periglacial processes Flashcards

1
Q

solifluction

A

occur in areas of permifrost as the ground starts to thaw
- the layer of permifrost is impermeable
- if the tempreture rises, the active layer melts away but the meltwater cannot drain away
- theu active layer becomes waterlogged and heaver and flows reletavly easily. this can occur whereever there is a gradient

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2
Q

solufluction produces …

A

lobe formations
- this is where one section of soil moves faster than the soil around it often because it is on steeper ground
- the faster flowing section forms a tongue shape

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3
Q

freeze thaw weathering

A
  • water settles in the cracks of rocks.
  • the volume of water expands by 9% when it freezes
  • the ice thaws when the temp rises
  • this continual cycle of freezing and thawing will weaken and shatter the rock causing it to shatter ( frost shattering)
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4
Q

frost heave

A

when the ground thaws, the soil particals moce vertically downwards, meaning end up further down the slope.

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5
Q

nivation

A

nivation makes holloes in a sloped landscape deeber by freezing and thawing.
* when snow collects in a hollow, freeze thaw weathering can cause erosion
* frost-shattering breaks bits off the rock at the base of the hollow
* when the snow melts, the meltwater carries the broken bits of rock away
* eventually the hollow becomes deeper and wider

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6
Q

wind erosion (aeolian)

A
  • strong winds are likely to be in periglacial landscapes due to there being few tall trees to act as windbreaks
  • wind erosion can break up loose till and weaken features of rocky landscapes
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7
Q

meltwater erosion

A

happens mostly in the summer when there are greater rates of ablation and meltwater discharge is far higher

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