Endogenic processes shape our planet from within, building mountains and... Show more
Earth and Space Science
AlgebraSign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
21
•
Feb 4, 2026
•
Understanding Endogenic Processes in Earth Science
MatchaAddict
@luvusomatchaa
1 / 10
Endogenic Processes
Endogenic processes are Earth-shaping forces that originate deep within our planet. Unlike their counterparts (exogenic processes), these internal forces work to build up the Earth's surface rather than wear it down.
These processes create mountains, highlands, valleys, and basins, increasing the Earth's surface relief. Understanding endogenic forces helps explain why our planet's surface isn't just a smooth sphere.
Quick Fact: While endogenic processes build up Earth's features, exogenic processes (like erosion) work to decrease relief by wearing down high areas and filling in low spots.
Earth's Layers Revisited
The Earth consists of several distinct layers, each with unique properties. The crust (lithosphere) forms Earth's outer shell, varying from just 5 km thick under oceans to 70 km beneath mountain ranges like the Himalayas.
Below the crust lies the mantle, a partially molten layer about 2,900 km thick with temperatures between 500°C and 2,000°C. This is where magma originates before erupting onto the surface. Deeper still, we find the outer core (molten iron and nickel) and the inner core (solid iron despite temperatures up to 7,000°C!).
The Earth also has external layers: the hydrosphere (all water on or near the surface) and atmosphere (the gas layer extending about 145 km upward).
Think About It: The inner core remains solid despite temperatures reaching 7,000°C—hotter than the Sun's surface—because of the extreme pressure at Earth's center!
Types of Endogenic Processes: Metamorphism
Metamorphism is a fascinating process where existing rocks transform into new types without melting. This happens when minerals become unstable due to heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids, causing them to change form while maintaining their basic composition.
A dramatic example is how carbon-based coal transforms into diamonds under extreme pressure. Metamorphism comes in different varieties, including regional metamorphism (affecting large areas) and contact metamorphism (occurring near magma intrusions).
The resulting metamorphic rock depends on three key factors: the original parent rock's mineral composition, the fluids present during transformation, and the temperature and pressure conditions during the process.
Cool Connection: The precious diamonds in jewelry started as ordinary carbon that underwent extreme metamorphism deep within Earth!
Metamorphic Rock Examples
Metamorphism transforms ordinary rocks into entirely new forms with different properties. For instance, sandstone becomes quartzite, shale transforms into slate, and granite changes into gneiss—all through the application of heat and pressure.
Some rocks preserve the effects of metamorphism better than others. Shale is particularly good at showing metamorphic grade, changing progressively from slate to phyllite to schist and finally to gneiss as metamorphic intensity increases.
Other rocks like pure quartz sandstone or limestone don't show metamorphic changes as clearly, making them less useful for determining metamorphic intensity.
Study Tip: Remember the metamorphic sequence of shale: slate → phyllite → schist → gneiss, which shows increasing metamorphic grade!
Metamorphic Textures and Changes
As rocks undergo metamorphism, they experience several predictable changes. Grain size typically increases with higher metamorphic grade as minerals recrystallize under heat and pressure.
Most metamorphic rocks develop foliation—a layered or banded appearance caused by the preferred alignment of flat minerals like mica and chlorite. This alignment happens perpendicular to the direction of pressure, creating distinctive textures.
Differential stress (pressure that's stronger in one direction than others) plays a key role in forming these textures. However, at the highest metamorphic grades, hydrous minerals become unstable, resulting in fewer minerals showing preferred orientation.
Visual Clue: When examining metamorphic rocks, look for foliation (parallel layers or bands)—it's a telltale sign of how the rock formed under directional pressure!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content in Earth and Space Science
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Endogenic Processes in Earth Science
MatchaAddict
@luvusomatchaa
Endogenic processes shape our planet from within, building mountains and creating dramatic landscapes. This lesson explores how internal Earth forces create landforms and transform rocks, giving us a peek into the dynamic processes happening beneath our feet.
Endogenic Processes
Endogenic processes are Earth-shaping forces that originate deep within our planet. Unlike their counterparts (exogenic processes), these internal forces work to build up the Earth's surface rather than wear it down.
These processes create mountains, highlands, valleys, and basins, increasing the Earth's surface relief. Understanding endogenic forces helps explain why our planet's surface isn't just a smooth sphere.
Quick Fact: While endogenic processes build up Earth's features, exogenic processes (like erosion) work to decrease relief by wearing down high areas and filling in low spots.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Earth's Layers Revisited
The Earth consists of several distinct layers, each with unique properties. The crust (lithosphere) forms Earth's outer shell, varying from just 5 km thick under oceans to 70 km beneath mountain ranges like the Himalayas.
Below the crust lies the mantle, a partially molten layer about 2,900 km thick with temperatures between 500°C and 2,000°C. This is where magma originates before erupting onto the surface. Deeper still, we find the outer core (molten iron and nickel) and the inner core (solid iron despite temperatures up to 7,000°C!).
The Earth also has external layers: the hydrosphere (all water on or near the surface) and atmosphere (the gas layer extending about 145 km upward).
Think About It: The inner core remains solid despite temperatures reaching 7,000°C—hotter than the Sun's surface—because of the extreme pressure at Earth's center!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Types of Endogenic Processes: Metamorphism
Metamorphism is a fascinating process where existing rocks transform into new types without melting. This happens when minerals become unstable due to heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids, causing them to change form while maintaining their basic composition.
A dramatic example is how carbon-based coal transforms into diamonds under extreme pressure. Metamorphism comes in different varieties, including regional metamorphism (affecting large areas) and contact metamorphism (occurring near magma intrusions).
The resulting metamorphic rock depends on three key factors: the original parent rock's mineral composition, the fluids present during transformation, and the temperature and pressure conditions during the process.
Cool Connection: The precious diamonds in jewelry started as ordinary carbon that underwent extreme metamorphism deep within Earth!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Metamorphic Rock Examples
Metamorphism transforms ordinary rocks into entirely new forms with different properties. For instance, sandstone becomes quartzite, shale transforms into slate, and granite changes into gneiss—all through the application of heat and pressure.
Some rocks preserve the effects of metamorphism better than others. Shale is particularly good at showing metamorphic grade, changing progressively from slate to phyllite to schist and finally to gneiss as metamorphic intensity increases.
Other rocks like pure quartz sandstone or limestone don't show metamorphic changes as clearly, making them less useful for determining metamorphic intensity.
Study Tip: Remember the metamorphic sequence of shale: slate → phyllite → schist → gneiss, which shows increasing metamorphic grade!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Metamorphic Textures and Changes
As rocks undergo metamorphism, they experience several predictable changes. Grain size typically increases with higher metamorphic grade as minerals recrystallize under heat and pressure.
Most metamorphic rocks develop foliation—a layered or banded appearance caused by the preferred alignment of flat minerals like mica and chlorite. This alignment happens perpendicular to the direction of pressure, creating distinctive textures.
Differential stress (pressure that's stronger in one direction than others) plays a key role in forming these textures. However, at the highest metamorphic grades, hydrous minerals become unstable, resulting in fewer minerals showing preferred orientation.
Visual Clue: When examining metamorphic rocks, look for foliation (parallel layers or bands)—it's a telltale sign of how the rock formed under directional pressure!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
0
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Practice Test ✓ Essay Outlines
Practice Test
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content in Earth and Space Science
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user