Multiple-Choice Test: Glaciology and Ice

Front

What does the 'Snowball Earth' hypothesis suggest?

Back

The 'Snowball Earth' hypothesis suggests that during certain periods in Earth's history, the planet experienced complete global glaciation.

Front

What are sediments deposited by meltwater and glaciers called?

Back

Sediments deposited by meltwater and glaciers are called glacial sediments, which include features like moraines and drumlins.

Front

What type of glacier moves through mountainous regions and occupies valleys?

Back

Alpine glaciers are characterized by their movement through mountainous regions and often occupy valleys.

Front

What is an example of a glacial erosional feature?

Back

A fjord is an example of a glacial erosional feature.

Front

What are freeze-thaw processes?

Back

Freeze-thaw processes are physical weathering processes that occur in regions near glaciers, where water freezes and expands, then thaws, causing rock to break apart.

Front

What is a moraine?

Back

A moraine is an accumulation of debris (rocks and sediment) that has been transported and deposited by a glacier.

Front

What is a drumlin?

Back

A drumlin is a streamlined hill formed by the movement of a glacier, typically composed of glacial till.

Front

What are ice shelves?

Back

Ice shelves are floating extensions of glaciers that form where a glacier meets the ocean.

Front

What is the difference between continental glaciers and alpine glaciers?

Back

Continental glaciers cover large areas of land and are not confined to valleys, while alpine glaciers are found in mountainous regions and flow down valleys.

Front

What is glacial till?

Back

Glacial till is unsorted sediment that is deposited directly by a glacier as it melts.