Weathering And Erosion Quiz Questions

As quartz samples are transported by a stream, they undergo a process called abrasion, where they are gradually rounded off and smoothed as they collide with other particles and the streambed. The roundest and smoothest sample (which is option 4) has likely been transported the farthest, as it has undergone the most abrasion. The more angular samples (options 1, 2, and 3) have likely traveled a shorter distance and therefore have not been as worn down.

The Catskills are generally known for their high elevation, with peaks reaching over 4,000 feet. In terms of bedrock structure, the Catskills are predominantly composed of horizontal sedimentary rocks. This means that the layers of rock were originally deposited horizontally and have not been significantly folded or tilted. This combination of high elevation and horizontal sedimentary bedrock structure is characteristic of the Catskills.

The fan-shaped pattern of sediment deposits depicted in the diagram is characteristic of an alluvial fan, which typically forms when running water, such as a stream or river, slows down as it exits a mountain range or a highland area. As the water loses energy, it deposits sediments in a fan shape at the base of the slope. This process is driven by running water, making option 3 the correct answer.

The process represented by A is transpiration. Transpiration is the process in which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves. In the water cycle, transpiration is an important component as it contributes to the overall movement of water from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere. This process helps in regulating the moisture levels in the atmosphere and plays a role in the formation of clouds and precipitation.

The dark brown to black soil layer with high organic content is typically formed through the processes of weathering and biological activity. Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller particles, while biological activity, such as the decomposition of plant and animal matter, adds organic material to the soil. This combination of mineral particles and organic matter results in the formation of fertile, nutrient-rich topsoil, which is often dark in color. The other options involve processes that are not related to soil formation or the creation of organic-rich layers.

The velocity of a stream is influenced by the gradient or steepness of the slope it flows over. On a topographic map, the steepness of a slope is indicated by how closely spaced the contour lines are: the closer the contour lines, the steeper the slope. In map 2, the contour lines between points X and Y are closest together, indicating the steepest gradient. Since all other factors are equal (same volume of water, distance, and scale), the stream in map 2 will have the greatest velocity due to the steepest slope. Therefore, option 2 is the correct answer.

The rock structure shown in the cross-section is of a domed mountain region formed by an igneous intrusion. As the bedrock of such a dome is weathered and eroded, the stream drainage pattern that typically develops is a radial pattern. This pattern is characterized by streams flowing outward in all directions from the highest point of the dome, similar to spokes on a wheel. The pattern shown in option 2 is a radial drainage pattern, making it the correct choice.

Placing a second block under location A would increase the slope of the stream table, which would cause the water to flow more quickly (increase in velocity). As the velocity of the stream increases, the stream's ability to erode material also increases, leading to a higher rate of erosion between locations A and B. Therefore, the correct answer is that both the stream's velocity and the rate of erosion would increase.

In order for rainwater to enter the ground at location X, the ground must be unsaturated, meaning it is not already filled with water. Additionally, the ground must be permeable, meaning it allows water to pass through it. If the ground is saturated, it is already filled with water and cannot absorb any more. If the ground is impermeable, it does not allow water to pass through it, so the rainwater would not be able to enter the ground. Therefore, the correct answer is unsaturated and permeable.

The minimum water velocity needed in a stream to maintain the transportation of the smallest boulder is 200 cm/sec. This means that the water needs to flow at a speed of at least 200 cm per second in order to carry the smallest boulder. If the water velocity is lower than this, it will not have enough force to move the boulder downstream.

In the cross-section, layer A is at the top and shows more signs of weathering compared to the layers below it. This is evident because the layer is eroded or missing significant portions, suggesting that it is the least resistant to weathering. The layers below it (B, C, and D) appear to be more intact, indicating they are more resistant to weathering processes. Layers that are more resistant to weathering typically remain more intact over time, while less resistant layers erode more quickly.

As the slope of the land decreases, the amount of runoff at location Y will increase. This is because a lower slope means that there is less gravitational force pulling the water downhill, allowing more water to accumulate and flow as runoff instead of being absorbed by the soil.

U-shaped valleys and parallel grooves in bedrock are characteristics of erosion by glacial ice. Glacial ice is a powerful force that can carve out valleys and create distinct features in the landscape. As glaciers move downhill, they scrape and grind against the bedrock, shaping it into a U-shape. The parallel grooves, also known as striations, are formed by the rocks and debris embedded in the ice, scratching the bedrock as the glacier moves. These features are unique to glacial erosion and provide evidence of past glaciation in an area.

In a meander of a stream, the water on the outside of the curve flows faster than the water on the inside. This faster-moving water has more energy and causes erosion on the outside bank of the meander, leading to a steeper streambank. On the inside of the meander, where the water moves more slowly, deposition occurs as sediments are deposited. This difference in erosion and deposition shapes the meandering pattern of streams and rivers. Therefore, the outside of the meander has a steeper bank due to faster water causing erosion.

The cross-section shows a profile of sediment deposits with varying sizes of sediment, including larger rocks and boulders mixed with finer material. This pattern of unsorted sediment is characteristic of a moraine, which is a deposit left behind by a glacier. As glaciers move, they pick up a variety of materials, including large boulders, rocks, sand, and silt, and when the glacier retreats or melts, it deposits these materials in an unsorted heap, forming a moraine. The other options (landslide, drumlin, delta) have more specific sorting patterns or structures that do not match the unsorted nature of the sediment shown in the diagram.