Landforms and Earth Processes

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Questions and Answers

Which process is most responsible for the formation of depositional landforms like deltas and alluvial fans?

Sediment transport and accumulation (correct)
Volcanic activity
Chemical weathering
Tectonic uplift

How does the concept of isostasy explain the elevation differences between continental and oceanic crust?

Continental crust is less dense and floats higher on the mantle than oceanic crust. (correct)
Continental crust is constantly uplifted by volcanic activity, increasing its elevation.
Continental crust is denser and subducts under oceanic crust.
Oceanic crust experiences more erosion, leading to lower elevations.

What is a key difference between mechanical weathering and chemical weathering?

Mechanical weathering changes the chemical composition of rocks, while chemical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces.
Mechanical weathering is more effective in humid climates, while chemical weathering dominates in arid climates.
Mechanical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, while chemical weathering alters the chemical makeup of rocks. (correct)
Mechanical weathering only affects sedimentary rocks, while chemical weathering only affects igneous rocks.

Which factor primarily determines the type and rate of weathering in a specific region?

The local climate (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of glacial erosion contribute to the formation of landforms like U-shaped valleys and fjords?

Glaciers erode and widen valleys through abrasion and plucking. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is characteristic of landscapes shaped by wind erosion (aeolian processes)?

Arches and mushroom rocks (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does vegetation influence slope stability and reduce the risk of mass wasting?

Vegetation absorbs water from the soil, reducing pore pressure and increasing soil cohesion. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role does plate tectonics play in the rock cycle?

Plate tectonics drives the melting, uplift, and deformation of rocks, creating different rock types. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why are earthquakes more frequent at plate boundaries?

Stress builds up as plates interact, eventually releasing energy as seismic waves. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do humans contribute to the acceleration of soil erosion?

Through deforestation, overgrazing, and intensive agriculture (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Physical Geography

The study of Earth's landforms, bodies of water, atmosphere, and other physical features.

Weather

The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time.

Climate

The average weather conditions in an area over a long period.

Greenhouse Effect

The trapping of the sun's warmth in a planet's lower atmosphere due to the greater transparency of the atmosphere to visible radiation from the sun than to infrared radiation emitted from the planet's surface.