Test 1 sections 1-6

Question 1

meaning of process in geomorph.

Answer 1

force/action (physical, chemical, or biological) that is responsible for landform development/modification
or a change in materials that comprise these landforms

Question 2

Gilbert’s approach to balance

Answer 2

Basic shapes of landforms in a given area will remain constant as long as the fundamental driving forces (processes) do not change and the basic geology doesn’t change

Question 3

Davis’ approach to balance

Answer 3

landscapes change continuously over time and progress through distinct recognizable stages

Question 4

Hack’s approach to balance

Answer 4

Landscapes rapidly adjust to the processes acting on the geology, cause and effect can be established
but processes can change rapidly, can’t assume constant process
ability to adjust to changing process is a function of rate, magnitude, and duration of the change in process

Question 5

System approach to balance

Answer 5

geomorph./landscapes are an open system
any change in matter/energy= system wide response in order to maintain equilibrium
requires guiding forces of system to not change

Question 6

What controls balance

Answer 6

interaction of forces, processes, and the resistence of geological materials to any change

Question 7

What is a system

Answer 7

grouping of components that interact and respond to change

Question 8

open system

Answer 8

matter and energy are exchanged/transformed

Question 9

closed system

Answer 9

only energy exchanged

Question 10

isolated system

Answer 10

no transfer of matter/energy

Question 11

types of processes and how they aid each other

Answer 11

exogenic and endogenic
both contribute to the development of the same landforms (volcanic cone)

Question 12

exogenic

Answer 12

at/near surface
usually gravity/atmosphere drive
think mass wasting and weathering

Question 13

endogenic

Answer 13

derived from energy inside the planet
may result in surface processes
consider the effects of tectonics

Question 14

what are the three driving forces

Answer 14

climate, gravity, and internal heat

Question 15

climate

Answer 15

average heat + average temperature
climate variability is the earth trying to dissipate energy from the sun

Question 16

gravity

Answer 16

influences endo. and exogenic processes

Question 17

internal heat

Answer 17

drives endogenic processes via convection and conduction
drives plate tectonics which affects depositional patterns

Question 18

resisting framework

Answer 18

lithology and structure

Question 19

lithology

Answer 19

composition of rock units

Question 20

structure

Answer 20

folds, faults, etc.

Question 21

why is the interacting between the framework and driving force important

Answer 21

in the concept of balance, the visible landscape reflect the battle of these two

Question 22

threshold

Answer 22

boundary between two equilibrium conditions

Question 23

extrinsic threshold

Answer 23

threshold breached due to factors outside the system
climate has big control

Question 24

intrinsic threshold

Answer 24

internal system failure
gradual and slow changes due to lessening of resistance
slop stability/mass wasting

Question 25

what is soil

Answer 25

a zone of weathering on earth’s surface in which physical, chemical, and biological activity modifies original parent materials into a more stable form

Question 26

why are soils a processes and products relationship

Answer 26

it’s a quest for equilibrium

Question 27

CLORPT

Answer 27

Climate
Organisms
Relief
Parent material
Time

Question 28

soil profile

Answer 28

a two dimensional, vertical exposure of soil that is characterized by distinct horizons

Question 29

horizon

Answer 29

a particular zone within the soil profile that is the result of the interactions of specific physical, chemical, and biological processes

Question 30

physical weathering

Answer 30

change in size and shape induced by physical (mechanical) forces
freeze/thaw
differential heating
root action

Question 31

chemical weathering

Answer 31

a change in rock/mineral composition, driven by chemical processes in an attempt to reach equilibrium
water is key to chemical weathering
oxidation
hydrolysis

Question 32

why is crossing thresholds important to geomorph.
how does it play into interpreting the past

Answer 32

Crossing thresholds and establishing equilibrium conditions is what allows us to decipher the past
No changes in equilibrium conditions = no geomorphic change whatsoever
if nothing changes, how can we interpret the past

Question 33

archimedes principle

Answer 33

A floating body is buoyed up with a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by that body.
When placed in a fluid, a body displaces an amount of fluid equal to its own volume.
If the weight of the displaced fluid is greater, the object floats.