Arid Regions
This assignment is intended provide a basic introduction to
landform processes in arid regions. See the course calendar for due
date.
Complete the following:
1. Read "Eolian
Systems" from The Physical Environment web text.
2. Read "Desertification"
from the USGS online publication: Walker, A. S. (1997)
Deserts: Geology and Resources
2. View the video
"Wind, Dust, and Deserts" from the
Earth
Revealed video series web site. You may
be asked to register with the site (it's free). A broadband
connection (campus network, cable, DSL) is necessary to watch the
video.
3. Answer the questions below related to the reading and video. I
suggest printing or copying the questions below to a separate piece
of paper. Write your answers on the printed copy then transfer to the form below.
By the conclusion of the assignment you should be able to:
- Describe the environmental conditions under which deserts
form.
- Explain the importance of loess.
- Explain how wind erodes the surface.
- Describe the basic characteristics and types of dunes.
- Explain the factors behind desertification.
|