Glacial Environments and Systems Quiz
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Glacial Environments and Systems Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary shape of valleys formed by glacial erosion compared to those formed by water erosion?

  • V-shaped
  • Flat-bottomed
  • U-shaped (correct)
  • Circular

    • Which of the following accurately describes the sediment in the basal zone of a glacier?

  • Well sorted and layered
  • Exclusively fine-grained silt
  • Composed mainly of boulders
  • Not sorted and may be highly concentrated (correct)

    • What is the role of ice wedging in glacial landscapes?

  • It prevents glacial movement.
  • It contributes to the formation of U-shaped valleys. (correct)
  • It causes the melting of glaciers.
  • It creates layered sediment deposits.

    • In which geographic location is the Matterhorn, a classic example of a glacial horn, found?

    <p>Switzerland, Europe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of rock has been shaped by glaciers over approximately 270 million years in Tasmania?

    <p>Sedimentary rock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the thixotropic behavior of ice indicate about its viscosity?

    <p>The viscosity decreases as the load increases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which zone of a glacier is primarily responsible for the accumulation of snow that forms ice?

    <p>Accumulation zone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the ablation zone of a glacier?

    <p>It is where ice begins to melt due to higher temperatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the equilibrium line of a glacier?

    <p>The point where accumulation equals ablation under stable conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of environment is described as being influenced by melting ice but not in direct contact?

    <p>Proglacial environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a zone of a glacier?

    <p>Circumglacial zone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a moraine represent in glacial geology?

    <p>An accumulation of unconsolidated glacial debris.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of a glacier is referred to as the englacial zone?

    <p>The middle section within the glacier.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily influences the transport of sediment in glacial environments?

    <p>Fluid flow from ice and meltwater</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following sediment characteristics is typical for glacial deposits?

    <p>Very poorly sorted and can be angular or rounded</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary landform created by glacial activity?

    <p>U-shaped valleys</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about glacial systems is true?

    <p>They can have seasonal fluctuations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of rock is typically associated with glacial environments?

    <p>Tillites / diamictites</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'thixotropic' refer to in the context of ice as a fluid?

    <p>Plastic materials with variable viscosity after a yield strength is surpassed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is Antarctica considered a high latitude, low altitude glacier environment?

    <p>It has an overall low elevation while being located at high latitudes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes the melting of ice in glacial systems?

    <p>Rising temperatures and environmental changes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Glacial Environments

    • Glaciers form where snow accumulation exceeds melting
    • They occur mainly at high latitudes, but can also be found at low latitudes above the snowline
    • They can range in size and have varying seasonal fluctuations
    • Glaciers cover 10% of the Earth's surface

    Glacial Sedimentary Systems

    • Glaciers are characterized by strong physical weathering, transport by ice and meltwater, and deposition at the glacial terminus and outwash zones
    • Glacial sediments are poorly sorted, can be angular or rounded, and show short transport distances
    • Common glacial sediment types include tillites/diamictites, laminated mudstones with dropstones, and structureless moraine deposits

    Ice as a Fluid

    • Glacier ice exhibits Bingham plastic properties, requiring a yield strength to be overcome before deformation
    • They have both high capacity and competency, capable of transporting large volumes of sediment

    Stable Glaciers

    • Stable glaciers maintain a balance between snow accumulation and melting
    • The type of glacier influences the specific sedimentological features it creates

    Anatomy of a Glacier

    • The accumulation zone, where snow compacts into ice, is located at higher altitudes
    • The ablation zone, where melting occurs, is located at lower altitudes
    • The equilibrium line marks where accumulation and ablation are balanced, keeping the glacier stationary
    • Moraines form through the accumulation of glacial debris

    Features of an Ice Flow

    • The subglacial zone is the base of the glacier in contact with the bed
    • The supraglacial zone represents the upper surface of the glacier
    • The englacial zone refers to the interior of the glacier
    • The ice-contact zone encompasses the margins of the glacier
    • The proglacial environment surrounds melting ice but is not directly in contact
    • The periglacial environment extends beyond the proglacial regions

    Glacially Shaped Mountains

    • Glaciers carve out classic bowl-shaped cirques within mountains
    • Horns form when multiple cirques intersect

    Ancient Glacial Landscapes

    • Periglacial sedimentary rock shaped by ancient glaciers can reveal past glacial activity

    Glacially Shaped Valleys

    • Valleys carved by water are V-shaped
    • Valleys carved by glaciers are U-shaped
    • Glacial erosion occurs through abrasion, distributing sediment across a broader area

    Glacial Erosion - Abrasion

    • The largest volume of sediment transported by glaciers resides at the basal zone
    • Sediment concentrations within the basal zone can reach up to 90% in warmer areas
    • Sediment in glacial environments is typically layered but not sorted
    • Abundant 'rock flour' is a characteristic of glacial deposits

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    Related Documents

    Glaciers Lecture Notes PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on glacial environments and sedimentary systems with this quiz. Explore key concepts such as glacier formation, sediment transport, and ice properties. Perfect for students studying earth sciences or geography.

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