Section A: Introduction to Geomorphology

Readings in Bloom

Chapter I: The Scope of Geomorphology
Chapter 2: Energy Flow in Geomorphic Systems

I. Define the following terms and concepts:

• Gemorphology
• Physiography
• Climatic morphogenisis
• Morphotectonic region
• Megageomorphology
• Geode
• Relict Landform
• Equifinality
• Threshold
• Equilibrium
• Degradation
• Baselevel
• Metastable equilibrium
• Fractal character
• Exhumed landform
• Power density
• Geothermal gradient
• Hydrologic Cycle

II. Compare and contrast the following

• Landform vs. landscape
• Regional vs explanatory description
• Terrane vs terrain
• Orogeny vs epeirogeny
• Erosional vs destructional landform
• Static, stead-state and dynamic equilibrium
• Endogenic vs. exogenic
• Closed vs open system
• solar vs geothermal energy
• Positive vs negative feedback
• Intrinsic vs extrinsic

III. Memorize the location of the Physiographic Province

You will be expected to memorize the locations of the Physiographic features (p.10).  You will be tested on these at some point in either lab or class.

IV. Fill in the black

1. By 2.5 ga what percentage of the continental crust had already
   been formed?  ____
2. Differentiation of basaltic and ultramafic rocks to produce
   a granitic crust is made possible by the presence of ______________ on the Earth.
3. Points located at the poles are ___________ km further from the center of the earth than at the equator because the Earth’s geode is shaped like an ________________ spheroid.
4. Because of the unequal distribution of mass within the earth sea level in Papua New Guinea is ____________m below sea level around south India.
5. The two most common rocks on the surface of the earth are ____________and___________________.
6. __________________ and ______________provide the geothermal heat that drives plate tectonics and volcanic activity.
7. Sixty to eighty percent of the observed geothermal heat flow is derived from ________________.
8. The energy that drives the hydrologic cycle, global wind patterns, and weathering comes from the __________.

V. Essay and short answer questions

1.    Describe the elements of the geomorphic trinity and their significance in the development of landscape.
2. Discuss the importance of water in landscape development.
3. What limits the height of mountains?
4. Why were rates of soil erosion much faster prior to the Miocene (15 ma)?
5. What influence do biotic processes (plants and animals) have on landscape?
6. Discuss the flow of energy within and on the earth that causes geomorphic change.
7. Explain why a mountain that extends above the regional snowline may experience a stream erosion rate that is 100 times faster than a mountain whose peak lies below the snowline.
8. Briefly explain why rates and processes of weathering and erosion are not uniform around the Earth’s surface.
9. Is man a significant geomorphic force? Explain.