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Chapter 15: Eolian Processes and Arid Landscapes Quiz

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 15mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Arid and semiarid climates cover about ________ of Earth's surface.

a)

three-fourths

b)

two-thirds

c)

one-half

d)

one-third

2.

The term "eolian" refers to

a)

stream-related processes.

b)

glacial processes in areas outside the polar regions.

c)

erosion, transportation, and deposition by the wind.

d)

weathering and mass movement in humid regions.

3.

For purposes of discussing eolian processes, the wind acts like a

a)

solid.

b)

gas.

c)

plasma.

d)

fluid.

4.

The ability of the wind to move materials

a)

exceeds that of other transporting agents, such as water and ice.

b)

is small compared to other transporting agents, such as water and ice.

c)

is greater than that of water because of the higher density of air compared to water.

d)

is equal to other transporting agents, such as water and ice.

5.

The transport of small sand particles (0.07 to 0.20 mm) along the ground in a bouncing and skipping action is known as

a)

deflation.

b)

abrasion.

c)

saltation.

d)

surface creep.

6.

Saltation accounts for about ________% of sediment transport by wind.

a)

15

b)

35

c)

65

d)

80

7.

The sliding and rolling along the ground of particles larger than 0.5 mm is known as

a)

deflation.

b)

abrasion.

c)

saltation.

d)

surface creep.

8.

The removal and lifting of individual loose particles by the wind is termed

a)

deflation.

b)

abrasion.

c)

saltation.

d)

deposition.

9.

The grinding and shaping of rock surfaces by the "sand blasting" action of particles captured in the air is termed

a)

deflation.

b)

abrasion.

c)

saltation.

d)

deposition.

10.

The term used to describe rocks that are pitted, fluted, or polished from eolian erosion is

a)

desert pavement.

b)

pumice.

c)

ventifacts.

d)

dunes.

11.

Desert pavement refers to

a)

specially constructed roadbeds in dry and hot regions.

b)

surfaces of concentrated pebbles and gravels.

c)

deposits of silt and clay.

d)

sand-covered surfaces.

12.

An extensive area of sand and sand dunes is known as a(n)

a)

reg desert.

b)

erg desert, or sand sea.

c)

lag desert.

d)

desert pavement.

13.

Relative to dune movement and form, a dune's slipface forms on which side?

a)

leeward side

b)

windward side

c)

direction opposite of dune movement

d)

It is not associated with a particular side.

14.

Active dunes cover approximately ________% of Earth's deserts.

a)

27

b)

63

c)

10

d)

80

15.

Which of the following is not a general shape upon which scientists classify dunes?

a)

rectilinear

b)

crescentic

c)

linear

d)

star

16.

Factors that influence dry climates include all the following except

a)

dry, subsiding air associated with subtropical high pressure systems.

b)

location in the rain shadow of mountains

c)

location in continental interiors.

d)

seasonal influence of the ITCZ.

17.

The general term for the land degradation in arid and semiarid regions characterized by expansions of deserts is

a)

desertification.

b)

woody plant encroachment.

c)

deflation.

d)

saltation.

18.

Which of the following is not considered a cause of desertification?

a)

poor agricultural practices

b)

climate change

c)

poor soil-moisture management

d)

afforestation

19.

________ dunes are the largest in size and have multiple slipfaces produced by winds from varying directions.

a)

Linear

b)

Barchan

c)

Transverse

d)

Star

20.

________ dunes form parallel to the prevailing wind, often extending for hundreds of kilometers in length.

a)

Linear

b)

Barchan

c)

Longitudinal

d)

Star