Geomorphic Processes - Practice Test 2

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.A 'U-shaped valley' is formed by:

   • A.River
   • B.Glacier✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Wind
   • D.Sea Waves

   Explanation: Glaciers erode the valley floor and sides, turning V-valleys into U-valleys.

2. Q2.Hanging Valleys are associated with:

   • A.River action
   • B.Glacial action✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Wind action
   • D.Groundwater action

   Explanation: Tributary glaciers form shallower valleys that 'hang' above the main deep glacial valley.

3. Q3.An armchair-shaped depression formed by glacial erosion is called:

   • A.Cirque (Corrie)✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Arete
   • C.Horn
   • D.Drumlin

   Explanation: Cirques are bowl-shaped depressions at the head of a glacier.

4. Q4.A sharp ridge separating two cirques is called:

   • A.Horn
   • B.Arete✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Moraine
   • D.Esker

   Explanation: An Arete is a knife-edge ridge formed between two glacial valleys.

5. Q5.A pyramidal peak formed by three or more cirques cutting back is called:

   • A.Horn✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Arete
   • C.Col
   • D.Nunatak

   Explanation: The Matterhorn in the Alps is a famous example of a Glacial Horn.

6. Q6.Moraines are depositional features of:

   • A.Rivers
   • B.Glaciers✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Wind
   • D.Waves

   Explanation: Moraines are piles of rocks and debris deposited by a glacier.

7. Q7.Basket of Eggs topography is associated with which landform?

   • A.Drumlins✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Eskers
   • C.Kames
   • D.Outwash Plain

   Explanation: Clusters of Drumlins (elongated hills) resemble a basket of eggs.

8. Q8.Eskers are:

   • A.Long winding ridges of sand and gravel✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Deep lakes
   • C.Flat plains
   • D.Volcanic mountains

   Explanation: Eskers are formed by streams flowing under glaciers.

9. Q9.Wind erosion is most active in:

   • A.Humid regions
   • B.Arid and Semi-arid regions (Deserts)✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Polar regions
   • D.Coastal regions

   Explanation: Lack of vegetation and loose soil in deserts make wind erosion effective.

10. Q10.Mushroom Rocks are formed due to:

    • A.Wind erosion✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Glacial erosion
    • C.River deposition
    • D.Volcanic eruption

    Explanation: Wind erodes the softer rock at the base faster than the top, creating a mushroom shape.

11. Q11.Which of the following is a wind depositional landform?

    • A.Zeugen
    • B.Yardang
    • C.Sand Dune✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Inselberg

    Explanation: Sand Dunes are mounds of sand deposited by wind.

12. Q12.Crescent-shaped sand dunes are called:

    • A.Seif
    • B.Barchan✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Loess
    • D.Parabolic dune

    Explanation: Barchans are crescent-shaped dunes with tips pointing downwind.

13. Q13.Extensive deposits of windblown dust (silt) are called:

    • A.Loess✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Moraine
    • C.Delta
    • D.Alluvium

    Explanation: Loess deposits (common in China) are fine windblown sediments.

14. Q14.Inselbergs are associated with:

    • A.Glacial terrain
    • B.Karst topography
    • C.Arid (Desert) landscape✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Coastal landscape

    Explanation: Inselbergs are isolated hills standing in a desert plain.

15. Q15.Karst Topography is formed by the action of:

    • A.Wind
    • B.Groundwater (on Limestone)✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Glacier
    • D.Sea waves

    Explanation: Groundwater dissolves limestone to create Karst features.

16. Q16.Sinkholes and Dolines are erosional features of:

    • A.Karst region✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Desert
    • C.Glacial region
    • D.Coastal region

    Explanation: These are depressions formed by the collapse of limestone caves roofs.

17. Q17.Stalactites and Stalagmites are found in:

    • A.Deserts
    • B.Limestone Caves✓ Correct Answer
    • C.River beds
    • D.Volcanic craters

    Explanation: They are calcium carbonate deposits inside caves.

18. Q18.Stalactites hang from the:

    • A.Cave floor
    • B.Cave roof/ceiling✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Cave walls
    • D.Outside the cave

    Explanation: Stalactites hang tight to the ceiling (mnemonic: C for Ceiling).

19. Q19.Stalagmites grow from the:

    • A.Cave roof
    • B.Cave floor✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Air
    • D.Water

    Explanation: Stalagmites grow up from the ground (mnemonic: G for Ground).

20. Q20.When a stalactite and stalagmite join, they form a:

    • A.Pillar / Column✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Curtain
    • C.Doline
    • D.Sinkhole

    Explanation: They form a continuous column or pillar.