Geology And Lithology On Drylands

Question 1

What is the main factor that determines the distribution of drylands?

Answer 1

Geology and lithology

Question 2

True or False: Geology and lithology have no impact on the formation of drylands.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

How does geology influence the water availability in drylands?

Answer 3

By controlling water infiltration and storage

Question 4

What role does lithology play in determining the vegetation types in drylands?

Answer 4

It affects nutrient availability and soil structure

Question 5

Fill in the blank: The ________ of rocks in drylands can influence erosion rates.

Answer 5

hardness

Question 6

What type of rocks are more resistant to weathering and erosion in drylands?

Answer 6

Igneous rocks

Question 7

How does the mineral composition of rocks influence soil fertility in drylands?

Answer 7

By providing essential nutrients for plant growth

Question 8

True or False: Sedimentary rocks are generally more porous than igneous rocks in drylands.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What is the significance of soil parent material in dryland ecosystems?

Answer 9

It influences soil properties and fertility

Question 10

How does the presence of clay minerals in soil affect water retention in drylands?

Answer 10

It increases water holding capacity

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The ________ of soil parent material can affect plant growth in drylands.

Answer 11

texture

Question 12

What is the relationship between soil depth and lithology in drylands?

Answer 12

Deeper soils are often associated with softer lithologies

Question 13

True or False: The presence of carbonate rocks can lead to alkaline soils in drylands.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

How does the texture of soil parent material impact the water infiltration rate in drylands?

Answer 14

Fine-textured soils have slower infiltration rates

Question 15

What impact can the presence of gypsum in soil have on plant growth in drylands?

Answer 15

It can limit root growth and nutrient uptake

Question 16

Fill in the blank: The ________ of soil parent material affects the soil’s ability to retain nutrients in drylands.

Answer 16

composition

Question 17

What is the role of geology and lithology in determining the erosion susceptibility of drylands?

Answer 17

They can influence erosion rates and soil stability

Question 18

True or False: Soil formation processes are not influenced by the underlying geology in drylands.

Answer 18

False

Question 19

How does the presence of iron oxides in soil affect its color and drainage characteristics in drylands?

Answer 19

It gives soil a red color and can lead to poor drainage

Question 20

What is the impact of the presence of volcanic ash in soil on nutrient availability in drylands?

Answer 20

It can enhance nutrient availability for plant growth

Question 21

Fill in the blank: The ________ of rocks in drylands can affect the pH of the soil.

Answer 21

mineralogy

Question 22

What are some common geological processes that shape dryland landscapes?

Answer 22

Erosion, weathering, and sedimentation

Question 23

True or False: The type of rock underlying a dryland area has no impact on its vegetation.

Answer 23

False

Question 24

How does the presence of sandstone in dryland soil affect water retention and drainage?

Answer 24

It has low water retention but good drainage

Question 25

What is the significance of the mineral composition of sandstones in drylands?

Answer 25

It can influence nutrient availability and soil structure

Question 26

Fill in the blank: The ________ of rocks in drylands can affect the formation of water catchments.

Answer 26

porosity

Question 27

What is the impact of the presence of mica in soil on its water retention capacity in drylands?

Answer 27

It can increase water retention due to its flaky structure

Question 28

How does the presence of quartz in soil contribute to soil stability in drylands?

Answer 28

It provides mechanical strength and stability

Question 29

True or False: The mineral composition of rocks has no influence on the erosion resistance of dryland soils.

Answer 29

False

Question 30

Rock Lithology is…

Answer 30

The physical and chemical composition of rocks

Question 31

Jointing is..

Answer 31

Cracks, usually vertical, in rock caused by shrinkage (high diurnal range (mechanical weathering)) or release of pressure as rocks above are eroded away.

Question 32

Bedding is…

Answer 32

Layering formed in sedimentary rocks (limestone, chalk etc.) as the rate of sediment deposition has varied and continues to vary. Layer boundaries are called bedding planes.

Question 33

Folding is….

Answer 33

Bending of rock layers caused by the compression of rocks, usually at constructive plate boundaries when mountain-building occurs as tectonic plates collide.

Question 34

Faulting is…..

Answer 34

Deep cracks caused by movement of rocks during earthquakes. Different rock types are often seen on each side of a fault.

Question 35

True or False: Lithology, not structure determines the porosity or permeability of rocks.

Answer 35

False.

Question 36

True or False: Poorly cemented silt and clay rocks which are highly impermeable create rapid run-off.

Answer 36

True.

Question 37

True or False: Rocks with high levels of porosity and permeability create drought at the surface (aquifers may be numerous.)

Answer 37

True.

Question 38

True or False: Both Lithology and structure are the primary controls on water transfer in drainage basins.

Answer 38

True.

Question 39

True or False: The greater number of joints within a rock the less permeable it will be.

Answer 39

False.

Question 40

True or False: The greater number of joints within a rock the less permeable it will be.

Answer 40

True.