ENVS 203 Final Exam Study Guide

Flashcards for ENVS 203 Final Exam Review - Key Terms and Definitions

Biome

A large geographic area characterized by specific climate conditions, animal populations, and plant associations.

Biome Drivers

Factors such as proximity to the ITCZ, subtropical highs, maritime influence, etc.

Erosional Glacial Features

Features sculpted by glacial erosion, identifiable in figures or real landscapes.

Depositional Glacial Features

Accumulations of sediment deposited by glacial ice, forming distinct landforms.

Zone of Ablation

The zone where ice melts and ablates faster than it accumulates.

Zone of Accumulation

The zone where snow accumulates and turns into ice, adding to the glacier's mass.

Firn/Equilibrium line

The equilibrium line separating the accumulation and ablation zones on a glacier.

U-shaped valley

A valley carved by a glacier, characterized by steep, straight sides and a flat bottom.

V-shaped valley

A valley carved by a river, typically with a narrow bottom and sloping sides.

Soil Horizons

Layers of soil distinguished by physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.

Soil Forming Factors

Factors such as climate, organisms, relief, parent material, and time that affect soil development.

Braided River Channel

A channel with multiple small, shallow channels that divide and recombine repeatedly.

Meandering River Channel

A channel with a single, winding course.

Straight River Channel

A channel with a relatively straight course.

Discharge

The volume of water flowing through a river channel at a given point and time.

Alluvium

Unconsolidated sediment deposited by a river or stream.

Colluvium

Unsorted rock and soil material deposited by gravity, often found at the base of slopes.