Fluvioglacial landscapes

Question 1

What are the three main types of depositional landforms in fluvioglacial landscapes?

Answer 1

Kames, eskers, outwash plains

Question 2

Describe what a kame is.

Answer 2

A hill or hummock composed of stratified sand and gravel deposited by glacial meltwater

Question 3

Name the two different categories of kame.

Answer 3

Delta kame, terrace kame

Question 4

Outline the two methods of formation of a delta kame.

Answer 4

Englacial streams emerge from the snout of a glacier, losing their energy at the base of the glacier and depositing their load OR supra glacial streams losing energy when meeting a static body of water in a ice-marginal lake

Question 5

Where can kames be found?

Answer 5

East Lothian, Scotland

Question 6

Where can terrace kames be located in relation to a glacial valley?

Answer 6

Along the edge of the valley floor

Question 7

Outline how kame terraces are formed.

Answer 7

Supraglacial streams at the edge of a glacier transport lateral moraine, depositing it as the glacier retreats

Question 8

What is the main difference between lateral moraine and kames?

Answer 8

The material is more rounded and sorted in a kame than in moraine

Question 9

Where can kame terraces be found?

Answer 9

Kingsdale valley in the Yorkshire Dales

Question 10

Describe a esker.

Answer 10

A long sinuous ridge composed of stratified sand and gravel deposited by glacial meltwater

Question 11

How is material deposited in the formation of an esker?

Answer 11

It is deposited in sub-glacial tunnels as the supply of meltwater decreases at the end of the glacial period

Question 12

What is the more controversial explanation for the formation of an esker?

Answer 12

That deposition occurs when the pressure is released and meltwater emerges at the glacial snout

Question 13

What can cause beading in an esker?

Answer 13

When the retreat of the glacier slows or halts, eskers can be taller than at other points, giving the effect of beads

Question 14

Give a named example of an esker, where it is and its approximate dimensions.

Answer 14

The Trim esker, near Dublin, 14.5km long, 4-15m high

Question 15

What is the alternative name for an outwash plain?

Answer 15

A sandur

Question 16

Describe a sandur.

Answer 16

A flat expanse of sediment in the pro-glacial area, with the largest material nearest the ice front and the finest further away

Question 17

How is an outwash plain formed?

Answer 17

As meltwater streams lose energy upon entering lowland areas beyond the ice front, they deposit their material

Question 18

What are braided streams?

Answer 18

Streams that drain outwash plains, they are river channels that are subdivided by numerous islets and channels

Question 19

How are braided streams formed?

Answer 19

Debris-laden streams lose water at the end of the glacial period, depositing it in the river channel causing it to divide. As flow decreases, the bar of sediment becomes exposed and vegetation grows making it more prominent

Question 20

Give a named example of a large sandur.

Answer 20

South coast of Iceland

Question 21

Why can fluvioglacial landforms be hard to identify?

Answer 21

Repeated advances and retreats modify the appearance of landforms, and are subject to weathering, erosion, vegetation and human activity