Mass Movements, Wind, and Glaciers

Front

What is a glacier?

Back

A glacier is a large, moving mass of ice that forms from compacted snow and flows under the influence of gravity.

Front

What type of mass movement is common in sloped areas of Southern California after heavy rains?

Back

Mudflow is a type of mass movement that is common in sloped areas of Southern California after heavy rains.

Front

What are striations?

Back

Striations are scratches or grooves left in rock by the movement of a glacier.

Front

What are cirques?

Back

Cirques are deep, bowl-shaped depressions scooped out by valley glaciers.

Front

True or False: An avalanche is a landslide that occurs with a large amount of rock and soil.

Back

False. An avalanche specifically refers to a rapid flow of snow and ice down a slope.

Front

What is mass movement?

Back

Mass movement refers to the downward movement of soil and rock due to gravity, which can occur in various forms such as landslides, mudflows, and avalanches.

Front

What factors contribute to mass movements?

Back

Factors contributing to mass movements include gravity, water saturation, slope angle, vegetation cover, and geological conditions.

Front

What is the difference between a glacier and an ice sheet?

Back

A glacier is a smaller, localized mass of ice, while an ice sheet is a vast, continuous expanse of ice covering a large area, such as Greenland or Antarctica.

Front

What is the role of wind in shaping the landscape?

Back

Wind can erode, transport, and deposit sediments, shaping the landscape through processes like deflation and abrasion.

Front

What is a landslide?

Back

A landslide is the sudden and fast movement of rock, soil, and debris down a slope, often triggered by factors like heavy rainfall or earthquakes.