Surface The Earth is the only planet whose surface has been studied in great detail, so the processes and principles that apply to the surface of the Earth will be the ones we invoke when we study other planets. See Hutton in your history notes for an explanation. Two basic processes that shape the Earth's surface are orogeny and erosion . Orogeny is the process of mountain-building, or raising elevation. It can be caused by tectonic forces, or by meteorite impact.
Erosion wears down elevations, and is usually caused by water, wind, ice, life or meteorites.