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Questions and Answers
An ______ is a partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea
estuary
______ - It is the edge of a continent that lies under the ocean
continental shelf
______ - a generally flat area of land next to a river or stream
floodplain
______ - was a supercontinent that included almost all of Earth’s landmasses in early geologic time
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______ - the study of the interactions between the physical shapes of rivers, their water and sediment transport processes, and the landforms they create
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______ - These are solid fragments of inorganic or organic material that come from the weathering of rock and soil erosion, and are carried and deposited by wind, water, or ice
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______ - is the interface between land and a river or stream
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Unconsolidated sediments are solid fragments of inorganic or organic material that come from the ______ of rock and soil erosion, and are carried and deposited by wind, water, or ice
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What are the primary mineral resources of the Coastal Plain Province. ______: These are chiefly used as aggregate materials by the construction industry. Clay: Used for brick and other ceramic uses1. Coastal Plain clays include fire clay, ball clay, kaolin, and bentonite. Heavy Mineral Sands: These sands contain titanium, zirconium, and rare earth elements, which are considered critical mineral resources3. They are present in areas from the coast to a hundred miles or more inland beneath soil within the Atlantic Coastal Plain Province. Gypsum, Bauxite, Phosphate, Bentonite, Mica, Titanium: These are also found in the Coastal Plain Province
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How does the Chesapeake moderate climate adjacent to its shores. Water temp: This increase in water temperature can influence the climate of the surrounding areas, as water bodies can absorb, store, and slowly release heat, thereby reducing temperature extremes and helping to moderate the climate Sea level rise: rise in sea level can influence the climate of the adjacent coastal plain and rivers by altering the salinity, inundation patterns, and ecosystem dynamics, which in turn can have impacts on the local climate. Strom intensity: This can have a significant impact on the climate of the adjacent coastal plain and rivers.
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Briefly describe the hydrology and typical plants for the following ecosystems: mentioned: a. Alluvial Wetlands: These wetlands are typically found along rivers and streams, where they are regularly inundated with water. The hydrology is characterized by a mix of surface water from the river and groundwater. The vegetation in alluvial wetlands is diverse and adapted to regular flooding. b. River Swamp Forest: These are found along rivers and streams, often in regions of low relief. They have standing or sluggishly flowing water for significant parts of the year2. The vegetation is typically dominated by trees2. c. Tidal Hardwood Forest: These forests are influenced by the tidal freshwater streams. The water-table gradient is upstream and the tidal pulse affects the shallow groundwater table3. The forest-community structure shows no significant relationship to tidal vs. non-tidal hydrodynamics in the riparian zones3. d. Pine Barrens: These are characterized by porous, acidic, and low nutrient soils. The hydrology is largely determined by the water table, which is often close to the surface4. The vegetation is dominated by pine trees, particularly the pitch pine5. e. Pocosins: These are freshwater, shrub-dominated wetlands with deep, acidic, sandy, peat soils. They are saturated permanently or for long periods, but with only rare surface flooding6. The vegetation is typically dense and dominated by evergreen shrubs with scattered pond pine7. Bay Forests: These forests are found in low-lying areas, riverbanks, and floodplains where there is a consistent supply of freshwater8. The vegetation is typically diverse, with a mix of different types of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants8. Cypress Domes: These are forested depressional freshwater wetlands that occur where ground depressions intersect the water. The canopy is dominated by cypress trees, with tupelo often present. The hydrology is characterized by a specific pattern that sustains their structure and function.
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Study Notes
Coastal and Geological Terms
- An estuary is partially enclosed coastal water with rivers flowing into it and a connection to the open sea.
- Continental shelf refers to the submerged edge of a continent.
- Floodplain is a flat area of land adjacent to a river or stream.
- Pangaea was a supercontinent encompassing nearly all landmasses during early geologic time.
- Fluvial geomorphology studies how rivers shape landscapes through water and sediment transport.
Sediments and Resources
- Sediments are solid fragments, both inorganic and organic, resulting from weathering and erosion, transported by wind, water, or ice.
- Unconsolidated sediments originate from the weathering of rocks and soil erosion.
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Coastal Plain Province mineral resources:
- Clay: Utilized for bricks and ceramics, includes fire clay, ball clay, kaolin, and bentonite.
- Heavy mineral sands: Contain titanium, zirconium, and rare earth elements, found inland and near the coast.
- Other resources: Gypsum, Bauxite, Phosphate, Bentonite, Mica, Titanium.
Climate Influences
- Water temperature affects local climate by absorbing and releasing heat, moderating extremes.
- Sea level rise alters salinity and inundation patterns, impacting the coastal plain and river ecosystems.
- Storm intensity significantly influences climate along adjacent coastal areas.
Ecosystems and Hydrology
- Alluvial Wetlands: Located along rivers with a mix of surface and groundwater; characterized by diverse, flood-adapted vegetation.
- River Swamp Forest: Found along rivers with standing/sluggish water; dominated by trees and typical of low-lying areas.
- Tidal Hardwood Forest: Influenced by tidal freshwater streams, with water-table gradient affected by tidal pulse; vegetation structure largely independent of tidal dynamics.
- Pine Barrens: Feature low-nutrient, acidic soils with a water table often near the surface; primarily inhabited by pitch pine trees.
- Pocosins: Freshwater wetlands with deep, acidic peat soils, permanently saturated; dense evergreen shrub vegetation with scattered pond pine.
- Bay Forests: Located in low, floodplain areas with a consistent freshwater supply; diverse vegetation including trees, shrubs, and herbs.
- Cypress Domes: Forested depressions intersecting groundwater; dominated by cypress trees with distinct hydrology sustaining ecosystem structure.
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Description
Test your knowledge of oceanography and geology with this quiz on continental shelves, unconsolidated sediments, Pangea, and alluvial deposits. See how much you know about these fascinating geological and marine features!
