Environmental Midterm Review

Front

What is deposition in the context of river systems?

Back

Deposition is the process by which sediments, soil, and rocks are added to a landform or land mass. In river systems, it occurs when the river loses energy and can no longer carry its load, leading to the accumulation of materials at the river's mouth or along its banks.

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What are river deltas and how are they formed?

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River deltas are landforms created at the mouth of a river where it meets a body of water, such as an ocean or lake. They are formed by the deposition of sediment carried by the river as the flow velocity decreases upon entering standing water.

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What role do glaciers play in shaping landscapes?

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Glaciers shape landscapes through processes such as erosion and deposition. As glaciers move, they erode the land beneath them, creating features like U-shaped valleys and fjords, and they deposit sediments, forming features like moraines and glacial lakes.

Front

What is the primary process that leads to the formation of sedimentary rocks?

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The primary process that leads to the formation of sedimentary rocks is deposition, where sediments accumulate over time and are compacted and cemented together.

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How does plate tectonics contribute to mountain formation?

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Plate tectonics contributes to mountain formation through the movement of tectonic plates. When plates collide, they can push the Earth's crust upward, forming mountain ranges.

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What is erosion and how does it differ from deposition?

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Erosion is the process of wearing away rocks and soil through natural forces such as water, wind, and ice. It differs from deposition, which is the accumulation of sediments in a new location.

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What are V-shaped valleys and how are they formed?

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V-shaped valleys are formed by the erosive action of rivers. As a river cuts through the landscape, it carves a narrow, steep-sided valley that resembles a 'V' shape.

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What is the significance of sedimentary rocks in understanding Earth's history?

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Sedimentary rocks are significant in understanding Earth's history because they often contain fossils and provide insights into past environments, climate conditions, and biological evolution.

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What is the process of leaching in environmental science?

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Leaching is the process by which soluble substances are washed out from soil or other materials, often leading to the loss of nutrients in the soil.

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How do lakes form as a result of glacial activity?

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Lakes can form as a result of glacial activity when glaciers carve out depressions in the landscape, which can fill with water as the glacier melts.