Deserts | Key Terms

Question 1

The erosion of rock caused by sand particles carried by the wind.

Answer 1

Abrasion.

Question 2

Fan shaped river deposit at the foot of a mountain.

Answer 2

Alluvial fan.

Question 3

Define arid.

Answer 3

Extremely dry.

Question 4

Large hollow scooped out by the wind in sand.

Answer 4

Blowout.

Question 5

What is a butte?

Answer 5

A small, isolated, flat topped mountain.

Question 6

What is a canyon?

Answer 6

A deep steep sided valley.

Question 7

What is deflation?

Answer 7

The removal of eroded sand by the wind.

Question 8

What is deposition?

Answer 8

Laying down of material that has been eroded.

Question 9

What is meant by ephemeral?

Answer 9

A plant that grows and flowers quickly after rainfall.

Question 10

What is erosion?

Answer 10

Wearing away of rocks.

Question 11

What is insolation weathering?

Answer 11

Weathering caused by heat from the sun.

Question 12

What is an irrigation?

Answer 12

An artificial supply of water to land.

Question 13

What is a mesa?

Answer 13

A flat topped mountain with steep sides.

Question 14

People who migrate from place to place to find land for animals.

Answer 14

Nomads.

Question 15

What is a very flat dry river bed?

Answer 15

Playa.

Question 16

Farmers who keep animals rather than growing crops.

Answer 16

Pastoral farmers.

Question 17

What are subsistence farmers?

Answer 17

Farmers that grow food to feed their families rather than to sell.

Question 18

What is a wadi?

Answer 18

A gully formed by flash floods.

Question 19

What is meant by xerophyte?

Answer 19

Plants adapted to desert conditions.

Question 20

What is a narrow steep sided ridge called?

Answer 20

Yardang.