Submergent and Emergent Landforms

Flashcards covering key concepts related to sea level changes, landforms, and geological terms from the lecture notes.

What is one characteristic description of a 'shallow-angled, vegetated cliff' profile?

They have a convex (curved) profile.

When are Submergent and Emergent Landforms typically relevant to discussions about sea level changes?

During the Quaternary period, which includes Ice Ages.

What is the primary reason for sea level rise and fall discussed in the notes?

The occurrence of glacial and interglacial periods during Ice Ages.

Why do sea levels fall during a glacial period?

Water evaporates from the ocean, falls as snow, and becomes frozen on land (e.g., as ice or permafrost) instead of flowing back into the ocean.

How much lower were sea levels during the last Ice Age (20,000 years ago) compared to current levels?

120 meters lower.

What is 'orogeny'?

Periods of mountains growing through tectonic collisions rather than eroding.

What is a 'tipping point' in the context of a system?

A point where a system goes into a positive feedback loop.