GEOL 1403 – Physical Geology | Exam 3 Q&A (40+ Questions) – Streams, Drainage Patterns, Floodplains, Deltas

This document contains over 40 high-quality, exam-style questions and answers from Exam 3 of the GEOL /2026 Physical Geology course. It focuses on surface water systems and fluvial processes, helping students master core concepts such as stream gradient, discharge, base level, and sediment transport. Specific terms like saltation, suspension, and rolling are clearly explained in context, aiding understanding of particle movement in both rivers and dunes. Key topics include types of drainage patterns (trellis, radial), stream features (meanders, oxbow lakes, distributaries), and landforms created by erosion and deposition in valleys and floodplains. Real-world examples, such as the 1993 Mississippi River floods, are referenced to connect hydrological principles to environmental events. The document also covers delta formation, natural levees, and the impact of human activity such as dam construction on river systems. This study guide is an excellent resource for students of geology, earth science, geography, or environmental studies, particularly those preparing for lab, lecture, or online exams involving surface processes and hydrology. Keywords: geol 1403, stream gradient, saltation, oxbow lake, distributaries, meandering stream, trellis drainage, radial drainage, stream discharge, floodplain, delta formation, base level, sediment transport, natural levees, erosion, Mississippi River flood, stream patterns, fluvial processes