produced by running water in wearing down the solid rocks which oppose its course, and in transporting the detritus to lower levels, are more conspicuous than any other class of geological phenomena. The extent of country over which the transported materials are spread, the thickness of the strata which they compose, and the vast amount of matter removed from one place and deposited in another, are such as might naturally be expected from the energy of a fluid so generally diffused as water. When the bed of a river which flows through a valley is upheaved, the stream is compelled to deepen its channel, and in doing so it exposes a vertical section of its course. In this section, the geologist may contemplate at a glance the successive changes which the valley has undergone, and the manner in which the solid rock has been disintegrated and carried away. In the excavation of valleys, the torrent and the river cooperate; the former by removing large fragme...
Similar Posts
Geology essential for understanding Earth's history
To comprehend the history of our planet, one must delve into the depths of geology. The study of rocks, minerals, and the proce...
Brain controls body functions
The brain is a wondrous thing. It is the command center of our bodies, controlling everything we do without us even having to t...
The design of structures must take into account factors such as temperature changes and seismic activity
When designing structures, engineers must consider various factors that can impact the stability and integrity of the building....
Coral reefs reveal sea level changes
Coral reefs are valuable indicators of changes in sea level over time. By examining the structure and composition of coral reef...
Geographical information systems aid in analysis
Geographical information systems play a crucial role in enhancing the analysis of geographical data. These systems are designed...