What two physical processes shaped many of the landforms in the united states?

Geography · High School · Thu Feb 04 2021

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The two primary physical processes that have shaped many of the landforms in the United States are:

1.Erosion:

Erosion is the process by which rocks and soil are worn away by natural forces such as wind, water, ice, and gravity. In the United States, various forms of erosion have played a significant role in shaping landscapes. For example, river erosion has carved out valleys and canyons, and coastal erosion has shaped shorelines. Glacial erosion, particularly during the Pleistocene epoch, influenced the formation of features such as the Great Lakes and various moraines.

2 Tectonic Activity:

Tectonic activity involves the movement and interaction of the Earth's lithospheric plates. The United States has been influenced by tectonic processes, including the formation of mountain ranges, earthquakes, and the creation of geological features. The most notable example is the ongoing convergence of the Pacific and North American plates along the western coast, contributing to the formation of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. The Appalachian Mountains in the eastern part of the country were also shaped by tectonic activity.