GEOG 1113L Lab 8 - Eolian Processes Exam Questions and Answers
100% PASS- GSU
1. The term ‘eolian’ refers to geomorphic processes powered by which
agent?
A. Flowing water
B. Wind
C. Glacial ice
D. Tectonic uplift
Answer: B
Rationale: Eolian processes pertain to the activity of the winds and more specifically, to
the winds’ ability to shape the surface of the Earth.
2. Which of the following transport mechanisms accounts for the majority of
sand transport?
A. Suspension
B. Solution
C. Surface creep
D. Saltation
Answer: D
Rationale: Saltation is the bouncing movement of sand grains along the ground and
typically accounts for about 80 percent of eolian sand transport.
,3. The removal of loose, fine-grained particles by the turbulent action of wind is
called:
A. Deflation
B. Hydration
C. Abrasion
D. Corrasion
Answer: A
Rationale: Deflation is the process where wind blows away loose sediment, often leaving
behind larger rocks or lowering the ground surface.
4. What is a ‘yardang’?
A. A crescent-shaped dune
B. A depression caused by deflation
C. An elongated, wind-sculpted ridge
D. A rocky desert floor
Answer: C
Rationale: Yardangs are streamlined, wind-eroded ridges that are carved into the bedrock
or semi-consolidated deposits.
5. A desert surface covered with closely packed, interlocking angular or rounded
rock fragments is a:
A. Erg
B. Hamada
C. Loess
D. Reg (Desert Pavement)
Answer: D
Rationale: Desert pavement, also known as a reg, is a surface covered by a layer of stones
that protects the underlying fine material from further deflation.
, 6. Which dune type is crescent-shaped with the horns pointing downwind?
A. Barchan dune
B. Transverse dune
C. Star dune
D. Parabolic dune
Answer: A
Rationale: Barchan dunes are classic crescent shapes formed in areas with limited sand
supply and a constant wind direction, with horns pointing downwind.
7. In a sand dune, the gentler slope on the wind-facing side is called the:
A. Slipface
B. Trough
C. Leeward side
D. Stoss side
Answer: D
Rationale: The stoss side is the windward slope of a dune, which is typically gentler (5-15
degrees) compared to the steep slipface.
8. What is the typical angle of repose for dry sand on a dune’s slipface?
A. 30 to 34 degrees
B. 20 to 25 degrees
C. 10 to 15 degrees
D. 45 to 50 degrees
Answer: A
Rationale: The angle of repose is the steepest angle at which loose material remains stable,
which for dry sand is approximately 30 to 34 degrees.
100% PASS- GSU
1. The term ‘eolian’ refers to geomorphic processes powered by which
agent?
A. Flowing water
B. Wind
C. Glacial ice
D. Tectonic uplift
Answer: B
Rationale: Eolian processes pertain to the activity of the winds and more specifically, to
the winds’ ability to shape the surface of the Earth.
2. Which of the following transport mechanisms accounts for the majority of
sand transport?
A. Suspension
B. Solution
C. Surface creep
D. Saltation
Answer: D
Rationale: Saltation is the bouncing movement of sand grains along the ground and
typically accounts for about 80 percent of eolian sand transport.
,3. The removal of loose, fine-grained particles by the turbulent action of wind is
called:
A. Deflation
B. Hydration
C. Abrasion
D. Corrasion
Answer: A
Rationale: Deflation is the process where wind blows away loose sediment, often leaving
behind larger rocks or lowering the ground surface.
4. What is a ‘yardang’?
A. A crescent-shaped dune
B. A depression caused by deflation
C. An elongated, wind-sculpted ridge
D. A rocky desert floor
Answer: C
Rationale: Yardangs are streamlined, wind-eroded ridges that are carved into the bedrock
or semi-consolidated deposits.
5. A desert surface covered with closely packed, interlocking angular or rounded
rock fragments is a:
A. Erg
B. Hamada
C. Loess
D. Reg (Desert Pavement)
Answer: D
Rationale: Desert pavement, also known as a reg, is a surface covered by a layer of stones
that protects the underlying fine material from further deflation.
, 6. Which dune type is crescent-shaped with the horns pointing downwind?
A. Barchan dune
B. Transverse dune
C. Star dune
D. Parabolic dune
Answer: A
Rationale: Barchan dunes are classic crescent shapes formed in areas with limited sand
supply and a constant wind direction, with horns pointing downwind.
7. In a sand dune, the gentler slope on the wind-facing side is called the:
A. Slipface
B. Trough
C. Leeward side
D. Stoss side
Answer: D
Rationale: The stoss side is the windward slope of a dune, which is typically gentler (5-15
degrees) compared to the steep slipface.
8. What is the typical angle of repose for dry sand on a dune’s slipface?
A. 30 to 34 degrees
B. 20 to 25 degrees
C. 10 to 15 degrees
D. 45 to 50 degrees
Answer: A
Rationale: The angle of repose is the steepest angle at which loose material remains stable,
which for dry sand is approximately 30 to 34 degrees.
