Geology 101 Final Exam

When we refer to the flow of materials, we are highlighting the movement of material as if it were a fluid, showing how it transitions from one state to another in a smooth and continuous manner.

The correct answer describes the collecting phase of a river as being in the upper part, actively eroding and down-cutting the land, and having V-shaped channels.

In the transporting phase, a river meanders, has fewer tributaries, and moves sediment without active erosion.

The dispersing phase in the context of rivers specifically refers to the delta where sediment is deposited into a body of water, gradually extending the river and potentially filling the bay over time.

Rivers erode at the outside of bends and cut off loops to create oxbow lakes, not waterfalls, volcanoes, or desert dunes.

A braided river is characterized by a network of small channels separated by temporary islands, not a single channel or a fixed path. It is not commonly found in deserts either.

A flood plain is specifically defined as land near a river or stream that is prone to flooding due to its flat or nearly flat topography.

Mass wasting refers to the movement of rocks and soil down a slope due to gravity. Creep, landslide, and flood are all examples of types of mass wasting, while 'photo' is not a correct type of mass wasting.

The correct answer is 'photo' as it is the correct representation of the word 'PHOTO' in the given context.

Groundwater provides about 40% of our water nationally due to its slow replenishing process.

The correct answer is 2% as the majority of the world's water is saline and only a small percentage is fresh water suitable for consumption.

When wells are over pumped, it can lead to the formation of a cone of depression around the well. This occurs in unconfined aquifers and can significantly reduce water levels in the surrounding area.

The zone of aeration refers to the subsurface sediment above the water table that contains both air and water, allowing for aeration of the soil.

Recharge specifically refers to the movement of water from surface water to groundwater, not to electronic devices, relaxation, or meditation.

A sinkhole is a depression in the ground that occurs when the surface layer collapses into a void beneath it.

Sand aquifers are ideal for purifying contaminated groundwater due to their natural filtration properties. The small pore spaces in sand grains help trap and remove impurities such as harmful sewage bacteria, making it an effective choice for water purification.

Permeability refers to the ability of a material to allow fluids to pass through it. In this case, clay-rich, fine-grained sand would be the least permeable as its texture and particle size restrict the movement of fluids compared to the other options. Coarse sand, gravel, and cavernous limestone are all more permeable materials.

Low-latitude dry climates are primarily caused by zones of high atmospheric pressure and dry descending air, leading to arid conditions in these regions.

The wave begins to 'feel bottom' at a depth equal to half the wavelength, which in this case is 20 meters / 2 = 10 meters. However, since the wave height is the distance from the trough to the crest, the wave will begin to 'feel bottom' at a depth equal to (wavelength / 2) - wave height. Therefore, (20 / 2) - 4 = 10 - 4 = 6 meters. This means the wave will start to 'feel bottom' at 6 meters below the surface.

A cirque is a steep-sided, amphitheater-shaped bowl at the head of a glacial valley. A horn is a pointed mountain peak formed by the intersection of several cirques. An arete is a narrow ridge between cirques or glacial valleys. A fjord is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by glacial erosion.

The dominant erosional force on Mercury is meteorite cratering as the constant bombardment of meteorites on the planet's surface leads to erosion and changes in its topography.

Venus does not have a significant atmosphere like Earth, as it mainly consists of carbon dioxide and a trace amount of other gases. It has a very high surface pressure and extreme temperatures due to its thick atmosphere.

At a bend in a river, the main point of deposition is typically on the inside of the bend due to decreased water velocity and turbulence leading to sediment settling.

The tilting of fences, telephone poles, and curved tree trunks indicate soil creep, a slow downslope movement of soil and rock material.

Creep is the slowest type of mass wasting as it involves the gradual downhill movement of soil and rock debris over time.

Mass wasting events can be caused by a combination of factors such as over-steepening of slope, excessive water presence, and unusual rock/soil conditions. Lack of vegetation cover, human activities, and Earth's rotation are not primary causes of mass wasting events.

The correct ways to mitigate mass wasting dangers involve reinforcing the slopes, adding structural support, managing water drainage, and planning for potential mudflows. Planting trees or adding weight to the top of the slope can actually destabilize it further. Ignoring warning signs and not taking any precautions will increase the risk of mass wasting.

A slump is a specific geological phenomenon related to mass wasting, not to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or weather events.

In geology, 'slide' refers to rocks moving rapidly along a surface parallel to slope, usually caused by gravity or other forces.