The swift heavy ion (190 MeV Au14+) induced modifications in surface morphologies of the nanocrystals of ferrite thin films have been extensively studied through the images of atomic force microscopy (AFM). In most of the irradiated films significant features like, the ditch and dike structures, have been observed through out the surface. We try to explain the observed changes on the basis of thermal spike model followed by momentum transfer induced lateral mass transport. In addition to these changes some new and interesting features have been noticed after irradiation in 8F and 9F ferrite thin films. These new features are attributed to sputtering phenomenon due to the presence of defects like latent tracks. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.