Estuary Last Test Ch 18,19, 20

The correct answer is Valley (alpine) and continental. This is because glaciers can be classified into two main types based on their location and size. Valley glaciers, also known as alpine glaciers, are found in mountainous regions and flow down valleys. Continental glaciers, on the other hand, are large ice sheets that cover vast areas of land, such as the polar ice caps. Therefore, the answer choice Valley (alpine) and continental accurately represents the two types of glaciers.

A sea stack is an isolated remnant of bedrock standing above a wave-cut platform. It is formed through the erosion of coastal cliffs by the relentless pounding of waves. Over time, the waves erode the base of the cliff, causing the upper portion to separate and stand alone. Sea stacks are often tall and vertical, and they can be found along coastlines around the world.

The cross-valley profile of a valley eroded by an alpine glacier is "U" shaped. This is because the movement of the glacier erodes the valley floor and sides, creating a wide and flat bottom with steep, straight sides. The glacier's immense power and weight cause it to scrape and plow through the landscape, carving out a distinct U-shaped valley. This shape is a characteristic feature of glacial erosion and can be observed in many glaciated regions around the world.

Sea level has been rising about 10 centimeters per century over the past few thousand years. This indicates a gradual increase in the average height of the world's oceans over time. This rise in sea level can be attributed to various factors such as the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, thermal expansion of seawater due to global warming, and changes in ocean currents. It is important to monitor and understand these changes in order to assess and mitigate the potential impacts of sea level rise on coastal areas and human populations.

The Wisconsinan was the most recent Pleistocene glacial episode in North America. This period is characterized by the advance and retreat of glaciers, which shaped the landscape and left behind evidence of their presence, such as moraines and glacial lakes. The Wisconsinan glaciation occurred approximately 75,000 to 11,700 years ago, and its effects can still be seen today in the form of landforms and deposits across North America.

During neap tide, the daily tidal range is least. Neap tides occur when the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun are perpendicular to each other, resulting in the least amount of tidal variation. The gravitational pull of the moon and the sun partially cancel each other out during neap tides, causing smaller tidal bulges and a smaller tidal range. This is in contrast to spring tides, which occur when the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun are aligned, resulting in larger tidal bulges and a greater tidal range.

Steppes have rainfall amounts and soil moisture contents between those of true deserts and humid lands. Steppes are characterized by dry and arid conditions, but they receive more rainfall than deserts, allowing for some vegetation to grow. The soil in steppes is typically not as dry as in deserts, but it is not as moist as in humid lands. This intermediate level of rainfall and soil moisture makes steppes a transitional zone between deserts and humid lands.

The correct answer is "Star" because the description provided mentions a wavy star-shaped pattern, which is characteristic of star dunes. Star dunes have multiple arms that radiate from a central point, creating a distinct star-like shape. This type of dune is formed by winds blowing from different directions, causing sand to accumulate in a central location and form the arms of the star.

Desertification is the process by which fertile land turns into desert due to various factors. It is increasingly becoming a problem as it is occurring at an alarming rate in many parts of the world. Additionally, desertification is a natural process that can be accelerated by human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and improper land use. As a result of desertification, areas experience reduced rainfall, loss of vegetation, and soil degradation, leading to droughts and famine. Therefore, all of the given options are correct and contribute to the understanding of desertification.

A bajada is a mature, desert landscape feature that consists of coalesced alluvial fans. Alluvial fans are sediment deposits that form at the base of mountains or hills in arid regions. Over time, these individual alluvial fans merge together to form a continuous slope or bajada. This feature is commonly found in desert areas where occasional flash floods occur, carrying sediment and depositing it at the base of the slopes. The merging of these alluvial fans creates a smooth, sloping surface that characterizes a bajada.

A wash is an intermittent stream channel in the dry land areas of the western United States. This term is commonly used to describe a dry riverbed or a gully that carries water during periods of heavy rainfall or flash floods. The word "wash" is often used in the context of arid or desert regions where water is scarce and the landscape is characterized by dry stream channels.

Basal slip (sliding) is one of the two major flow mechanisms in a glacier. It occurs when the glacier slides over its bed due to the presence of meltwater lubricating the interface between the glacier and the underlying rock or sediment. This sliding movement is facilitated by the weight of the overlying ice and gravity. The other major flow mechanism in a glacier is internal deformation, which involves the ice deforming and flowing plastically under the pressure of its own weight.

Desert and steppe lands cover approximately 30% of Earth's land area. This means that almost one-third of the Earth's land is made up of these arid and semi-arid regions. These areas are characterized by low rainfall and sparse vegetation, making them inhospitable for most forms of life. The significant coverage of desert and steppe lands highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the unique challenges and environmental issues faced by these regions.

Wind speed is the correct answer because it directly influences the movement of sediment in eolian environments. Higher wind speeds can transport larger and heavier particles, leading to increased erosion and deposition. Conversely, lower wind speeds may only be able to move smaller particles, resulting in less erosion and deposition. Therefore, wind speed is a crucial factor in controlling the processes of erosion and deposition in eolian environments.

Dry lands are characterized by low precipitation totals and high evaporation potential exceeding actual precipitation. Storms are infrequent in dry lands, and rainfall amounts are highly variable. Wind is indeed the dominant agent of erosion and sediment transport in dry lands. However, the statement that dew points are lower in the summer than winter is incorrect. In dry lands, the dew point is generally higher in the summer due to the higher temperatures and increased moisture content in the air.

A kettle forms when a block of ice is buried in drift and subsequently melts creating a pit. This pit resembles the shape of a kettle, hence the name.

M. Milankovich first developed the theory that small variations in the Earth-Sun distance were responsible for short-term climate oscillations (1000-100,000).

The daily tidal range is greatest during spring tide. Spring tide occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned, creating a strong gravitational pull on the ocean. This results in higher high tides and lower low tides, leading to a greater difference in water levels between high and low tides.

Dry lands are areas with low precipitation and high evaporation rates, resulting in limited water availability. The given answer, "20 and 30," suggests that most dry lands are located between 20 and 30 degrees north and south of the equator. This is because these regions experience high temperatures and receive less rainfall, making them prone to aridity and desertification. The answer aligns with the fact that many major deserts, such as the Sahara and the Sonoran Desert, are found within this latitude range.

Desert pavement is formed through a process called deflation and sheet wash. Deflation refers to the blowing wind that removes fine-sized particles from the land surface. As the wind blows, it carries away the smaller particles, leaving behind the coarser weathered rock fragments. Sheet wash, on the other hand, is the process where running water deposits gravel and sand over the finer-sized particles. Over time, the combination of deflation and sheet wash removes the fine-sized particles, resulting in a concentration of coarse weathered rock fragments at the surface, which forms the desert pavement.

Cirques are erosional features produced by valley/alpine glaciers. They are bowl-shaped depressions found at the head of a glacier, typically formed by the erosion of a mountain peak or the intersection of multiple glaciers. As the glacier moves downhill, it carves out the cirque through processes such as plucking and abrasion. Cirques often contain small lakes or tarns and are characterized by steep walls and a concave shape. They are important in shaping the landscape and can serve as the starting point for the formation of other glacial landforms such as arêtes and horns.

The Pleistocene epoch is commonly referred to as the Ice Age because it was a time period characterized by extensive glaciation and the presence of large ice sheets. This epoch lasted from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago, and during this time, the Earth experienced multiple periods of glaciation and interglacial periods. The name "Pleistocene" is derived from the Greek words pleistos, meaning "most," and kainos, meaning "new," signifying the relatively recent occurrence of this epoch in geological history.

Submergent coastlines are characterized by a gradual or rapid rise in sea level, resulting in the flooding of low-lying areas and the formation of large estuaries. This is due to factors such as subsidence or tectonic activity. In contrast, emergent coastlines are characterized by land uplift or a decrease in sea level, which leads to the formation of features like raised beaches or marine terraces. Stable coastlines experience minimal changes in sea level and are not prone to the formation of large estuaries. Retreating coastlines, on the other hand, are characterized by erosion and a net loss of land, making the formation of large estuaries less likely. Therefore, the correct answer is submergent.

Loess refers to clay and silt that has been transported by winds over long distances. This sediment is often deposited in thick layers and can be found in areas that were once covered by glaciers or in regions with extensive dune systems. Loess is typically composed of fine particles that are easily eroded and can be easily transported by wind. It is commonly found in regions with a dry climate and is known for its ability to support fertile soils.

Abrasion and plucking generally involve the basal, sliding zone of a glacier. This is the area where the glacier is in contact with the underlying bedrock or sediment. Abrasion occurs as the glacier moves over the bedrock, scraping and grinding it, while plucking refers to the glacier picking up and carrying away pieces of the bedrock. Both processes are facilitated by the movement and pressure of the glacier in the basal, sliding zone.

Refraction is the correct answer because it refers to the phenomenon where incoming waves slow down and change direction as they approach the shoreline, causing them to rotate and align parallel to the shoreline. This is due to the change in speed and direction of the waves as they transition from deeper to shallower water.

The correct answer is "Flood" because a flood tide refers to the incoming or rising tide. This term is commonly used to describe the period when the water level is increasing and moving towards the shore. During a flood tide, the water is flowing in and filling up areas that were previously dry. It is the opposite of an ebb tide, which is when the water level is receding or going out to sea.

Due to the Coriolis effect, surface ocean currents in the Northern Hemisphere are deflected to the right of their path of motion. This is because as water moves northward, it experiences a deflection to the right due to the Earth's rotation. This deflection is caused by the conservation of angular momentum, where faster-moving water near the equator has a greater eastward velocity than slower-moving water near the poles. As a result, surface ocean currents in the Northern Hemisphere generally flow in a clockwise direction, which is to the right of their original path.

A sea arch is a landform created by wave erosion. Over time, the relentless force of waves crashing against coastal cliffs gradually erodes the rock, forming a hole or tunnel. As the erosion continues, the hole enlarges and eventually breaks through, creating an arch-like structure. Sea arches are often found along rocky coastlines and are a result of the continuous pounding of waves against the cliffs.

A fiord is a drowned glacial trough. This means that it is a deep, narrow inlet of the sea that was formed by a glacier. As the glacier advanced and retreated, it carved out a U-shaped valley. When the glacier melted, the sea level rose and filled the valley, creating a fiord. Fiords are typically characterized by steep cliffs and deep waters.

Antarctica is the correct answer because it is home to the world's second largest continental ice sheet. The ice sheet covers nearly the entire continent and contains about 90% of the world's ice. It is second in size only to the ice sheet in Greenland. Antarctica's ice sheet plays a crucial role in regulating global climate and sea levels, making it a significant feature of the continent.

Longshore drift refers to the process of sediment being transported along the coastline by the action of waves and currents. It causes mass movement of sediment downshore as it moves sediment from one area to another. This movement can result in a loss of sediment from some beaches, as it is carried away to other locations. On the other hand, longshore drift can also create an increase in sediment on some beaches, as it deposits sediment that it has carried from elsewhere. To stabilize longshore drift, structures like groins and jetties can be built, which help to disrupt the movement of sediment and maintain the beach profile. Therefore, all of the given statements are correct.

The term "drift" refers to any sediments of glacial origin. It is a broad term that encompasses all types of sediments that are deposited or moved by glaciers, including till, moraines, and other glacial deposits. It is not limited to any specific type of glacier or landform, making it a more inclusive and general term for glacial sediments.

An esker is a former meltwater channel or tunnel in glacial ice that was filled with sand and gravel.

A wash is an intermittent stream channel in the dry land areas of the western United States. This term is commonly used to describe a dry creek bed or a channel that only carries water during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt. Washes are typically found in arid or semi-arid regions and play an important role in water drainage and erosion control. They can also be referred to as arroyos or dry washes.

Jetties are coastal structures designed to keep tidal inlets from shifting location or filling with sand. They are typically built perpendicular to the shoreline and extend into the water. Jetties help to stabilize the inlet by reducing the energy of waves and currents, allowing sediment to accumulate and maintain a navigable channel. They also provide a sheltered area for boats and help to prevent erosion along the shoreline.

A medial moraine is formed when two lateral moraines merge at the junction of two valley glaciers. As the two glaciers flow down the valley, their lateral moraines combine and form a long, narrow ridge of debris in the center of the valley. This ridge is known as a medial moraine. Medial moraines are typically made up of a mixture of rock, sediment, and ice, and they can be seen as distinct lines running down the middle of a glacier.

Ground moraine is an irregular, usually thin till layer laid down by a retreating glacier. This type of moraine is formed when the glacier melts and deposits the debris it was carrying, creating a mixture of different-sized rocks, sand, and clay. Ground moraine is typically spread out over a large area and can be found underneath the glacier or scattered on the landscape. It is different from terminal moraine, which is formed at the furthest extent of the glacier, and outwash blanket, which is formed by meltwater carrying sediment away from the glacier. Kame sheet is not a type of moraine.

Despite the infrequent rainfalls, erosional and depositional features of running water are important in desert landscapes. This statement suggests that even though deserts receive limited rainfall, the impact of running water in shaping the landscape through erosion and deposition is significant. This is because when rain does occur in deserts, it can lead to flash floods and the formation of wadis (dry riverbeds) which can carve out canyons and create unique landforms in desert regions.

An outwash plain is a broad accumulation of stratified drift that is deposited adjacent to the downstream edge of an end moraine. This type of deposit forms when meltwater from a glacier carries and deposits sediment as it flows away from the glacier. The sediment is sorted and stratified, with coarser material near the glacier and finer material farther away. This process creates a broad, flat plain of sediment that is often found adjacent to the end moraine.

A kettle is similar in appearance to a sinkhole of a karst area because it is a depression in the ground that forms when a block of ice is left behind by a retreating glacier. The ice eventually melts, leaving a hole or depression in the ground. This is similar to a sinkhole in a karst area, which is also a depression in the ground caused by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone. Both features can have a similar appearance, with a depression or hole in the ground.

Calving is the process that occurs when a glacier enters the sea. It involves the breaking off of large chunks of ice from the glacier's edge and the formation of icebergs. As the glacier moves forward and reaches the water, the pressure and buoyancy cause the ice to fracture and separate, resulting in the release of icebergs into the sea. This process is common in areas where glaciers meet the ocean, such as fjords or coastal regions, and contributes to the formation of new icebergs in the marine environment.

Due to the Coriolis effect, surface ocean currents in the Southern Hemisphere are deflected to the left of their path of motion. The Coriolis effect is caused by the rotation of the Earth, which causes moving objects, like ocean currents, to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection occurs because different points on the Earth's surface are moving at different speeds due to the rotation, causing a deviation in the path of moving objects. Therefore, in the Southern Hemisphere, ocean currents are deflected to the left.

A valley glacier that lengthens (extends its terminus downslope) over a period of many years indicates that the amount of ice accumulating in the glacier is greater than the amount of ice melting or being lost through wastage. This suggests that accumulation exceeds wastage, resulting in the growth and extension of the glacier over time.

In low latitude deserts like the Sahara in Africa, the climatic factors that cause them are cool, dry air aloft descending and surface winds blowing toward the equator. This means that the air at higher altitudes is cool and dry, which causes it to sink down towards the surface. As a result, the surface winds are directed towards the equator. This descending air and the blowing winds contribute to the arid conditions and lack of precipitation in these desert regions.

The correct answer is "was once glacial outwash deposits." This means that the loess, which is a type of wind-blown sediment, was originally deposited by meltwater from glaciers. Over time, this glacial outwash material accumulated and formed the loess deposits found in many parts of the Midwest.

Inselbergs are bedrock hills that can be found in a highly eroded desert landscape. These hills are formed when the surrounding softer rock and sediment erode away, leaving behind the more resistant bedrock. Over time, the erosive forces of wind and water shape these bedrock hills into unique and isolated formations. Inselbergs can be found in various desert regions around the world and are often considered as prominent landmarks in these landscapes.

A lateral moraine is not characteristic of continental glaciation because it is formed along the sides of a glacier, while continental glaciation refers to the vast ice sheets that cover large areas of land. Lateral moraines are typically found in alpine glaciation, where glaciers are confined to mountain valleys. Terminal moraines, ground moraines, and recessional moraines, on the other hand, are all associated with continental glaciation. Terminal moraines mark the furthest extent of the glacier, ground moraines are formed as the glacier retreats and deposits sediment, and recessional moraines are created during temporary pauses in glacial retreat.

Drumlins are not found singly, but in clusters. This means that drumlins, which are elongated hills made of glacial deposits, are typically found grouped together rather than isolated. This clustering pattern suggests that drumlins form and accumulate in specific areas, possibly due to the movement and deposition of glacial ice. The presence of drumlins in clusters can provide insights into past glacial activity and the shaping of the landscape.

The bottom or downward tip of a crevasse marks the top of the internal deformation and flowage zone.