Term
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Definition
| The study of the Earth, its origin, its composition, its structure, and its history |
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| Branch that is concerned with the structure and composition of the Earth and the various processes that effect it. |
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| Father of Modern Geology; author of Principles of Geology |
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| Defined continental drift |
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| Defined sea floor spreading |
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| 4 Oldest Major Students of Physical Geology |
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Definition
| In order of oldest to youngest: Richard De Bury, Aristotle, Pliny the Elder and Leonardo Da Vinci |
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| The branch of geology that deals with the record of life on earth and the changes in the life and the earth itself |
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| About what percentage of lifeforms go extinct each period |
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| The branch of geology related to commercial and industrial uses |
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| The branch of geology related to man-made projects |
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| The branch of geology using chemistry for its study |
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| The Study of the origin and development of landforms |
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| The branch of geology that uses physics for its study |
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| The study of water properties |
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| The study of ancient life/fossils |
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| The study of layered rocks (sedimentary rocks) |
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| The study of the structural features of rocks |
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| What is the diameter of the Earth? |
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Definition
| 12,740 km (around the equator) |
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Term
| What is the shape of the earth? |
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Definition
| Oblate spheroid (there is a ~43 km difference between the equator and the diameter from pole to pole) |
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| What is the motion of the earth? |
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Definition
| Completely around its axis in a 24 hour period, completely around the sun in 365 days. |
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Definition
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| Earth's density in the outer crust |
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Definition
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Term
Earth's Relief
(Highest and lowest elevations; total) |
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Definition
Highest point: Mt. Everest - 8.5 km
Lowest point: Mariana Trench - 10.5 km
Total Relief: 19 km |
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Definition
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| Origin of earth's materials |
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Definition
| Dust particles in a gaseous cloud around the sun began to form and collide, increasing their gravitational pull and eventually forming the early earth 'rock' |
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Definition
| the mechanical and chemical breakdown of rocks and minerals in place |
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Term
| rates of weathering are influenced by... (3 things) |
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Definition
| climate, rock characteristics and topography |
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Term
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Definition
| the process by which corners and edges of the rock become rounded as a result of exposure |
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Definition
| the physical removal of material by agents such as water, ice and wind |
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Definition
| the reduction in rock size and mineral particles with no chemical change |
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Term
| temperature mechanical weathering |
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Definition
| expansion and contraction caused by extreme temperature changes (forest fires, hot and cold days, etc.) |
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Term
| temperature mechanical weathering |
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Definition
| expansion and contraction caused by extreme temperature changes (forest fires, hot and cold days, etc.) |
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Definition
| the forcing apart of rocks by the expansion of water as it freezes in fractures |
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Definition
| root growth wedges rocks apart along fractures |
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Term
| man and animal activity weathering |
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Definition
| earth-moving by man and burrowing animals |
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Term
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Definition
| overlying materials (not necessarily rocks) are removed (by erosion, or other processes), which causes underlying rocks to expand and fracture parallel to the surface |
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Definition
| the process by which concentric layers form at the surface of bare rock |
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Definition
| the chemical break down of rocks resulting from their exposure to water and air |
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Definition
| the process by which rocks are dissolved by water (for example, limestone0 |
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Definition
| the addition of oxygen; iron oxide (think rust) |
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Definition
| the addition of oxygen; iron oxide (think rust) |
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Definition
| the addition of CO2 in the form of carbonic acid |
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Definition
| chemical reactions caused by water and acids |
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Definition
| the absorption of water into the crystal structure of minerals |
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Definition
| a layer of loose unconsolidated material capable of supporting plant life |
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Definition
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Definition
| soil developed directly from the underlying rock |
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Definition
| soil developed on material brought in from other areas |
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Definition
| E.ern 1/2 of of US; soils of humid regions which contain Fe and Al rich clay |
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Term
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Definition
| W.ern 1/2 of US; soils in drier regions wh/ contain an accumulation of CaCO3 |
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Definition
| Tropical soils, red highly bleached, and rich in Fe and Al oxides |
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Definition
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Term
| Soil Composition - Solid Matter |
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Definition
| Weathered rock and inorganic materials (living and dead) |
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Term
| Soil Composition - Liquid |
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Definition
| Soil H2O a/ a wide range of chemicals |
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Term
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Definition
| Atmospheric, biological, and chemically released gases |
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Term
| Factors Controlling Soil Development - Parent Material |
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Definition
| The rock or material upon which a soil develops. Examples include ash from volcanos and ground up rock deposited by glaciers. Development can take place quicker in materials mroe permeable to water. Bedrock (limestone, sandstone, shale, granite, gneiss and schist, slate and marbler, etc.) breaks down into residuum. Colluvium is the material that accumulates at the bottom of slopes. Recent alluvium is material newly developed in floodplains; they rarely get the time to create distinct horizons. Old alluvium is material of the same areas that has developed into horizons over time. |
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| Factors Controlling Soil Development - Topography |
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Definition
Relates to slope orientation, steepness and drainage.
Floodplains - areas near streams the flood periodically - may be quite productive
Terrace- soils from old alluvial materials above the zone of current flooding.
Upland Depressions or waterways - soils developed on concave land forms at the head of drainage ways and along waterways where surface drainage is retarded |
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| Factors Controlling Soil Development - Climate |
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Definition
Temperature and Precipitation; climate determines the amount of water available to weather minerals, transport minerals and release elements. It also determines the rate of chemical weathering as it influences soil temperature. More tropical climates have more organic material matter in the soil while the opposite is true of colder, harsher climates.
Rainfall also causes leaching and dissolves minerals, as well as bring in acid rain in areas close to industrial plants. |
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Term
| Factors Controlling Soil Development - Time |
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Definition
Longer; Better [100s - 1000s yrs].
time is required for horizon development, the longer a soil has been exposed to the other elements, the greater the development of the soil profile, this is less so on steep slopes and recent alluvial materials. |
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Term
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Definition
| A dsitinct soil layer consisting of characteristic physical properties |
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Term
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Definition
| Uppermost Layer - highest percentage (>12-18%) of undecomposed and/or partially decomposed organic material from plant and animal life, excluding live roots |
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Definition
| Darker than the the O-Horizon due to the mixing of mineral and organic material, contains humus - decomposed plant material and other organic material mixed with minerals and rock fragments. |
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Term
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Definition
| "Zone of Leaching" Typically present only in forested areas with light colored soil. Primary characteristic is loss of silicate clay, iron or aluminum, or some combination. Leaves only sand and silt particles with obliteration of all or much of the original rock. |
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Term
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Definition
| "Zone of Accumulation" Commonly referred to as the subsoil; rain water percolating through the soil has leached material from above and has left it in the B horizons. Caliche is a calcium carbonate-rich layer often found in the B-Horizon. Hardpan is also a layer found in the B-horizon, composed of clay and very hard. |
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Term
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Definition
| "Zone of Transition" Layer between soil and underlying bedrock |
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Definition
| Movement of materials caused by gravity, in which rock, soil and debris move downslope in bulk. |
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Term
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Definition
| A general term for the downslope movement, fast or slow, of rock, soil and/or debris. Landslides are a type of mass wasting distinct for having a well-defined zone or plane of sliding. |
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Term
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Definition
| Form of mass wasting; very slow, continuous downslope movement of rock, soil and debris. |
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Term
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Definition
| Form of Mass Wasting; slow downslope movement of water-saturated material occurring within permafrost areas where warmer weather is causing some melting. |
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Term
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Definition
Form of mass wasting; a rapid downslope movement of debris.
- Earthflow: a slow to rapid form of slope failure in which the debris moves downslope as a viscous fluid.
- Mudflow: a flowing mixture of debris (e.g. mud) and water usually within some type of channel or swale area; Lahar - mudflow consisting of volcanic debris |
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Definition
| A form of mass wasting; a very rapid and turbulent failure of debris, air and water |
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Term
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Definition
| Form of mass wasting; downslope movement in which coherent material fails along a curved surface of rupture, over a small distance |
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Definition
| A form of mass wasting; a rock mass that fails along a plane of weakness (e.g. bedding plane, joint plane, etc.) |
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Term
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Definition
| The fastest form of mass wasting, a free falling rock; talus (or scaree) is an accumulation of broken rock from rockfall at the base of a cliff |
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Term
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Definition
| Form of mass wasting; the sinking or settling of the ground surface with respect to surrounding areas |
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Term
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Definition
| Water located beneath the ground surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations |
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Term
| Groundwater - Meteoric (Precipitaion) |
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Definition
| Main source of groundwater; seeps through pores and cracks in the ground. Primarily rain and snow |
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Term
| Groundwater - Magmatic (Juvenile) |
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Definition
| A mixture of finely divided solids suspended in water to produce a paste |
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Term
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Definition
| The liquids that were trapped in the pores of sedimentary rocks as they were deposited. As the rocks are buried and undergo lithification, the connate fluids are usually expelled and as the pressure builds up, they rise tot he surface. |
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Definition
| aka void fraction; a measure of the void spaces in a material where the void may contain air or water, for example. |
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Term
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Definition
| The ability of a liquid to migrate through a liquid of a rock |
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Term
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Definition
A wet underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials from which groundwater can be usefully extracted using a water well. Typically consist of limestone or sandstone
An unconfined aquifer alows water to flow directly between the surface and the saturated zone.
A confined aquifer is overlain by a relatively impermeable layer of rock or substrate such as an aquiclude or aquitard. |
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Term
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Definition
| A bed of low permeability along an aquifer |
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Term
| Causes for the movement of groundwater |
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Definition
Gravity
Hydrostatic Pressure - what is exerted on a liquid when it is at rest. The height of a liquid column of uniform density is directly proportional to the hydrostatic pressure |
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Term
| Rates of Groundwater Movement |
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Definition
| Depends on the permeability of the aquifer and hydraulic gradient, typically slow. Average groundwater rate is 15 meters/day, though highly permeable materials can have flows as fast as 125 meters/day. |
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Term
| Zone of Aeration/Vadose Zone |
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Definition
| The unsaturated sone, located between the zone of saturation and land surface. Has pressure head of less than atmospheric pressure is retained by adhesion and capillary action. Water contained withing the vadose zone is referred to as soil moisture. |
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Term
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Definition
| aka the phreatic zone. Zone just beneath the vadose zone, where pore water pressure is under atmospheric pressue. REaltively all pores and fractuers are saturated with water. The zone size can flunctuate with changes in season and wet and dry periods. |
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Definition
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Definition
| The level at which the submarine pressure is far from atmospheric pressure; the surface of the subsurface materials that are satureated with groundwatre in a given vicinity. (Think of it as a line) |
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Term
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Definition
| An aquifer that occurs above the regional water table, in the vadose zone. Occurs when there is an impermable rock layer or sediment above the main water table/aquifer, but below the surface of land. If the flow intersect the dry surface or valley wall, will discharge as a spring. |
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Term
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Definition
| The zone of soil immediately above the water table that acts like a sponge sucking water fromt he underlying water table and retaining water somewhat tenaciously. Soil pores act like capillary tubes. |
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Term
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Definition
| Stream can both lose and gain water from Groundwater. Losing streams are flowing downstream; the water infiltrates into the ground and recharges the water table. A gaining stream increase in water volume farther down stream as it gains water from the local aquifer; more common than a losing stream. |
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Term
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Definition
| aka Artesian Aquifers; a confined aquifer containing groundwater under positive pressure. This causes the water level to rise to a point where the hydrostatic euilibrium has been reached. If the natural pressure is high enough, the water will reach the surface and flow out, this is referred to as a flowing artesian well. |
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Term
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Definition
| Point where the aquifer surface meets the ground surface; general term referring to any natural situation where water flows to the surface of the earth from underground. |
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Term
| Water Well and related terms (3) |
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Definition
Productive wells that penetrate the water table.
Static Level - the water level before pumping begins.
Drawdown - the distance that the water level is lowered during pumping
Cone of Depression - the inverted cone-shaped depression, caused by the lowering of the water table in the vicinity of the well |
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Term
| Erosion caused by Groundwater |
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Definition
Above ground - called sapping, groundwater exists a bank or hillslope laterally as seeps and springs and erodes soil fromt eh slope.
Cavern - an underground cavity created by the solution of limestone
Sinkhole - a circular depression on the land surface that forms by the collapse of a cavern
Disappering Stream - a stream that disapperas underground |
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Term
Depositional Features of Groundwater
(9) |
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Definition
Stalacite - an icicle-like deposit that hangs from the ceiling of a cavern
Stalagmite - a cone-shaped deposit that grows formt he floor of a cavern
Pillar/Column - A deposit created when a stalacite and stalagmite join
Geode - a hollow module lined with crystals deposited from ground water
Concreation - a modular body consisting of concentric layers of material deposited around a nucleus
Petrified Wood - a material formed by the replacement of woody tissue by silica from groundwater
Dendrites - thin, branch-like films of iron and manganese oxide along rock surfaces (e.g. bedding planes)
Spring Deposits - deposits found around the mouths of springs, geysers, etc.
Cement - material (e.g. SiO2 and CaCO3) deposited from groundwater that holds rock particles together |
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Term
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Definition
| aka Hot Springs; a spring with water temperature warmer than human body temperature. The heat coems from the earth's mantle. |
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Definition
| A type of hot spring that periodically erupts hot water and steam; the eruption is caused by the accumulation of bubbles at a site of constriction. |
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Term
| Sources of Groundwater Contamination |
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Definition
-Pesticides -Hazardous Waste -Illegal Dumping
-Animal/Human Wasting -Gasoline/chemical Leakage
-Poorly Designed Landfills
-Salt Water Intrusion |
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Definition
| Energy produced by harnessing naturally occuring steam and water |
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Term
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Definition
The system of moving water at the earth's surface.
Precipitation = Runoff + Infiltration + Evaporation/Transportation |
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Definition
| Water that flows over the land surface |
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Term
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Definition
| Runoff water moving in unconfined thin sheets or layers |
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Definition
| The flow of water within a channel |
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Definition
| A small stream that flows into and adds water to a larger stream |
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Definition
| A stream that flows continuously, year-round |
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Definition
| A stream that flows only part of the time |
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Definition
| Total area drained by a stream and its tributaries |
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Term
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Definition
| A ridge seperating 2 adjacent drainage basins |
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Term
| Dendritic Drainge Pattern |
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Definition
| A stream pattern that resembles the branches of a tree |
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Term
| Rectangular Drainage Pattern |
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Definition
| A stream pattern that intersects perpendicularly |
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Definition
| A stream pattern that resembles a graden trellis; think a large-box grid |
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Definition
| A stream pattern that flows outward from a cone-shaped hill |
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Term
| Internal Drainage Pattern |
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Definition
| A stream pattern that flows inward to an enclosed basin |
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Term
Stream Flow:
Laminar and Turbulent |
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Definition
Laminar - water particles move in straight, parallel flows
Turbulent - water particle movement is very irregular, with a series of swirls and eddies |
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Term
Stream Geological Work:
Mechanical, Chemical & Hydraulic |
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Definition
Mechanical - (Abrasion) the grinding away of rock by friction and impact during transportation
Chemical - (Dissolution) the process by which rocks are dissolved in water
Hydraulic Action - ability of water to pick-up and move rock and sediment |
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Term
Stream Transportation:
Solution, Suspension and Bed Load |
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Definition
Solution - dissolved material (e.g. ions) within a stream
Suspension - the material carried or suspended within a stream
Bed Load - the material moving near or along the bottom of the stream; traction - the sliding, rolling and draggind of sediments along a stream bottom; saltation - movement of sediment in a stream via a series of short leaps or bounces |
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| Factors Controlling Stream Velocities (5) |
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Definition
Gradient - the slope of the stream, (i.e. measured in feet/mile); increase in gradient = higher stream velocity
Volume of Water - increase of water volume a higher stream velocity
Quantity of Sediment - increase sediment = lower stream velocity
Channel Shape - Semi-circular shape = less friction = higher stream velocity
Channel Roughness - a smooth channel = higher stream velocity |
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Term
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Definition
| The actual amount of material being transported by a stream |
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Term
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Definition
| Total amount of material a stream could concievably transport |
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Definition
| The largest diameter particle a stream can transport |
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Definition
The quantity of water in a stream that passes a given point in a given unit of time;
Q=VA |
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Term
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Definition
| Discharge = Velocity x Area (cuft/sec) |
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Term
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Definition
| The lowest level to which a stream can erode (typically sea level) |
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Term
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Definition
| A stream in equilibrium between erosion and depostion |
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Term
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Definition
| Erosional feature formed by a stream; a trough with sloping sides |
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Definition
Erosional feature formed by a stream; a stretch of a stream pool in which the water depth is above average and the water velocity is quite below average
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Definition
Erosional feature formed by a stream; an isolated hillthat rises abruptly from a gently sloping or virtually level sorrounding plain (peneplain).
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Term
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Definition
| Depositonal feature formed by a stream; low embankments along both sides of a stream |
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Term
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Definition
Depositonal feature formed by a stream; a ridge of sediment deposited in a stream (e.g. sand and gravel)
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Term
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Definition
Depositonal feature formed by a stream; deposits formed when a stream enters a standing body of water (main stream branches into smaller streams, i.e. distributaries)
- Topset Beds: gentle seaward sloping sediments along the top of the delta (partly subaerial)
- Forest Beds: inclined sediment layers along the front of the delta
- Bottomset Beds: layers of fine-grained sediments located beyond the advancing edge of the delta
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Definition
Depositonal feature formed by a stream; a fan-shaped stream deposit at the base of a mountain. These can be found in desert areas prone to flash floods, or humid areas.
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Definition
Depositonal feature formed by a stream; coalescing alluvial fans. Also applies to alluvial fans formed in deserts.
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Term
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Definition
Depositonal feature formed by a stream; A stream consisting of numerous intertwing channels
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Term
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Definition
| A snake like, s-curved stream |
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Term
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Definition
| a meander that is being cut vertically downward |
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Term
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Definition
| Outside edge of a meander (i.e. area of erosion) |
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Term
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Definition
| Inside edge of a meander (i.e. area of deposition) |
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Term
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Definition
| a new, shorter channel, where the meander has been severed from the main stream |
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Term
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Definition
| A crescent-shaped lake occupying an abandoned meander |
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Term
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Definition
| A step-like surface found above a stream and floodplain |
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Term
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Definition
| Erosion and under-mining along the banks of a stream |
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Term
| Headward Erosion (stream) |
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Definition
| The extension of a valley in an uphill direction, due to erosion |
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Term
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Definition
| The diversion of the headwaters of one stream into another |
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Term
Oceans
(Definition & Composition) |
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Definition
Vast Bodies of salt water taht cover 3/4 of Earth's surface.
Composition: 70+ elements, 3.5% salinity (80% NaCl and 12% MgCl2, etc.) |
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Term
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Definition
Nekton - swimming organisms (fish, dolphins, turtles)
Benthonic - bottom dwellers (crabs, lobster, shrimp)
Plankton - floating organisms, basic food stuffs of the ocean; phyto - plant, zoo - animal |
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Term
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Definition
Terrigenous Sediments - Sea floor sediments derived on land
Pelagic Sediments - Sea floor sediments consisting of clay and skeletons of microscopic organisms |
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Term
| Methods of Exploring the Sea Floor |
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Definition
| - Diving - Submersibiles -Sounding -Bottom Sampling -Photography -Echo Sounders -Magnetic, Gravity and Seismic Refraction |
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Term
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Definition
| The area between low and high tide |
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Term
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Definition
| A gently sloping submerged platform along the edge of the continent |
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Term
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Definition
| The slope area between the continental shelf and the deep ocean |
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Term
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Definition
| A gently sloping surface at the base of a continental slope |
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Term
Submarine Canyon
(Turbidity Current) |
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Definition
A steep-sided valley on the sea floor of the continental slope
Turbidity Current - a submarine avalanche of sediment and water that speeds down a sub-slope |
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Term
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Definition
| A very flat, sediment-coverd region of the deep sea floor |
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Term
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Definition
| A conical volcanic mountain rising 1,000+ meters above the sea floor |
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Term
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Definition
| A tensional valley found at a diverging plate boundaries and along the crest of an oceanic ridge |
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Term
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Definition
| A narrow, deep trough parallel to the edge of a continent or an island arch |
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Term
| Active Continental Margin |
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Definition
| A continental margin that coincides with a plate boundary |
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Term
| Passive Continental Margin |
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Definition
| A continental margine that is not at a plate boundary |
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Term
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Definition
| Movement of ocean water by wind blowing across the water surface |
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Term
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Definition
| The vertical distance between the crest and trough |
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Term
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Definition
| The horizontal distance between 2 crests/troughs |
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Term
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Definition
| The lowest limit of wave transportation and erosion (~1/2 of wave length); the maximum depth at which a water wave's passage causes significant water motion |
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Term
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Definition
| Interval of time required for 2 wave crests to pass a fixed point |
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Term
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Definition
| Direction and speed at which a wave travels |
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Term
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Definition
| Form of a wave that advances as water particles move in a series of circular orbits |
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Term
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Definition
| Form of a wave that moves into shallow water - the wave converts into a breaker or surf |
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Term
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Definition
| Collapsing water waves (breaking waves) |
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Term
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Definition
| The bending of waves as they approach a shore |
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Term
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Definition
| A large sea wave created by the displacement of the sea floor (e.g. earthquake, submarine landlside, volcanic eruption, explosions, etc.) |
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Term
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Definition
| The rise and fall of sea level due to the gravitational attraction of teh sun and the moon |
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Term
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Definition
| Highest tidal range; moon and sun are in alignment |
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Term
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Definition
| Lowest tidal range; moon and sun are perpindicular to eachother |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Influenced by planet rotation, wind temperature, salinity, etc. |
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Term
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Definition
| Currents near the shoreline |
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Term
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Definition
| A current that flows parallel to the beach |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A strong, localized seaward current of water which flows perpindicular to the beach |
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|
Term
Means by Which Waves Cause Erosion
(5) |
|
Definition
Dissolution - the process by which rocks are dissolved in water
Abrasion - the grinding away of rock by friction and impact; the rubbing together of rock fragments
Impact - waves exert tremendous impact along coastlines
Hydraulic Action - Air compressed in rock cracks and fractures can exert bursting forces
Transportation - sediments move up and down the beach by waves as well as down the coastline via longshore currents |
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|
Term
| Erosional Features Caused by Waves |
|
Definition
Sea Cliff - a steep slope created by wave erosion
Sea Cave - a cavity formed by wave action in weather or less resistant portions of a sea cliff
Stack - an erosional element of a former sea cliff
Wave-Cut Terraces - a gently sloping rock platform formed by wave erosion. |
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|
Term
Ocean Depositional Features
(5) |
|
Definition
Beach - a strip of sedimentary that extends inland from the low-water line to a cliff or zone of permanent vegetation
Spit - a finger-like ridge of sediment that projects from land into open water
Hook - a curved spit
Baymouth Bar - a ridge of sediment that cuts a bay off from the ocean
Tombolo - a strip of sediment connecting a near-shore island to the maintained |
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Term
|
Definition
| A coast where the land is rising relative to sea level |
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Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A coast where the land is sinking relative to sea level (or water is cutting into/off land) |
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Term
|
Definition
| A bay created at the mouth of a river (along a submergent coast) |
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|
Term
| Eustatic Sea Level Change |
|
Definition
| A global rising or falling of sea level |
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Term
|
Definition
| Cemented, accumulations of organis debris and living organisms on margins of volcanic islands, normally found in waters with normal salinity, little-to-no silt, water agitation, nutrients and warm temperatures (68 degrees F) |
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Term
|
Definition
| A coral reef that is attached directly to the shore |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| A reef seperated from the shore by a shallow lagoon |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| A ring-like coral reef that encircles a lagoon with no central island |
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Term
|
Definition
A region of low percipitation, usually <25 cm/year; can be cold, for example, Antartica is a desert.
20-25% of the land surface is desert, many of which are located between 15 ft. to 40 degrees latitude both north and south of the equator. |
|
|
Term
| Causes of Desertification |
|
Definition
- Rain Shadows - Descending warm air masses
- Cold Water Currents - Remoteness from Ocean |
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|
Term
| Characterisitcs of Desert Vegetation |
|
Definition
| Sparse, widely spaced, small leaves to leafless, deep tap roots, waxy coatings, thorny and pungent odor |
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Term
|
Definition
| Plants that can survive on very small amounts of water |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Plants which send roots down to the water table or capillary fringe to obtain water |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Plant capable of withstanding salt concentration of and inmmersion in saline water |
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|
Term
| Characteristics of desert soil |
|
Definition
| poorly developed, shallow in depth absence of dark colored humus layer, alkaline salt and/or caliche deposits |
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Term
|
Definition
| Desert landform; a gently slopping erosional bedrock at the base of a hill or mountain which may be covered by a thin veneer of alluvium |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Desert landform; an isolated, residual hill rising above a pediment |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Desert landform; a dried-up lake bed consisting of mud-cracked silt and clay |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Desert landform; a broad flat-topped elevated land area, bounded at least in part by cliffs |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Desert landform; A broad, flat-topped hill bounded by cliffs and capped with a resistant rock layer |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Desert landform; a narrow flat-topped pinnalce bournded by cliffs and capped with a resistant rock layer. |
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|
Term
| Eleveted Desert Landforms from smallest to largest |
|
Definition
| Butte - Inselberg - Plateau - Mesa |
|
|
Term
| What causes desert erosion? |
|
Definition
Water/Flash floods - more effective
Wind - less effective |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Any measurable movement of Earth's atmosphere; caused by interaction of hot and cold air masses, there is a difference in pressure between the two due to solar heating |
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|
Term
|
Definition
Abrasion - the rubbing together of rock fragments
Deflation - the removal of loose material by wind
Transportation - Suspension: silt and clay particles carried in the atmosphere/dust storm; Saltation: movement of sand grains via a series of leaps and bouncers |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Erosional feature of wind; a depression on the land surface caused by wind erosion |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Erosional feature of wind; a rock faceted or shaped by wind erosion |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Erosional feature of wind; a veneer of pebble left in place where wind has removed the finer material |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A thin, shiny, dark colored surface of Mn and Fe oxides which coats desert rocks |
|
|
Term
| Depositional Features of Wind |
|
Definition
- Loss in wind velocity
- Silt/Clay sized deposits (Loess)
-Sand sized deposits
-Sand Dunes (6 types)
-Desertification |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Windblown silt deposits, buff colored and capable of maintaining very steep, near verticle slopes |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Well sorted, rounded frosted, chiefly consisting of quartz and feldspar |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A mound or ridge of wind blown sand; need an available sand supply, the right climate, adequate amount of vegetation cover, and wind direction and intesity to form |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| aka a Seif; long, thin dunes aligned parallel to the wind direction |
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Term
|
Definition
| Long dune ridges parallel to the wind |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Cresent-shaped dunes whoses tips point downwind; similar in shape to a wave |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| crescent-shaped dines whose tips point upward, anchored by vegetation |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Combination of any type of sand dune |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Deserts and shorelines (river, lakes, etc.) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The steep side of an asymmetrical sand dune |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
the steepest angle to which loose material will remain stationary, without sliding downslope
~ 30-34 degrees |
|
|
Term
Control and Prevention of Sand sune Migration
(2 factors) |
|
Definition
Control of wind - windbreakers (trees/thick vegetation) and/or deflection panels
Control of sand - sand fence; cover with oil, water and/or vegetation; remove sand |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Depositional feature of wind; the invasion of desert conditions into nondesert areas |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A body of ice formed by the compaction and re-crystallization of snow that moves slowly across land; provide spectacular scenery and sea level changes. Currently cover about 10% of earth. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Snow
Firn (Neve)
Glacial Ice
Load |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
(Neve)
granular snow formed from melting, re-freezing and compaction of snow |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Solid mass of interlocking ice crystals |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Rock debris being transported by the glaciers |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A river of ice with flows down a mountain valley |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A vast ice sheet that covers large portions of a continent |
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|
Term
| Rates of movement of glaciers |
|
Definition
Highly variable; can be as slopw as 0.005 inches/month to 45-50 feet/day.
The faster speeds tend to be alpine glaciers. |
|
|
Term
| Velocity Distribution of Glaciers |
|
Definition
| the middle portion of the glacier moves faster than the sides and bottom of a glacier |
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|
Term
| Zone of Accumulation (Glaciers) |
|
Definition
| Upper portion of a glacier where snowfall exceeds melting and evaporation |
|
|
Term
| Zone of Ablation (Glaciers) |
|
Definition
| aka Zone of Wasting; lower portion of glacier, where melting and evaporation exceed snowfall |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| The lower limit; the connection between the zone of accumulation and zone of ablation |
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|
Term
| Geologic Work by Glaciers |
|
Definition
Abrasion
Plucking
Transportation (Suspension and Rushing)
Depsotion |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
(the rubbing together of rock fragments)
abrasion caused by rock fragments frozen in a glacier |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Rocks pried otu by glacial movement and frost wedging |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Suspension - Rock debris frozen in the ice
Rushing - A glacier acts as a huge bulldozer, knocking stuff over |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| The settling or coming to rest of transported material |
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|
Term
| Erosional Features of Alpine Glaciers |
|
Definition
Cirque
Crevasse (Berschrund)
Tarn
Arete
Horn
U-shaped Valley
Hanging Valley
Fiord
Glacial Striations, Polish, Grooves, etc. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A steep-sided bowl-like depression at the head of a glacier |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A crack or open fissure in a glacier
(Bergschrund - a crevasse that forms where, the glacier is pulling away from a cirque wall) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A glacial lake occupying a cirque |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A jagged kife-edge ridge, between 2 cirques |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| A sharp mountain peak, bordered by at least 3 cirques |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| The character profile of a valley carved by glacial erosion |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A tributary valley that terminates high above the main valley |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| A glacial trough or valley at least partly innundated by the sea |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Linear scratches in rock caused by abrasion from a movign glacier |
|
|
Term
| Depositional Features of Alpine Galciers |
|
Definition
Erratic
(Applies to Continental Glaciers as well)
Morraines
(Ground, Terminal, Recessional, Lateral and Medial)
Glacial Outwash
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| an ice-transported boulder that is deposited on different material in another location |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A general term used to describe a pile of glacially deposited material (till) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A blanket of till material deposited by a glacier |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An end morraine marking the farthest advance of a glacier [only one per glacier] |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A morraine that forms as a glacier stalls during its retreat |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A morraine that forms in the central portion of a glacier |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Material deposited by debris-ladden melt water from a glacier |
|
|
Term
| Erosional Features of Continental Glaciers |
|
Definition
Bare Rock Surfaces
(Applies to Alpine Glaciers too)
Drumline
Esker
Kettle
Nunatak
Morraines
(Ground, Terminal and Recessional) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A low, stream-lined hill that forms when a glacier overrides its load (glacial till) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A narrow, sinnuous ridge of sediment deposited by streams flowing beneath a glacier |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A depression formed by the melting of a large block of ice trapped within glacial sediment |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A mountain peak which protrudes through the ice sheet |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Unsorted glacial sediment |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The breaking off of large blocks of glacial ice into water |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A block of glacier-dreived ice floating in water |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A sequence of alternating light and dark sediment layers caused by seasonal changes with a lake |
|
|
Term
| Possible Causes of Ice Age / Pleistocene Glaciation |
|
Definition
Variations in Solar Radiation
Uplift of Highland Areas
Variations in the Atmosphere
Eccentricity of Earth's Orbit
Crustal Movement (Plate Tectonics) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Thin outermost layer of Earth's surface
7-79 km thick.
There are two kinds, oceanic and continental. |
|
|
Term
| Average thickness of Oceanic Crust |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Average thinkness of Continental Crust |
|
Definition
27 km
(less dense than oceanic crust) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The boundary between the crust and the mantle |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Thick layer between the crust and the core; about 2900 km thick.
Upper most portion is brittle; asthenosphere makes up the lower portion |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Lower portion of the mantle; about 100-200 km thick.
Behaves plastically. |
|
|
Term
| On what portion of the mantle does the San Andreas fault move? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Rigid outermost layer of the earth; compromises the crust and uppermost portion of the mantle |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Innermost portion of the Earth; seperated into two sections, the outer and the inner core |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Liquid layer located below the mantle.
It is about 2250 km thick. Also acts as earth's internal heat engine which helps create convection currents. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The solid innermost layer of the Earth. It is about 1220 km thick. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Studies supported Lyell's theory of Uniformatism |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Law of Uniformitarianism: the processes observed today are similar to those which existed in the past.
"The present is the key to the past" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Law of Original Horizontality: materials are deposited horizontally
Law of Superposition: in a normal series of sedimentary rocks, oldest is on the bottom and youngest on the top; any other formation is due to altercation
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An unconformity in which the older layers dip at different angles than the younger layers |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An unconformity in which the layers above and below are parallel. (Stuff's just missing) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An unconformity in which the younger sedimentary layers rest upon eroded igneous and/or metamorphic rock |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Talc Gypsum Calcite Flourite Apatite Feldspar Quartz Topaz Corrundum Diamond
Texas Guys Can Fight Anything For Quarters Tokens Coins and Diamonds |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Property of a mineral; tendency of a mineral to break along a preferfed plane |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Property of a mineral any breakage other than cleavage
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Property of a mineral; Apperance of light as reflected by a mineral
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Property of a mineral; Color of a powdered mineral
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Most common type of mineral bonding |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Rocks fromed from the cooling and solidification of magma and lava |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Igneous rocks that have formed under the surface of the earth. Also known as intrusive igneous rocks.
Granite
Grandiorite
Diorite
Gabbro |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Igneous rocks formed above the surface; also known as extrusive igneous rocks.
Rhyolite
Dacite
Basalt
Obsedian
Andesite
Pumice |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
(Volcanic)
A felsic, fine-grained igneous rock which consists mostly of quartz and feldspar |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
(Volcanic)
A felsic/intermediate fine-grained igneous rock |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
(Volcanic)
A mafic, fine-grained igneous rock which consists mostly of ferromagnesian minerals |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
(Volcanic)
An igneous rock that consists of volcanic glass |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
(Volcanic)
An intermediate, fine-grained, igneous rock |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
(Volcanic)
An igneous rock that consists of a frothy volcanic glass |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| (Plutonic) a felsic, coarse-grained igneous rock; coarse-grained equivalent of a rhyolite |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
(Plutonic)
A felsic/intermediate, coarse-grained igneous rock; coarse-grained equivalent of a dacite |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
(Plutonic)
An intermediate, coarse-grained igneous rock; coarse-grained equivalent of andesite |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
(Plutonic)
A mafic, coarse-grained igneous rock; coarse-grained equivalent of basalt |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Molten material that flows onto the earth's surface.
Two forms, aa and pahoehoe. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Basaltic, rough, blocky lava |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Balsaltic, smooth, ropey lava |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Broad/gentle
Gentle slope, highest heights, basaltic layers
ex. Mauna Lau in Hawaii |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Steep slope; the smallest cone-shaped volcano consisting of layers of pyroclastic material |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
(Stratovolcano)
A volcano composed of both lava flows and layers of pyroclastic material; can cause the most damage |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A smaller cone that forms on the flank of a larger cone |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A volcanic depression many times larger than the original crater
(steam eruptions and wizard islands) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Rocks formed from pre-existing rocks as a result of erosion/deposition, organic activity, chemical action and/or evaporation |
|
|
Term
| Clastic Sedimentary Rocks |
|
Definition
| Rocks consisting of broken fragments of other pre-existing rocks (or fossils) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Coarse-grained, clastic sedimentary rock consisting of rounded particles |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A coarse-grained clastic sedimentary rock consisting of angular particles |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A medium-grained clastic sedimentary rock consisting of sand-size particles |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A sandstone consisting at least 25% feldspar |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A poorly sorted sandstone with at least a 15% fine-grained matrix |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A fine-grained, clastic sediment rock consisting of silt-sized particles |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A very fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock consisting of clay-sized particles |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A fine to very-grained clastic sedimentary rock that breaks into thin sheets |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A clastic sedimentary rock consisting of the shell fragments |
|
|
Term
| Chemical Sedimentary Rocks |
|
Definition
| Rocks deposited by precipitation of minerals from solution such as from evaporating lakes and/or shallow sea embankments |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A sedimentary rock composed mostly of calcite and CaCO3 |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Calcite deposits that form around springs and lakes |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A sedimentary rock composed mostly of CaMg(CO3)2 |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Small spheres of calcite precipitated from sea water |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a sedimentary rock composed mostly of silica-SO2 |
|
|
Term
| Organic Sedimentary Rocks |
|
Definition
| Rocks made up of the remains of plants and/or animals |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Plants and animals with calcite |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Siliceous plants and animals |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Comes from swamps; consolidated plant material |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Rocks formed by the transition of older rocks by the effects of heat, pressure and hot solutions and/or gases.
Does not melt, but may be malleable, like playdoh |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Heat - 200 to 800 degrees celsius
Pressure -
Confining pressure: pressure that are equally applied on all surfaces of a body
Differential pressure: pressures that are not equally applied in all directions
Chemically Active Fluids - hot water and gases ten to speed up chemical reactions and carry ions from 1 location to another |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A localized area of metamorphism that occurs to rocks that are located in close preoximity (100s ft - a few meters) to a body of magma.
Heat is the dominant factor in this type of metamorphism. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A broad area of metamorphism that invloves both temperature and pressure
ex.) Slate, phyllite, schist, gneiss |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a foliated, fine-grained rock |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a foliated, fine-grained rock with silky sheen |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A medium to coarse-grained, foliated rock; shiny |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A layered, coarse-grained foliated rock |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a fine-grained, non-foliated metamorphic rock |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| a coarse-grained, non-foliated rock consisting of interlocking clacite crystals; sparkley |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A non-foliated rock consisting of welded sand-sized quarter grains; looks sugary |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the alignment of minerals grains that gives some metamorphic rocks the appearance of being layered |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Metamorphic rocks that lack foliation (i.e. they lack a preferred orientation of mineral grains) |
|
|
Term
| Another name for longitude |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Another name for latitude |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A bend or wrap within a rock |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An arched shaped fold in which the rock layers dip away from the fold axis; important in oil production (think the downward slopes on the sides of a hill. Result of compressional forces |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A trough-shaped fold in which the rock layers dip towards the fold axis; result of compressional forces |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A fold in which both limbs dip in the same direction |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An overturned fold in which the limbs are essentially horizontal |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A structure in which the bedrock dips away from a central point |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A structure in which the bedrock dips toward a central point |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A fracture in rock along which there has been no displacement |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A fracture in rock along which there has been displacement |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A fault in which the hanging wall has moved downward relative to the foot wall; tension forces |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A fault in which the hanging wall has moved upward relative to the foot wall compressional forces |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A low angle reverse fault |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A fault with horizontal displacement (e.g. right lateral or left lateral movement)
Example: San Andreas Fault - Right angle strike slip |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A fault with both vertical and horizontal displacement |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the overlaying surface of an inclined fault plane; the rock 'on top' of an inclined plane |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The underlying surface of an inclined fault plane |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A line representing the intersection of that feature with a horizontal plane; an be given as a quadrant compass bearing of the strike line (N25°E for example) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The angle measured from a horizontal plane to the inclined plane; inclination of angle |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
The location where the earthquake actually occured; there are types.
NOTE: only converging plate boundaries can have all three types of focus |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 0-70 km deep, found along all plate boundaries; most common |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 70-350 km deep; mostly occurs in subduction zones along converging plate boundaries |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 350-670 km deep; limited to subduction zones along converging boundaries |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A point on the Earth's surface located directly above the focus; requires 3 seismographs stations to calculate |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
A measure of the energy released during an earthquake; recorded by the Richter Scale.
(The difference between a higher magnitude and one below it is 30x the strength) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A measure of an earthquake's size by its effects on man and buildings; measured by the Modified Mercalli Scale |
|
|
Term
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Definition
Body waves travel through the interior of the Earth. They follow raypaths refracted by the varying density and modulus (stiffness) of the Earth's interior.
There are two types: P-waves and s-waves. |
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| P waves (primary waves) are compressional waves that are longitudinal in nature. P waves are pressure waves that are the initial set of waves produced by an earthquake. |
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| S waves (secondary waves) are shear waves that are transverse in nature. These waves typically follows P waves during an earthquake and displaces the ground perpendicular to the direction of propagation. |
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Large sea waves produced by earthquakes - related movement - can also be produced by other factors
(e.g. landslides, volcanic activity, etc.) |
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| Sloshing of water within enclosed basin (e.g. lakes, reservoirs, pools, etc.) due to earthquake-induced shaking |
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| What is the evidence used to support the plate tectonics theory? |
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Definition
Coastline Similarities
Fossil Similarities
Paleoclimates (ancient glacial evidence)
Rock Type Similarities
Paleomagnetism
Magnetic Anomalies |
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| a super-continent that broke apart approximately 200 million years ago to form the present continents |
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| the northern portion of Pangaea – includes N. America and Eurasia |
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| the southern portion of Pangaea – includes S.America, Africa, Australia, India, & Antarctica |
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| Divergent Plate Boundaries |
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Definition
| A linear feature that exists between two tectonic plates that are moving away from each other. |
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| Converging Plate Boundary |
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Definition
| Also known as a destructive plate boundary (because of subduction), is an actively deforming region where two (or more) tectonic plates or fragments of lithosphere move toward one another and collide. |
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A boundary between two plates which are sliding past each other.
Example: San Andreas Fault |
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| Portion of a continent that has been structurally stable for a prolonged period of time |
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| A subduction zone is an area on Earth where two tectonic plates move towards one another and one slides under the other. |
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| A surface wave which causes the ground to move from side to side perpendicular to the wave direction |
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| A surface wave which has a rolling motion with an elliptical path |
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| Slide-Looking Airborne Radar mages are acquired by sending a beam of radar energy to the ground at an angle perpendicular to the aircraft’s flight path; can penetrate most clouds |
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| Emits energy in order to scan objects and areas whereupon a sensor then detects and measures the radiation that is reflected or backscattered from the target. RADAR is an example. |
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| Passive sensors detect natural radiation that is emitted or reflected by the object or surrounding area being observed. Reflected sunlight is the most common source of radiation measured by passive sensors. Examples of passive remote sensors include film photography, infrared, charge-coupled devices, and radiometers. |
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| Nonrenewable resource; a liquid mixture of naturally occurring hydrocarbons (i.e. compounds of hydrogen and carbon) |
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| A sedimentary to partially metamorphic rock formed from the consolidation of ancient plant material that once thrived in freshwater and brackish swamps |
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| Anticline Petroleum Traps |
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Definition
| An example of rocks which were previously flat, but have been bent into an arch. Oil that finds its way into a reservoirs that has been bent into an arch will flow to the crest of the arch and get stuck |
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| Formed by movement of rocks along a fault line. In some cases, the reservoir rock has moved opposite a layer of impermeable rock. The impermeable rock thus prevents the oil from escaping. In other cases, the fault itself can be a very effective trap. |
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| a naturally occurring material that can profitably mined |
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| A resource that takes a long time to replenish (e.g. millions of years) |
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| Already identified deposits which can be extracted profitably |
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| Rocks from which hydrocarbons have been generated or are capable of being generated. They form one of the necessary elements of a working petroleum system. |
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| A rock (e.g. sandstone and limestone that is sufficiently porous and permeable to store and transmit petroleum. |
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| A rock layer of such low permeability (e.g. shale) that prevents the upward migration of petroleum |
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| A set of structural and/or stratigraphic conditions that prevent further migration of petroleum |
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| Unique characteristics of gemstones |
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Definition
Resistant to scratching
Beautiful
Rarity
Ability to be cut and polished |
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