Consider the following: Electromagnetic radiation Geothermal energy

Consider the following:

  1. Electromagnetic radiation
  2. Geothermal energy
  3. Gravitational force
  4. Plate movements
  5. Rotation of the earth
  6. Revolution of the earth

Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?

1, 2, 3 and 4 only
1, 3, 5 and 6 only
2, 4, 5 and 6 only
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
The correct option is D, as all the listed factors are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth.
– Electromagnetic radiation (primarily from the Sun): Drives climate, weather systems, erosion (through wind, water, ice), photosynthesis (biological weathering), and thermal expansion/contraction (physical weathering).
– Geothermal energy: Drives plate tectonics, volcanic activity, earthquakes, formation of mountains and ocean basins, and heat flow influencing subsurface processes.
– Gravitational force: Causes mass movements (landslides, rockfalls), erosion by rivers (pulling water downhill), formation of tides (along with moon), and influences atmospheric circulation and ocean currents.
– Plate movements: Directly responsible for earthquakes, volcanism, mountain building (orogeny), creation of rift valleys, and continental drift, constantly reshaping the Earth’s crust.
– Rotation of the earth: Causes Coriolis effect (influencing weather patterns, currents), contributes to tides (along with gravity), and diurnal temperature variations causing weathering.
– Revolution of the earth: Along with axial tilt, causes seasons, influencing weather patterns, rates of weathering and erosion, formation and melting of ice/snow, and biological activity.
The Earth’s surface is constantly being altered by both internal (endogenic) and external (exogenic) processes. Geothermal energy and Plate movements are primarily endogenic forces. Electromagnetic radiation, Gravitational force, Rotation, and Revolution of the earth drive exogenic processes like weathering, erosion, and mass wasting, and also influence weather and climate which shape the surface. All these factors interact in complex ways to create the dynamic surface we see.