Action of Winds - SS1 Geography Past Questions and Answers - page 2
What are the small-scale features that wind can deposit in the form of patterns on the ground?
Zeugens
Ripple marks
Yardangs
Which process of wind erosion results in rocks becoming smoother and more rounded over time?
Abrasion
Attrition
Deflation
What is the name of the elongated, parallel ridges and troughs that form in areas with consistent wind direction?
Nebkhas
Zeugens
Yardangs
Loess deposits are known for their fertility and are crucial for:
Creating dunes
Agriculture
Water storage
Explain the primary processes of wind erosion and their effects on the landscape.
The primary processes of wind erosion are abrasion, which involves particles colliding with surfaces and causing physical weathering; attrition, where particles collide with each other, becoming smoother and rounded; and deflation, which removes fine-grained materials, causing depressions in the landscape.
Describe the characteristics and formation of barchan dunes.
Barchan dunes are crescent-shaped with a gentle slope on the windward side and a steeper leeward slope. They form in sandy deserts, migrating with the prevailing wind, and are typically composed of sand.
How do parabolic dunes differ from other types of dunes, and where are they commonly found?
Parabolic dunes differ from other dunes by having a U-shaped, open end pointing into the wind. They often form in coastal areas and are characterized by their unique shape, which is created by the presence of vegetation anchoring the dune tips.
What role do nebkhas play in desert ecosystems, and how do they form?
Nebkhas are small sand dunes that form around vegetation in arid regions. They play a crucial role in stabilizing desert soils by trapping wind-blown sand, preventing further wind erosion.
Discuss the significance of loess deposits in agriculture and the characteristics of areas where loess is commonly found.
Loess deposits are known for their fertility and are essential for agriculture. They are often found in areas with rolling hills and bluffs, providing rich soil for farming.
How do blowouts damage the local ecosystem?
Blowouts are depressions or hollows in the landscape resulting from deflation, a process where the wind removes fine-grained materials like sand, silt, and clay. These depressions can become deeper and more extensive as the wind continues to remove material, often causing damage to the local ecosystem.