In geomorphology, exogenic forces are processes that operate at or near the Earth surface. These exogenic forces are primarily connected with which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
Earth shaping processes are generally divided into endogenic forces, which originate within Earth, and exogenic forces, which act from outside or at the surface. Understanding this distinction is essential for physical geography. Exogenic forces are responsible for weathering, erosion, and deposition at the surface, driven mainly by solar energy and atmosphere related processes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Exogenic forces are mentioned as surface or external forces.
• We must identify with which type of process they are mainly connected.
• Options include plucking action, volcanic action, lithospheric processes, and atmospheric processes.

Concept / Approach:
Endogenic forces are linked with internal processes such as volcanic activity, earthquakes, and tectonic movements. Exogenic forces, by contrast, are associated with agents like wind, water, ice, and temperature changes that operate due to solar energy and atmospheric dynamics. Since atmospheric processes drive many surface phenomena like rainfall, wind, and temperature variations, the best match for exogenic forces is the atmospheric category.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that exogenic forces work from the exterior and modify relief by weathering and erosion.Step 2: Recognise that these processes are controlled largely by conditions in the atmosphere, such as rainfall, wind, and temperature.Step 3: Note that volcanic action is an internal or endogenic process, not exogenic.Step 4: Understand that the term lithospheric refers to the solid outer shell of Earth and is linked more with tectonic forces than strictly external climatic processes.Step 5: Conclude that atmospheric is the correct association for exogenic forces and choose that option.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider standard textbook examples: rivers eroding valleys, glaciers carving landscapes, wind shaping dunes, and waves cutting cliffs. All these agents are driven by climate and atmospheric conditions. This confirms that atmosphere related processes are central to exogenic action and supports the selection of Atmospheric as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Plucking action is a specific mechanism of glacial erosion, which is indeed exogenic, but the option is too narrow and does not represent the overall category of exogenic forces. Volcanic action is clearly endogenic and driven by internal heat and magma, not surface atmospheric conditions. Lithospheric as a term describes the rigid outer part of Earth and is not itself a force; it is more closely associated with tectonic forces rather than climate driven exogenic processes.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may confuse individual examples like plucking with broad categories and think that any external process can be used as a label for exogenic forces. Others might assume that lithospheric is correct simply because the surface is part of the lithosphere. It is important to focus on the main driving agent, which in the exogenic case is the atmospheric and climate system acting on the surface.

Final Answer:
Exogenic forces at or near the Earth surface are primarily connected with Atmospheric processes, so this is the correct option.