Directions

download google earth, if you don't already have it on your computer.
download the .kmz google earth file: deserts and winds. kmz
browse through google earth tour as you complete the questions.
9) considering this distance (i. e., your answer to #8 above), what variable is most likely responsible for the change in dune type over such a short distance?

sediment supply increasing to the east

sediment supply decreasing to the east

change in wind direction

more moisture, and therefore more vegetation to the east

flag this question

question 105 pts

10) enter the gigapan that's the next item on the google earth tour. explore it - it's full resolution. what's the name given to the flat white landform on the right side of the image?

alluvial fan

inselberg

playa

yardang

star dune

flag this question

question 115 pts

11) compare the two alluvial fans outlined in purple in the northern owens valley (11a and 11b). they are different colors. why?

one is an alluvial fan; the other is a delta.

one is made of dark-colored sediment derived from dark-colored source rocks; the other is dominated by light-colored sediment derived from light-colored source rocks.

one is colonized by people; the other one is pristine.

one was deposited by wind; the other deposited by water.

flag this question

question 125 pts

12 part i) explore the gigapan at site 12 (zion canyon, utah) and identify the sedimentary structures in the cliffs at the right. the sedimentary structures seen there are

graded beds

cross beds

ripple marks

mudcracks

flag this question

question 135 pts

12 part ii) examine each of the placemarks following the sedimentary structure gigapan. which of these four settings is most likely the sort of environment where the sedimentary structure you identified in the previous question would have formed?

a) a river flowing into the sea

b) a delta distributary

c) a glacial moraine

d) a field of sand dunes

flag this question

question 145 pts

13) what kind of dune is seen at the next stop on the tour?

barchan

barchanoid

transverse

longitudinal

parabolic

star