ERS 108 1st Exam
(91).webp "ERS 108 1st Exam - Quiz")
Short quiz for Beaches and Coasts Exam.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Water for earth's oceans probably came (ultimately) from:
- A.
The sun
- B.
The moon
- C.
Comets
- D.
Anotehr galaxy
Correct Answer
C. CometsExplanation
Comets are made up of ice and dust, and they originate from the outer regions of the solar system. As they approach the sun, the heat causes the ice to melt and release water vapor. Some of this water vapor could have reached Earth's oceans over billions of years through collisions and impacts with comets. Therefore, comets are a likely source of water for Earth's oceans.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Compared to the U.S. West Coast, the coastal zone on the U.S. East Coast Is:
- A.
Very narrow
- B.
Much rocker
- C.
Very wide
- D.
None of these
Correct Answer
C. Very wideExplanation
The correct answer is "very wide". This means that the coastal zone on the U.S. East Coast is significantly broader in comparison to the U.S. West Coast. The East Coast is known for its expansive and wide coastal areas, with long stretches of beaches and coastal plains.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The most globally applicable classification of coastal environments is based on:
- A.
Plate tectonic setting
- B.
Age of shoreline
- C.
Relative sea level change
- D.
Maturity of coast
- E.
Presence of absence of beaches.
Correct Answer
A. Plate tectonic settingExplanation
The most globally applicable classification of coastal environments is based on plate tectonic setting. This is because plate tectonics play a significant role in shaping the characteristics of coastal areas. Different tectonic settings, such as convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries, result in distinct landforms and geological processes along the coast. For example, convergent boundaries can lead to the formation of coastal mountains and volcanic activity, while divergent boundaries can create rift valleys and underwater ridges. Understanding the plate tectonic setting helps in identifying and studying the unique features and processes of coastal environments worldwide.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Collision coasts are best characterized by:
- A.
Seacliffs
- B.
Muddy bluffs
- C.
Barrier islands
- D.
Deltas
- E.
Estuaries
Correct Answer
A. SeacliffsExplanation
Collision coasts are best characterized by seacliffs. Collision coasts are formed when two tectonic plates collide, causing uplift and the formation of steep cliffs along the coast. These cliffs are typically made of hard rock and are often eroded by the action of waves, creating a dramatic and rugged coastline. Muddy bluffs, barrier islands, deltas, and estuaries are not typically associated with collision coasts.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A fjord typically has circulation that is:
- A.
Well mixed
- B.
Partly mixed
- C.
Reverse estuarine
- D.
Well stratified
- E.
None of these
Correct Answer
D. Well stratifiedExplanation
A fjord typically has well stratified circulation. This means that the water in a fjord is organized into distinct layers or strata based on temperature and salinity. The surface layer, known as the epilimnion, is warmer and less dense, while the deeper layer, known as the hypolimnion, is colder and more dense. These layers do not mix easily, resulting in a stratified circulation pattern in the fjord.Rate this question:
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- 6.
An important component of river detla upbuilding involves?
- A.
Flooding
- B.
Subsidence
- C.
Mudlumps
- D.
Compaction
- E.
Isostasy
Correct Answer
A. FloodingExplanation
Flooding is an important component of river delta upbuilding because it brings sediment-rich water to the delta, depositing sediments and building up the land. When a river floods, it overflows its banks and spreads out across the delta, carrying with it fine sediments that settle out as the water slows down. Over time, these sediment deposits accumulate and contribute to the growth of the delta. Flooding also helps to maintain the dynamic nature of the delta, as it redistributes sediments and shapes the landforms.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The easiest rock type for waves to erode is generally:
- A.
An igneous rock
- B.
A sedimentary rock
- C.
A metamorphic rock
- D.
They are equally easy to erode
Correct Answer
B. A sedimentary rockExplanation
Sedimentary rocks are formed through the accumulation of sediments, which are often loose and unconsolidated. These rocks have a layered structure and are made up of various particles such as sand, silt, and clay. Due to their loose nature, sedimentary rocks are generally easier for waves to erode compared to igneous or metamorphic rocks, which are usually more compact and resistant to erosion.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Freeze/thaw action erodes rocks most rapidly:
- A.
Below low tide
- B.
Above high tide
- C.
In tropical areas
- D.
In arctic areas
Correct Answer
B. Above high tideExplanation
Freeze/thaw action refers to the process where water seeps into cracks and crevices in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart. This process is most effective in areas where there are frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Above high tide, the rocks are exposed to the elements and are more likely to experience these cycles, as they are not constantly submerged in water. In contrast, below low tide, the rocks are consistently submerged and do not experience the same freeze-thaw action. Therefore, above high tide is the correct answer as it explains why freeze/thaw action erodes rocks most rapidly.Rate this question:
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- 9.
How might a homeowner on an eroding bluff best reduce the rate of erosion:
- A.
Cut down trees in the area
- B.
Throw palnt debris on the bluff face
- C.
Harden the bluff face by riding an ATV up and down it
- D.
Draining water from the ground near the bluff
- E.
Watering teh bluff top lawn more
Correct Answer
D. Draining water from the ground near the bluffExplanation
Draining water from the ground near the bluff is the best way for a homeowner to reduce the rate of erosion on an eroding bluff. Excess water can weaken the soil and contribute to erosion, so by draining the water, the homeowner can prevent further erosion. Cutting down trees in the area may actually increase erosion as trees help stabilize the soil. Throwing plant debris on the bluff face and riding an ATV up and down it would likely cause more damage and erosion. Watering the bluff top lawn more may not be effective in reducing erosion.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What would be the consequence of arming the Sandy Point bluff:
- A.
Beach erosion
- B.
Marsh erosion
- C.
No consequence
- D.
Water contamination
Correct Answer
A. Beach erosionExplanation
Arming the Sandy Point bluff would lead to beach erosion. This means that the process of arming the bluff would cause the beach to lose sand and gradually decrease in size. The erosion would occur as a result of the natural forces, such as wind and water, acting on the bluff. Over time, this could potentially have negative impacts on the coastal ecosystem and recreational activities that rely on the beach.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Wave action most effectively erodes sea cliffs:
- A.
Below low tide
- B.
At the mid-tide elevation
- C.
At or just above the high tide elevation
- D.
High above the high tide elevation
Correct Answer
C. At or just above the high tide elevationExplanation
Wave action most effectively erodes sea cliffs at or just above the high tide elevation. This is because waves are strongest and have the greatest impact during high tide. As the waves crash against the cliff face, they exert a powerful force that can gradually wear away and erode the rock. The constant cycle of waves reaching this elevation and then receding allows for continuous erosion to occur, leading to the gradual retreat of the sea cliff over time.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Under Maine's Shoreland Zoning Law, bluffs with houses on them:
- A.
Cannot be protected with armor
- B.
Cannot be cleared of all vegetation
- C.
Cannot be walked on
- D.
Cannot be owned
- E.
None of these
Correct Answer
B. Cannot be cleared of all vegetationExplanation
Under Maine's Shoreland Zoning Law, bluffs with houses on them cannot be cleared of all vegetation. This means that homeowners are not allowed to remove or clear all vegetation from the bluffs. This regulation is likely in place to protect the natural environment and prevent erosion. By prohibiting the clearing of vegetation, the law aims to maintain the stability and integrity of the bluffs and prevent any potential damage that could be caused by removing vegetation.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The most likely coastal environment to form as a result of glacial till erosion on an open coast is a:
- A.
Salt marsh
- B.
Tidal flat
- C.
Sea cliff
- D.
Beach
Correct Answer
D. BeachExplanation
Glacial till erosion occurs when glaciers grind rocks into fine sediment, which is then deposited along the coast. This sediment is typically composed of sand, gravel, and small rocks. As a result, the most likely coastal environment to form from glacial till erosion is a beach. Beaches are formed by the deposition of sediment brought in by waves and currents, and the coarse nature of glacial till makes it ideal for beach formation.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The coast of Rockland, Maine is geologically best known for its:
- A.
Landslides
- B.
Sea cliffs
- C.
Sea caves
- D.
Sea arches
- E.
Sea stacks
Correct Answer
A. LandslidesExplanation
The coast of Rockland, Maine is geologically best known for its landslides. This means that the area experiences frequent and significant movement of rock and soil down the slopes towards the sea. Landslides can occur due to various factors such as erosion, weathering, and unstable geological formations. The presence of landslides in Rockland, Maine suggests that the coastal area is susceptible to geological instability, which can have significant impacts on the local environment and infrastructure.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Douglas Johnson's classification of coasts was based on:
- A.
The age of the coast
- B.
The tectonic setting of the coast
- C.
The relative maturity of the shore
- D.
The kind of bedrock present
- E.
Non of these
Correct Answer
E. Non of theseExplanation
Douglas Johnson's classification of coasts was not based on any of the options provided. The question does not provide information on what his classification was actually based on, so it is not possible to provide a specific explanation.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What are the names of the three plate boundaries?
Correct Answer
subduction zones transform faults spreading centersExplanation
The three plate boundaries are subduction zones, transform faults, and spreading centers. Subduction zones occur when one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, resulting in the formation of trenches and volcanic activity. Transform faults are boundaries where two plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes. Spreading centers are areas where two plates move apart, leading to the creation of new crust through volcanic activity.Rate this question:
- 17.
Which of the coastal tectonic settings typically has the least amount of sediment?
Correct Answer
collisionExplanation
Collision tectonic settings typically have the least amount of sediment. This is because collision occurs when two tectonic plates converge and collide, resulting in the uplift of mountain ranges. The intense compression and folding of rocks during collision tectonics often leads to the erosion and removal of sediment, leaving behind less sediment in these areas compared to other coastal tectonic settings such as subduction zones or transform boundaries.Rate this question:
- 18.
List four possible sources of estuarine sediment:
Correct Answer
rivers bluffs continental shelf biologicalExplanation
Estuarine sediment can originate from various sources. Rivers are a significant source as they transport sediment from the land to the estuary. Bluffs, which are steep cliffs along the shoreline, can contribute sediment through erosion and weathering. The continental shelf, which extends from the shoreline to the deeper ocean, can supply sediment through wave and current action. Biological sources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms also contribute to estuarine sediment through their activities, such as burrowing, grazing, and decomposition.Rate this question:
- 19.
The process by which incoming waves compress air into rock fractures and wedge open rocks is called?
Correct Answer
hydraulic rivingExplanation
Hydraulic riving is the correct answer because it accurately describes the process of incoming waves compressing air into rock fractures and wedging open rocks. This process occurs when the force of the water pushes into cracks and crevices in the rock, causing them to widen and expand. The pressure exerted by the water helps to break apart the rock and create fractures, ultimately leading to the formation of new openings and channels within the rock.Rate this question:
- 20.
List three general optionsa homeowner on a rapidly eroding bluff has to save his or her house:
Correct Answer
relocate accommodate armorExplanation
When faced with a rapidly eroding bluff, a homeowner has three general options to save their house: relocate, accommodate, or armor. Relocating involves moving the entire house to a safer location. Accommodating means making necessary adjustments to the house or property to mitigate the effects of erosion, such as building retaining walls or installing erosion control measures. Armor refers to using physical barriers like rock revetments or seawalls to protect the bluff and prevent further erosion. These options provide different approaches to address the issue and protect the homeowner's property from the effects of erosion.Rate this question:
- 21.
The slow downslope movement of large masses of material is called?
Correct Answer
creepExplanation
Creep refers to the gradual downslope movement of large masses of material, such as soil or rock, due to the force of gravity. This movement occurs over a long period of time and is typically very slow, often imperceptible. Creep is caused by the expansion and contraction of materials due to temperature changes, as well as the weight of the overlying material. It is a common form of mass wasting and can cause significant damage to infrastructure and property over time.Rate this question:
- 22.
Name a river delta whose shape is most influenced by waves:
Correct Answer
nileExplanation
The Nile River delta is shaped by waves. The Nile River carries a large amount of sediment, which is deposited at the river mouth. The waves along the Mediterranean Sea coastline constantly interact with this sediment, shaping the delta over time. The strong wave action helps to shape the delta into its characteristic triangular shape, with multiple distributaries branching out from the main river channel.Rate this question:
- 23.
Name an estuary formed by tectonic processes; name an estuary formed by beach growth:
Correct Answer
San Francisco BayExplanation
San Francisco Bay is an example of an estuary formed by tectonic processes. The bay was formed due to the movement of tectonic plates, specifically the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, which created a depression in the Earth's crust. Over time, this depression filled with water from the Pacific Ocean, forming the estuary. It is not formed by beach growth, as beach growth refers to the accumulation of sediment along a coastline, which is not the case for San Francisco Bay.Rate this question:
- 24.
The collapse of a sea arch leads directly to the formation of?
Correct Answer
sea stackExplanation
When a sea arch collapses, it leaves behind a pillar of rock isolated from the coastline, known as a sea stack. This occurs due to erosion and the continuous pounding of waves, which weakens the arch until it eventually collapses. The remaining stack stands tall as a testament to the power of natural forces.Rate this question:
- 25.
River sediment cannot escape from estuaries because of?
Correct Answer
estuarine circulationExplanation
Estuarine circulation refers to the movement of water within an estuary, which is influenced by tides, winds, and freshwater input. This circulation pattern creates a flow that prevents river sediment from escaping the estuary. The sediment gets trapped within the estuary due to the combination of the incoming river water and the opposing tidal currents. As a result, the sediment settles and accumulates within the estuary, leading to the formation of mudflats and salt marshes.Rate this question:
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Nov 14, 2023Quiz Edited by
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