ASBOG - Association of State Boards of Geology Geomorphology and Quaternary Geology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A geologist mapping surficial deposits in a formerly glaciated region identifies a long, sinuous ridge composed of well-sorted sand and gravel.
This feature can extend for many kilometers.
What is this landform most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

An esker

Answer

A terminal moraine

Answer

A drumlin

Answer

A kame

Question 2

The cyclical variations in Earth's orbital eccentricity, axial tilt (obliquity), and precession, which are understood to be a primary driver of Quaternary glacial-interglacial cycles, are known as:

Accepted Answer

Milankovitch Cycles

Answer

Wilson Cycles

Answer

Davisian Cycles

Answer

Bowen's Reaction Series

Question 3

Which of the following geomorphic features is formed by deposition on the inside bend of a meandering river where water velocity is lowest?

Accepted Answer

A point bar

Answer

A cut bank

Answer

An oxbow lake

Answer

A riffle

Question 4

Extensive, thick blankets of homogenous, unstratified, wind-blown silt that cover large areas of the mid-latitudes are known as:

Accepted Answer

Loess

Answer

Till

Answer

Outwash

Answer

Alluvium

Question 5

A geologist studies a coastline characterized by a series of uplifted, flat surfaces resembling steps, known as marine terraces, which are located at various elevations above the current sea level. What is the most likely geologic history of this area?

Accepted Answer

An emergent coastline experiencing tectonic uplift or a relative fall in sea level.

Answer

A submergent coastline experiencing a relative rise in sea level.

Answer

A stable coastline dominated by a prograding delta.

Answer

A passive margin with consistent sediment accumulation.

Question 6

What is the term for the steepest angle, measured from the horizontal, at which a pile of unconsolidated granular material, such as sand or gravel, will remain stable without slumping?

Accepted Answer

Angle of repose

Answer

Dip angle

Answer

Angle of incidence

Answer

Shear angle

A geologist mapping surficial deposits in a formerly glaciated region identifies a long, sinuous ridge composed of well-sorted sand and gravel.This feature can extend for many kilometers.What is this landform most likely to be?

A geologist mapping surficial deposits in a formerly glaciated region identifies a long, sinuous ridge composed of well-sorted sand and gravel.
This feature can extend for many kilometers.
What is this landform most likely to be?