Geology Exam 3 Q&A

primary factors that control mass wasting; - Answer- slope angle, geology, vegetation, climate What occurs in the creation of a rock avalanche from an initial rockslide? - Answer- A solid piece of rock breaks apart as it is moving rapidly Albedo - Answer- reflectivity- solar radiation is reflected by clouds and Earth's surface- 30% snow= highest albedo An increase in the average albedo of the Earth would cause ________________ - Answer- a decrease in the amount of solar energy that the Earth absorbs Formation of soil - Answer- 1. Material is derived from the erosion of underlying rocks. 2. Organic materials build up on the surface 3. Vertical movement of dissolved materials segregates the profile into different horizons The leading edge, or front, of a rock slide is called the _______ - Answer- toe An increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere causes _______________ - Answer- An increase in the amount of the outgoing long-wave radiation that is absorbed by the Earth Landslide - Answer- slow or rapid movement of rock or soil downslope Soil Horizons: - Answer- Top layer: O horizon Middle layer: A horizon Bottom layer: B horizon Grazing by livestock & animals... - Answer- removes vegetation and leaves soil vulnerable to erosion Which of these would cause a increase in Earth's average temperature? - Answer- An increase in the amount of energy produced by the sun Why a