The geosphere includes all the solid components of the Earth, such as rocks, soil, and mountains. This distinguishes it from other spheres like the hydrosphere and atmosphere.

Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks in place into smaller particles. In contrast, erosion involves the transportation of these particles.

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates. It provides an explanation for phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain formation.

Volcanoes are formed when magma from the Earth's interior erupts and accumulates around a vent. This process creates distinct volcanic landforms over time.

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth that includes the crust and the uppermost mantle. It is divided into tectonic plates that move over the more plastic asthenosphere.

Weathering is the process that breaks rocks down in place through mechanical or chemical means. Erosion involves the transportation of these weathered particles by agents such as water, wind, or ice.

At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and solidify into new crust. This phenomenon is fundamental to the process of seafloor spreading.

Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. This process results in the formation of crystalline rocks that are often very hard.

Subtropical deserts are found near 30 degrees latitude because the air in Hadley cells descends, creating dry and arid conditions. This circulation pattern is a key component in understanding global climate zones.

Sedimentary rocks form when sediments are deposited, compacted, and cemented together over time. This process typically takes place in environments like river beds, lakes, or the ocean floor.

Earthquakes predominantly occur due to the sudden movement of tectonic plates along faults. The release of energy during these movements causes seismic waves which we feel as an earthquake.

Erosion is the process by which natural forces such as water, wind, or ice wear away rocks and soil. This continuous action gradually alters the landscape over time.

Glaciers modify the landscape through both erosion, by scraping and carving the underlying rock, and deposition, by dropping sediments as they melt. This dual process creates unique landforms such as moraines and drumlins.

River deltas form when a river slows down upon meeting a larger, stagnant body of water, causing it to deposit the carried sediments. Over time, these sediments accumulate to create the delta landform.

Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in the average weather patterns on Earth. It is distinct from short-term weather fluctuations and is a critical subject in the study of physical geography.

Mountain ranges are often formed when tectonic plates converge and collide, forcing the crust to crumple and uplift. This process, known as continental collision, is a primary mechanism for creating large mountainous regions.

Isostasy refers to the state of gravitational equilibrium between the Earth's lithosphere and asthenosphere. This balance explains how areas of thickened crust, such as mountain ranges, adjust vertically in response to erosion and deposition.

Ocean currents act like conveyor belts by transporting warm water from the equator toward the poles and cold water toward the equator. This redistribution of heat is vital in moderating global climate and weather patterns.

The rock cycle is a continuous process where rocks transform between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic types. This cyclical transformation helps explain the dynamic nature of Earth's surface over geological time.

Human activities such as deforestation, mining, and urban expansion can significantly alter natural erosion and deposition processes. These activities change the landscape by accelerating erosion and modifying the physical geography of an area.