H2 Geography Flashcards

Which type of plate boundary is associated with the formation of fold mountains such as the Himalayas?

Answer: Convergent collision boundary

Fold mountains form at convergent collision boundaries where two continental plates collide and rock layers are compressed and folded upward.

What is the term for the zone where denser oceanic crust sinks beneath lighter continental crust?

Answer: Subduction zone

A subduction zone occurs at a convergent boundary where denser oceanic crust is forced beneath lighter continental crust into the mantle.

Which seismic wave type causes the greatest surface destruction during an earthquake?

Answer: Surface (L) waves

Surface (Love and Rayleigh) waves travel along Earth's surface with the largest amplitude and lowest frequency, causing the most structural damage.

Which term describes the in-situ breakdown of rock without removal of the weathered material?

Answer: Weathering

Weathering is the physical, chemical, or biological breakdown of rock in place, with no movement of material away from the site.

Which coastal feature forms when the roof of a sea arch collapses, leaving an isolated rock pillar?

Answer: Stack

A stack forms when continued wave erosion causes the roof of a coastal arch to collapse, isolating a pillar of rock from the headland.

What is the primary reason rivers deposit their load in the lower course?

Answer: Decreased velocity and energy

In the lower course, a reduced gradient causes velocity and energy to decrease, so the river can no longer transport its load and deposits it.

Which type of mass movement involves saturated regolith sliding along a curved, concave slip plane?

Answer: Rotational slide (slump)

A rotational slide (slump) occurs when saturated regolith moves along a curved, concave failure plane, often triggered by heavy rainfall or undercutting.