Contextualization

Geomorphology is the discipline that studies the characteristics, origins, and development of natural physical resources, mainly the Earth's surface. It is a fundamental topic within Geography and has significant consequences in our daily lives. Understanding geomorphology allows us to better understand the surface forms and the processes that influence and shape it, from plate tectonics to erosion. For this understanding, two concepts are essential: endogenous and exogenous agents.

Endogenous agents are those that work from the inside out, through volcanism, tectonics, and earthquakes. They are triggered by forces that occur within the Earth, such as the movement of tectonic plates.

On the other hand, exogenous agents are those that act on the Earth's surface, such as water, wind, and climatic variations that cause wear and modeling of the terrestrial landscape.

Our studies will focus in-depth on the processes and examples of these two agents and how they interact to form the terrestrial landscape.

Understanding these geomorphological processes is relevant in all spheres of human life. It is essential for decision-making in urbanization, agriculture, water resource management, natural disaster management, among others. Human survival itself is influenced by geomorphology, as factors such as earthquakes, volcanism, erosion, among others, can cause significant alterations in the territory and result in catastrophes of various scales.

To deepen the understanding of the topic, I recommend reading the following resources:

• Article - Geomorphology and its applications
• Book - Geomorphology: Concepts and Current Technologies
• Video - Geomorphology: Relief Forms

By the end of this project, you will have a deeper understanding of the impact and importance of endogenous and exogenous agents in the formation and transformation of relief and how these forces directly affect your daily life.

Practical Activity: Modeling Earth's Relief

Project Objective

The objective of this work is for students to discover and understand how endogenous and exogenous agents participate in the formation and transformation of Earth's relief, through a realistic and detailed model.

Project Description

Students must choose a geographical region (it can be the region where they live) and build a model that represents the geomorphological characteristics of that area. In addition, the group must make a presentation relating the chosen region to the endogenous and exogenous agents that act in its formation and transformation.

The groups will consist of 3 to 5 members, and the duration of this project will be approximately four weeks.

Required Materials

For the model:

• Styrofoam or papier-mâché
• Acrylic paints of different colors
• Brushes
• Water and containers to clean the brushes
• Glue
• Palette for mixing paints
• Large sheet of cardboard
• Pencils and pens
• Ruler
• X-Acto knife

For the presentation:

• Computer with internet access
• Presentation software such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.
• Camera or smartphone to take photos of the work and document the process

Step by Step

1. Research: The group should start by researching the chosen region. They should gather information about the relief, rivers, vegetation, among other geomorphological aspects. Part of this research should focus on how endogenous and exogenous agents have shaped the landscape of that location.

2. Model Design: Based on the research, the group should sketch the model project of the region. Here, they should include all the main geomorphological aspects.

3. Model Construction: The group will then use the project to create the model, using the indicated materials. The colors should be chosen considering the reality of the region (vegetation, rivers, relief, etc).

4. Process Documentation: The group must document the entire research, project, and model construction process through photos and notes.

5. Project Presentation: The group should prepare a presentation that connects the aspects of the model with the role of endogenous and exogenous agents in the formation of the landscape. This presentation should incorporate the photos of the process and the notes taken by the group.

6. Report Elaboration: Finally, the group must elaborate a detailed report with the following parts: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography. In this report, all the processes and concepts worked on, as well as the results obtained, must be explained in detail.

Project Deliverables

The following deliverables are expected at the end of the project:

1. The model representing the physical landscape of the chosen region.
2. The presentation explaining the role of geomorphological agents in the formation of that landscape.
3. The written report. The delivery of this document should follow the following guidelines:
   • In the Introduction, the chosen region, its geomorphological aspects, and the application of the concepts of endogenous and exogenous agents in its formation and transformation should be contextualized.
   • In the Development, there should be a detailed description of the project, from research to the completion of the model and presentation. Here, it should also be explained how endogenous and exogenous agents were represented in the model.
   • In the Conclusion, the group should revisit the main points of the work, highlighting the learnings acquired and the conclusions drawn about the use of endogenous and exogenous agents in relief formation.
   • The Bibliography should list all sources used, whether books, online articles, videos, or tutorials followed for the execution of the model.