systems and processes Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is insolation, and how does it affect hot desert environments?
Insolation refers to the solar radiation that reaches the earth’s surface. In hot desert environments, high insolation results in extreme temperatures, which influence weather patterns, soil formation, and biological activity.
How do winds influence hot desert climates?
Winds play a crucial role in shaping hot desert climates by transporting heat, moisture, and sediments. They can create dune formations, influence weathering processes, and affect the distribution of vegetation.
What role does runoff play in the energy dynamics of hot desert environments?
Runoff, resulting from precipitation, affects the energy dynamics by transporting sediments, shaping landforms, and providing water to otherwise dry areas. It can cause flash floods and contribute to erosion.
What are the primary sources of sediment in desert environments?
The primary sources of sediment include weathered rock, wind-transported particles, and materials carried by water from external sources.
What is mass movement, and what causes it in desert environments?
Mass movement refers to the downhill movement of soil and rock due to gravity. It is caused by factors such as water saturation, slope angle, and weathering.
What are sediment cells, and how do they function within a desert system?
Sediment cells are natural regions where sediment is produced, transported, and deposited without significant loss or gain from outside the system. They help in understanding sediment dynamics and managing coastal areas.
How is a sediment budget defined and calculated in arid regions?
A sediment budget is the balance between the amount of sediment being added (input) and removed (output) in a specific area. It is calculated by measuring sediment sources, transport rates, and deposition areas.
What types of weathering occur in desert landscapes?
Types of weathering in deserts include thermal fracture (temperature-induced cracking), exfoliation (peeling of rock layers), chemical weathering (reaction with water and other chemicals), and block and granular disintegration (breaking into blocks and grains).
How does erosion shape desert landforms?
Erosion removes surface material through wind, water, or ice, shaping landforms like valleys, dunes, and rock formations.
How does deposition occur, and what landforms result from it in arid regions?
Deposition occurs when transported material settles and accumulates. Landforms resulting from deposition include dunes, alluvial fans, and playas.
What natural forces are responsible for the transportation of sediments in deserts?
Natural forces responsible for sediment transportation include wind (aeolian processes), water (fluvial processes), and gravity.
What is thermal fracture, and why is it significant in deserts?
Thermal fracture is the cracking of rocks due to extreme temperature changes. It is significant in deserts where temperature fluctuations are common, leading to rapid weathering.
How does exfoliation occur, and what is its impact on desert landscapes?
Exfoliation occurs when rock layers peel off due to temperature changes or pressure release. It results in smooth, rounded rock surfaces and contributes to landscape shaping.
What are block and granular disintegration, and how do they affect desert geology?
Block disintegration involves the breaking of rocks into large blocks, while granular disintegration breaks them into smaller grains. Both processes contribute to sediment formation and landscape changes.
What chemical weathering processes are prevalent in arid environments?
Chemical weathering in arid environments includes oxidation, hydrolysis, and dissolution, which break down rocks and minerals.
How does deflation contribute to erosion in deserts?
Deflation removes loose particles from the ground, creating depressions and leaving behind coarser materials like gravel.
What is abrasion, and how does wind cause it in arid regions?
Abrasion is the wearing down of surfaces by particles carried by wind. It smooths and shapes rocks and creates features like ventifacts.
What is suspension, and how does wind transport particles through this process?
Suspension involves fine particles being lifted and carried in the air by wind, often creating dust storms.
What is surface creep, and how does it occur in desert environments?
Surface creep is the rolling or sliding of larger particles along the ground, driven by wind, contributing to sediment transport and dune formation.
How does saltation work, and what role does it play in desert sediment transport?
Saltation is the bouncing movement of particles along the ground, driven by wind. It helps transport and shape sand dunes.
How does wind deposition shape desert landforms?
Wind deposition occurs when wind slows down, allowing particles to settle. It creates landforms like dunes and loess deposits.
What are exogenous water sources, and how do they impact deserts?
Exogenous water sources originate outside the desert, such as rivers flowing into it. They provide essential water for ecosystems and human use.
What are endoreic basins, and why are they significant in arid regions?
Endoreic basins are closed drainage systems where water doesn’t flow out to the sea, forming lakes or salt pans. They are significant for their unique ecosystems and geological features.
What are ephemeral water sources, and how do they affect desert landscapes?
Ephemeral water sources are temporary, resulting from short-lived events like rainstorms. They cause rapid, short-term changes in the landscape.
