Geomorphology Flashcards
(158 cards)
1
Q
What is geomorphology?
A
Geomorphology is the study of the Earth’s surface shapes and the processes that create and change these landforms.
2
Q
True or False: Geomorphology only focuses on landforms created by tectonic activity.
A
False
3
Q
Which process is primarily responsible for the erosion of landforms?
A
Water, wind, and ice are primary agents of erosion.
4
Q
Fill in the blank: The theory that explains how landforms evolve over time is called __________.
A
uniformitarianism
5
Q
What are the two main types of geomorphological processes?
A
Endogenic and exogenic processes.
6
Q
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of an endogenic process? A) Weathering B) Volcanism C) Erosion D) Sedimentation
A
B) Volcanism
7
Q
What is a landform?
A
A landform is a natural feature of the Earth’s surface with a distinct shape.
8
Q
True or False: Glacial landforms are created by the movement of ice.
A
True
9
Q
Name one example of a fluvial landform.
A
River valleys or deltas.
10
Q
Multiple Choice: Which landform is typically created by volcanic activity? A) Canyon B) Mountain C) Plateau D) Archipelago
A
B) Mountain
11
Q
What is the primary agent of chemical weathering?
A
Water
12
Q
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition.
A
Mechanical weathering
13
Q
What term describes the gradual wearing away of soil and rock due to wind?
A
Aeolian erosion
14
Q
True or False: Tectonic forces can create new landforms.
A
True
15
Q
What is a sedimentary basin?
A
A sedimentary basin is a low area where sediment accumulates over time.
16
Q
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of karst topography? A) Flat plains B) Sinkholes C) Deserts D) Glaciers
A
B) Sinkholes
17
Q
What is the term for the process of transporting sediment by water?
A
Fluvial transport
18
Q
Fill in the blank: The study of landforms and the processes that shape them is known as __________.
A
geomorphology
19
Q
What role do human activities play in geomorphology?
A
Human activities can significantly alter landforms through construction, mining, and agriculture.
20
Q
True or False: Coastal landforms are influenced solely by marine processes.
A
False
21
Q
What is the term for the accumulation of material at the mouth of a river?
A
Delta
22
Q
Multiple Choice: Which landform is formed by the deposition of sediments? A) Cliff B) Canyon C) Delta D) Fault
A
C) Delta
23
Q
What is the significance of studying geomorphology?
A
Studying geomorphology helps us understand landscape evolution, natural hazards, and environmental management.
24
Q
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which rocks are broken down and transported by wind.
A
Erosion
25
What is a watershed?
A watershed is an area of land that drains into a particular water body.
26
True or False: The study of geomorphology is only relevant to geologists.
False
27
28
What is geomorphology?
Geomorphology is the study of the Earth's landforms and the processes that shape them.
29
True or False: Arid regions receive high amounts of precipitation annually.
False
30
Fill in the blank: Aeolian landforms are primarily shaped by ______.
wind
31
What are the main characteristics of arid regions?
Arid regions are characterized by low rainfall, high evaporation rates, and extreme temperature variations.
32
Which type of landform is commonly found in arid environments?
Deserts
33
What is a dune?
A dune is a mound or ridge of sand formed by the wind.
34
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT an aeolian landform? A) Sand dune B) Loess C) Glacier D) Yardang
C) Glacier
35
What is a yardang?
A yardang is a streamlined landform created by wind erosion, typically found in arid regions.
36
True or False: Pediments are flat, erosional surfaces found at the base of mountains in arid areas.
True
37
What is the term for the process of sediment transport by wind?
Aeolian transport
38
Fill in the blank: The ______ is a large, flat area of desert that is often covered with sand.
erg
39
What are playas?
Playas are dry lake beds found in arid regions, often characterized by salt flats.
40
Multiple Choice: Which process contributes to the formation of loess? A) Glacial deposition B) Wind erosion C) River deposition D) Volcanic activity
B) Wind erosion
41
What is the primary factor that influences the formation of aeolian landforms?
Wind strength and direction
42
True or False: All deserts are characterized by sand dunes.
False
43
What is a blowout?
A blowout is a depression or hollow formed by wind erosion in sandy areas.
44
Fill in the blank: The process of ______ occurs when wind removes fine particles from the surface.
deflation
45
What is the difference between an oasis and a desert?
An oasis is a fertile area in a desert where water is available, while a desert is a dry area with little to no vegetation.
46
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a primary agent of erosion in arid environments? A) Water B) Ice C) Wind D) Soil
C) Wind
47
What are ventifacts?
Ventifacts are rocks that have been shaped and polished by wind-blown sand.
48
True or False: Arid regions can support dense forests.
False
49
What is a mesa?
A mesa is an isolated flat-topped hill with steep sides, often found in arid regions.
50
Fill in the blank: The term ______ describes the process of sediment deposition by wind.
accumulation
51
What role does vegetation play in arid regions?
Vegetation helps to stabilize soil and reduce erosion by wind.
52
Multiple Choice: Which landform is typically the result of wind erosion in arid environments? A) Mountain B) Valley C) Cliff D) Blowout
D) Blowout
53
What are the three main types of rocks?
Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
54
True or False: Plate tectonics is the theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithosphere.
True.
55
Fill in the blank: The Earth's outer shell is called the _____.
lithosphere.
56
What is the primary force driving plate tectonics?
Convection currents in the mantle.
57
Multiple Choice: Which type of plate boundary is characterized by plates moving apart?
Divergent boundary.
58
What type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma?
Igneous rock.
59
True or False: Volcanoes are only found at convergent plate boundaries.
False.
60
What is the term for the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces?
Weathering.
61
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere.
asthenosphere.
62
Multiple Choice: Which type of volcano is characterized by a broad, gently sloping shape?
Shield volcano.
63
What are tectonic plates primarily composed of?
Crust and upper mantle materials.
64
True or False: Subduction zones occur where an oceanic plate converges with a continental plate.
True.
65
What is magma called when it reaches the Earth's surface?
Lava.
66
Fill in the blank: The _____ cycle describes the transformation of rocks through geological processes.
rock.
67
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of volcanic eruption?
Tornado eruption.
68
What is the scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes?
Richter scale.
69
True or False: Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments.
True.
70
What are the two types of crust on Earth?
Continental crust and oceanic crust.
71
Fill in the blank: The boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other is called a _____ boundary.
transform.
72
Multiple Choice: Which geological feature is typically formed at a convergent boundary?
Mountain ranges.
73
What is the term for the scientific study of earthquakes?
Seismology.
74
True or False: All volcanoes are explosive.
False.
75
What is the term for the molten rock found beneath the Earth's surface?
Magma.
76
Fill in the blank: The movement of tectonic plates can cause _____ and landforms.
earthquakes.
77
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of a sedimentary rock?
Sandstone.
78
What is the primary component of Earth's atmosphere that is essential for volcanic eruptions?
Water vapor.
79
True or False: The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area with a high level of tectonic activity.
True.
80
What is soil development?
The process by which soil forms and evolves over time.
81
True or False: Soil development is influenced only by climate.
False
82
Name the five factors of soil formation.
Parent material, climate, topography, organisms, and time.
83
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the original material from which soil forms.
parent material
84
What role does climate play in soil development?
Climate affects weathering processes, organic matter decomposition, and moisture availability.
85
Multiple Choice: Which factor is NOT one of the five soil formation factors? A) Time B) Water C) Organisms D) Parent material
B) Water
86
True or False: Soil horizons are layers that develop in the soil profile.
True
87
What is a soil horizon?
A distinct layer of soil that differs in color, texture, and composition from other layers.
88
Fill in the blank: The top layer of soil, rich in organic material, is called the __________.
O horizon
89
What is the significance of the A horizon?
It is known as the topsoil and is crucial for plant growth due to its nutrient content.
90
Multiple Choice: Which horizon is typically leached of nutrients? A) A horizon B) E horizon C) B horizon D) C horizon
B) E horizon
91
True or False: Soil development can take thousands of years.
True
92
What is the role of organisms in soil development?
Organisms contribute to organic matter formation, nutrient cycling, and soil structure.
93
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process of soil formation through the weathering of rock.
Pedogenesis
94
What is the B horizon also known as?
Subsoil
95
Multiple Choice: Which soil formation process involves the breaking down of rocks? A) Leaching B) Weathering C) Erosion D) Sedimentation
B) Weathering
96
True or False: Soil can be classified into different types based on texture and composition.
True
97
What is soil texture?
The relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in a soil.
98
Fill in the blank: The __________ horizon is often referred to as the 'zone of accumulation.'
B horizon
99
What does soil pH influence?
It affects nutrient availability and microbial activity in the soil.
100
Multiple Choice: Which soil type has the highest water retention? A) Sandy soil B) Silty soil C) Clayey soil D) Loamy soil
C) Clayey soil
101
True or False: Soil erosion has no impact on soil development.
False
102
What is the primary consequence of soil erosion?
Loss of topsoil and nutrients, which can hinder soil development.
103
Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the movement of soil particles from one location to another.
Erosion
104
What is the relationship between soil development and land use?
Land use practices can significantly impact soil development through compaction, erosion, and contamination.
105
Multiple Choice: Which soil horizon is most affected by leaching? A) O horizon B) E horizon C) B horizon D) C horizon
B) E horizon
106
What is karst topography?
A landscape shaped by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, gypsum, and salt.
107
True or False: Karst systems are primarily formed through fluvial processes.
False
108
What is the primary process that forms karst features?
Chemical weathering and dissolution of soluble rocks.
109
Fill in the blank: The primary rock type associated with karst formations is __________.
limestone
110
What are sinkholes?
Depressions or holes in the ground caused by the collapse of a surface layer, often found in karst regions.
111
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a feature of karst landscapes? A) Caves B) Sinkholes C) Alluvial fans D) Springs
C) Alluvial fans
112
What role do springs play in karst systems?
They are points where groundwater flows to the surface, often indicating the presence of an underground water system.
113
True or False: Fluvial geomorphology studies the processes and landforms created by river systems.
True
114
What is the term for the process of sediment transport by rivers?
Fluvial erosion and deposition.
115
Fill in the blank: The area of land that drains into a river is called a __________.
watershed
116
What are the main types of river landforms?
Meanders, oxbow lakes, floodplains, and deltas.
117
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of braided rivers? A) High sediment load B) Low energy C) Single channel D) Steep gradient
A) High sediment load
118
What is the difference between alluvial and non-alluvial rivers?
Alluvial rivers flow through sedimentary deposits, while non-alluvial rivers flow through bedrock.
119
True or False: Karst aquifers are typically more productive than other types of aquifers.
True
120
What is the term for the underground drainage system in karst landscapes?
Karst aquifer.
121
Fill in the blank: The process by which water dissolves rock is known as __________.
chemical weathering
122
What is a meander?
A winding curve or bend in a river.
123
Multiple choice: Which landform is created at the mouth of a river where it meets a body of water? A) Delta B) Estuary C) Canyon D) Oxbow lake
A) Delta
124
What is the significance of base level in fluvial geomorphology?
It is the lowest point to which a river can erode, influencing river profile and sediment transport.
125
True or False: Karst environments can significantly impact water quality and availability.
True
126
What is the term for the area where a river spreads out and slows down, depositing sediment?
Floodplain.
127
Fill in the blank: The process of a river cutting down into its bed is known as __________.
downcutting
128
What is the primary factor that influences the shape of river valleys?
The balance between erosion and sediment deposition.
129
Multiple choice: Which feature is formed when a river cuts off a meander? A) Delta B) Oxbow lake C) Floodplain D) Alluvial fan
B) Oxbow lake
130
What is the role of vegetation in fluvial geomorphology?
It helps stabilize riverbanks and reduces erosion.
131
True or False: Groundwater in karst environments can travel long distances without surface exposure.
True
132
What is the term for the surface expression of groundwater in karst landscapes?
Karst springs.
133
What is weathering?
The process of breaking down rocks and minerals at the Earth's surface.
134
True or False: Weathering can occur without the movement of materials.
True
135
What are the two main types of weathering?
Mechanical weathering and chemical weathering.
136
Fill in the blank: _____ weathering involves the physical breakdown of rocks.
Mechanical
137
What is chemical weathering?
The process that breaks down rocks through chemical reactions.
138
Which type of weathering involves the formation of new minerals?
Chemical weathering.
139
True or False: Frost wedging is a form of mechanical weathering.
True
140
What is mass wasting?
The downward movement of soil and rock due to gravity.
141
List one factor that influences mass wasting.
Water content, slope angle, or vegetation.
142
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of mass wasting? A) Landslide B) Erosion C) Rockfall D) Mudflow
B) Erosion
143
What is a landslide?
A sudden and fast movement of a large amount of earth material down a slope.
144
Fill in the blank: _____ flow refers to the movement of saturated soil and debris.
Mud
145
True or False: Vegetation can help prevent mass wasting.
True
146
What role does water play in weathering?
Water can chemically react with minerals and also contribute to mechanical weathering.
147
Define 'soil creep.'
A slow, gradual movement of soil down a slope.
148
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a sign of mass wasting? A) Cracks in the ground B) Healthy vegetation C) Flat terrain D) Dry riverbeds
A) Cracks in the ground
149
What is the primary cause of weathering?
Natural processes such as wind, water, temperature changes, and biological activity.
150
Fill in the blank: _____ weathering often results in the formation of soil.
Chemical
151
True or False: Mass wasting can occur slowly or suddenly.
True
152
What is a rockfall?
The rapid descent of rock fragments from a steep slope or cliff.
153
List two types of mechanical weathering.
Frost wedging and thermal expansion.
154
What is the impact of human activity on mass wasting?
Human activities like deforestation and construction can increase the risk of mass wasting.
155
Define 'slump.'
A type of mass wasting where a mass of earth material moves down a slope in a rotational manner.
156
Multiple Choice: What is a key factor that can trigger a landslide? A) Earthquake B) Drought C) Low temperature D) Flat terrain
A) Earthquake
157
What is the relationship between slope angle and mass wasting?
Steeper slopes are more susceptible to mass wasting.
158
Fill in the blank: The process of _____ involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles.
weathering
