GEOLOGIC

PROCESSES
AND
HAZARD
By: Group 4
Geological processes are dynamic
processes at work in the earth's landforms
and surfaces. The mechanisms involved,
weathering, erosion, and plate tectonics,
combine processes that are in some
respects destructive and in others
constructive.
FOUR MAJOR
GEOLOGICAL
PROCESSES
1. Impact cratering—bowl shaped craters from
impacts with other celestial bodies. Craters are
common on the moon, and occasionally can be
found on Earth
2.Volcanism—eruption of molten rock and
lava from planets interior onto the surface.
The Hawaiian Islands are examples of this.
3. Tectonics—disruption of planets surface
by internal stresses. Appalachian
Mountains, Rio Grande, etc.
4. Erosian—wearing down or building up of the
geological features by wind, water, ice, and other
weather. The Grand Canyon is an example of the
creation of canyons by rivers/bodies of water.
 Hydrometeorological
Hazards
Natural processes or phenomena of
atmospheric, hydrological or
oceanographic nature that may cause the
loss of life or injury, property damage,
social and economic disruption or
environmental degradation.
Weather, water and climate-related
hazards
Sea level rise

Droughts
Hot & cold spells

Tropical cyclones Floods

Storm surges Heavy precipitations

(rain or snow)
Ice Storms
Dust storms Storm (winds)
Tornadoes Wildland fires
Hail&Lightning & haze
Flash floods
Mud & landslides
Avalanches

10
Marine and Coastal
Processes and Their
Effect
Marine and coastal processes
are those associated with the
action of waves. This includes
erosion, transportation and
deposition.
 Erosion
Erosion refers to the wearing away of the
land surface and removal of materials by
river and sea water, ice and wind. There are
four main processes of erosion along the
coast. These are hydraulic action, abrasion
and corrasion, attrition and solution.
 Hydraulic action
Waves breaking at the foot of a cliff force
air in cracks to be compressed. Loose rocks
are dislodged and removed. When the wave
retreats the compressed air rushes out of the
crack and can further weaken faults in the
cliff face.
 Abrasion
Abrasion is the sandpaper effect of
loose rocks being scraped along
bare rock. It often smooths and
polishes the rock.
 Corrasion
Corrasion is when rock caught
up in surging waves are
hurled at a cliff face – causing
it to be chipped and gauged.
 Attrition
Attrition is when rocks carried
by seawater collide –
gradually making them
smaller and smoother.
 Transportation
Transportation is the
movement of sediment
by the action of waves.
 Traction
Traction involves the
rolling of large and heavy
rocks along the seabed.
 Saltation
Saltation involves smaller material
being bounced along the seabed. The
video below shows material being
bounced along a beach by waves.
 Suspension
Suspension is when lighter sediment
is suspended within the water. This
often discolours the water close to the
shore.
 Solution
Sediment that has dissolved
completely will be transported in
solution.
 Deposition
Deposition occurs when energy levels
decrease in environments such as bays and
estuaries. Where deposition occurs on the
inside of a spit a salt marsh can form.