Eolian Depositional Environments Quiz

What is a primary factor controlling the global distribution of deserts?

• Tectonic plate movements

• Ocean currents

• Volcanic activity

• Coriolis effect

Which type of sediment transport involves the bouncing of grains along the ground?

• Deflation

• Saltation

• Suspension

• Creep

What is the term for natural sandblasting that forms yardangs?

• Creep

• Saltation

• Abrasion

• Deflation

Which type of dune is characterized by a U-shape with horns pointing downwind?

• Star dune

• Parabolic dune

• Transverse dune

• Barchan dune

What are draas in the context of eolian environments?

• Flat sand sheets

• Lag deposits

• Large-scale dunes with superimposed smaller dunes

• Small ripples on sand

How can dunes be preserved in eolian environments?

• By volcanic ash covering

• Through rising groundwater levels

• By tectonic uplift

• Through rapid sedimentation

Which preservation system involves vegetation and surface cementation?

• Dry systems

• Wet systems

• Stabilized systems

• Erosional systems

What is a key difference between eolian and fluvial deposits?

• Fluvial deposits are better sorted

• Eolian deposits contain more mud

• Eolian deposits are typically well-rounded and sorted

• Fluvial deposits have no fossils

How can you differentiate between eolian and beach environments?

• By the presence of marine fossils

• By the size of the dunes

• By the color of the sand

• By the presence of vegetation

What type of fossils would you expect to find in eolian sands?

• Marine fossils

• Terrestrial fossils

• Dinosaur fossils

• No fossils