Exogenic geological processes refer to geological activities that use solar radiation energy and the gravitational energy of the sun and moon as their energy sources, and are caused by factors such as the atmosphere, wind, water, and organisms. These include weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and lithification processes.

Exogenic geological processes destroy and level the uplifts produced by endogenic forces, often forming many unique landform landscapes.

Weathering

Weathering refers to the entire process in which hard rocks and minerals on or near the Earth's surface undergo physical and chemical changes when in contact with the atmosphere, water, and organisms, forming loose accumulations in place. According to the factors and nature of weathering, it can be divided into three types: physical weathering, chemical weathering, and biological weathering.

Transportation process

The transportation process refers to the movement of weathered materials such as rock debris and dissolved substances on or near the Earth's surface to other locations by external forces. It is one of the important natural processes that shape the Earth's surface. External forces include water flow, waves, tidal currents and ocean currents, glaciers, groundwater, wind, and biological activities.

Sedimentation

Sedimentation refers to the process in which materials transported by a moving medium settle and accumulate after reaching a suitable location due to changes in conditions. According to the sedimentary environment, it can be divided into continental sedimentation and marine sedimentation; according to the method of sedimentation, it can also be divided into mechanical sedimentation, chemical sedimentation, and biological sedimentation.

Lithification

A type of external force action in geological processes. Weathered and eroded rock materials are transported and deposited to form sediment, which, through certain physical, chemical, and biochemical processes, further consolidates and hardens the sediment.