Author Question: Briefly describe two hypotheses used to explain the formation of desert pavement. What will be an ... (Read 69 times)

Chelseaamend

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 545
Briefly describe two hypotheses used to explain the formation of desert pavement.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe how sand dunes migrate.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



katieost

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 358
Answer to Question 1

Desert pavement is thought to form by either (1) deflation lowering the land surface by removing sand and silt from poorly sorted sediment, leaving only gravel and pebbles behind in a cobblestone-type arrangement, or (2) a surface that initially consists of pebbles trapping fine wind-blown sediment at protruding cobbles, forcing the fine grains to settle downward between the pebble spaces.

Answer to Question 2

Due to obstacles (vegetation, rocks, and so on) creating shadows that protect from prevailing winds, grains of sand can be deposited and remain in these wind shadows. Eventually, the sand accumulates into a dune with an asymmetrical profile, the windward slope being gently inclined and the leeward slope being steep. Between this profile and the prevailing winds, sand is continually rolled up the gentle slope and falls down the steep slope (slip face), slowly migrating the dune in the direction of air movement.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

It is widely believed that giving a daily oral dose of aspirin to heart attack patients improves their chances of survival because the aspirin blocks the formation of new blood clots.

Did you know?

Many supplement containers do not even contain what their labels say. There are many documented reports of products containing much less, or more, that what is listed on their labels. They may also contain undisclosed prescription drugs and even contaminants.

Did you know?

By definition, when a medication is administered intravenously, its bioavailability is 100%.

Did you know?

There are more nerve cells in one human brain than there are stars in the Milky Way.

Did you know?

Patients who have undergone chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer often complain of a lack of mental focus; memory loss; and a general diminution in abilities such as multitasking, attention span, and general mental agility.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library