1.1.8: Aeolian, fluvial and biotic processes

Question 1

Aeolian processes

Answer 1

when wind reaches a critical velocity it transports sediment particles which can lead to the development of sand dunes

Question 2

conditions required for aeolian processes to occur

5

Answer 2

• an abundant supply of sand
• shallow beach gradient
• tidal range that allows large area of sand to dry at high tide
• prevailing offshore winds
• an area inland where windblown sand can accumulate

Question 3

Which waves needed to form sand dunes

Answer 3

constructive

Question 4

Ridges

sand dunes

Answer 4

lines of dunes parallel to the coast

Question 5

Slacks

sand dunes

Answer 5

Hollows found between the dune ridges

Question 6

Grey dunes

Answer 6

Older dunes where decomposing organic matter creates a humus layer on the surface, making the dunes appear grey

Question 7

Yellow dunes

Answer 7

Younger dunes with no humus layer

Question 8

Embryo dunes

Answer 8

Youngest dunes in the earliest stages of formation

Question 9

Fore dunes

Answer 9

Dunes ridges closest to the sea

Question 10

Fixed dunes

Answer 10

Older dunes stabilised with vegetation, which are unlikely to change

Question 11

Blow- out

sand dunes

Answer 11

An area of dune that has been eroded by the wind, often due to its protective cover of vegetation being removed by animal or human activity

Question 12

Fluvial processes

Answer 12

The erosion, transportation and deposition of sediment by rivers to the coastal zone.

Question 13

Tidal flats

Answer 13

Muddy areas bordering an estuary

Question 14

Rills

Answer 14

Shallow channels cut by the action of running water

Question 15

Salt marshes

Answer 15

Gently sloping, vegetated areas of intertidal mudflats

Question 16

Biotic processes

examples 2

Answer 16

coral reefs

mangroves

Question 17

Best conditions for coral growth

4

Answer 17

clear water
sea water temps. between 23-29 degrees C
shallow water less than 100m deep
wave activity

Question 18

Where are 91% of coral reefs found

Answer 18

Indo-Pacific region

Question 19

Largest coral reef

Answer 19

The great barrier reef off the Queensland, Australia coast

Question 20

Mangroves

Answer 20

Form an ecosystem of small trees growing along tropical coastlines where fine sediments have deposited

Question 21

Largest mangrove forest

Answer 21

The great sundarbans forest in India and Bangladesh covers 1400km squared