How Much Do You Know About Saltation? Quiz

Approved & Edited by ProProfs Editorial Team
The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Rhaveno
R
Rhaveno
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 51 | Total Attempts: 14,803
Questions: 11 | Attempts: 106

SettingsSettingsSettings
How Much Do You Know About Saltation? Quiz - Quiz

Are you a student of geology? How much do you know about saltation? Will you be able to pass this saltation quiz? In geology, the meaning of saltation is a specific type of particle transport that happens by fluids such as wind or water. It comes to existence when loose materials are removed from a bed, and then they are carried by the fluid before they are transported back to the surface. Let's learn even more about these questions.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Sand grains average about _______________ times the weight of the atmosphere, not all winds move sand.

    • A.

      Two thousand

    • B.

      One thousand

    • C.

      5 thousand

    • D.

      600 hundred

    Correct Answer
    A. Two thousand
    Explanation
    Sand grains average about two thousand times the weight of the atmosphere, meaning that they are significantly heavier than the air surrounding them. This explains why not all winds are able to move sand, as the force required to lift and transport such heavy particles is greater than what some winds can generate.

    Rate this question:

  • 2. 

    What is saltation, and under what condition does it occur?

    • A.

      How much salt is in the water

    • B.

      The movement of sand along the shoreline

    • C.

      The effect of salt spray on barrier island plants

    • D.

      Saltation is the movement of sand by 10 mph or greater winds that create a dune.

    Correct Answer
    D. Saltation is the movement of sand by 10 mpH or greater winds that create a dune.
    Explanation
    Saltation is the correct answer because it accurately defines saltation as the movement of sand by winds that are 10 mph or greater, resulting in the formation of dunes. This explanation aligns with the given definition and conditions under which saltation occurs.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    Why are dunes made of finer sand than beaches?

    • A.

      Waves deposit the fine sand onto the dune.

    • B.

      Saltation carries only the finest of beach sand.

    • C.

      Saltation mixes salt with sand making it finer.

    • D.

      Fine sand is more porous.

    Correct Answer
    B. Saltation carries only the finest of beach sand.
    Explanation
    Saltation is the process by which sand grains are transported by bouncing and hopping along the surface. This process tends to carry only the finest sand grains, as larger grains are too heavy to be lifted by the wind. Therefore, dunes, which are formed by the accumulation of wind-blown sand, are made up of finer sand particles compared to beaches where larger grains can settle.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    What are the three basic requirements for dune formation to occur?

    • A.

      For dune formation to occur the following is required: a large supply of sand, wind speeds capable of moving sand, and an ideal location for sand to accumulate.

    • B.

      For dune formation to occur, the following is required: a large supply of sand, wind speeds capable of moving sand, and a shoreface that extends from the near shoe sandbar to the berm.

    • C.

      For dune formation to occur, the following is required: a large supply of sand, wind speeds greater than 20 mph, and a shoreface that extends from the near shoe sandbar to the berm.

    • D.

      For dune formation to occur, the following is required: a large supply of sand, wind speeds less than 10 mph, and a shoreface that extends from the near shoe sandbar to the berm.

    Correct Answer
    A. For dune formation to occur the following is required: a large supply of sand, wind speeds capable of moving sand, and an ideal location for sand to accumulate.
    Explanation
    The correct answer states that for dune formation to occur, three basic requirements are necessary. These requirements include a large supply of sand, wind speeds capable of moving the sand, and an ideal location for the sand to accumulate. This explanation highlights the essential factors needed for the formation of dunes, emphasizing the importance of sand supply, wind strength, and a suitable location for the accumulation of sand.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    What is surface creep?

    • A.

      Surface creep occurs when saltating grains of sand strike heavier grains larger than one millimeter in diameter, causing the heavier grains a slight forward movement along the surface.

    • B.

      Surface creep occurs when saltating grains of sand strike finer grains smaller than one millimeter in diameter, causing the finer grains a slight forward movement along the surface.

    • C.

      Surface creep occurs when saltating grains of sand strike heavier grains larger than one millimeter in diameter, causing the finer grains a slight forward movement along the surface.

    • D.

      Surface creep occurs when saltating grains of sand strike heavier grains larger than one millimeter in diameter, causing the heavier grains to suspend in the air from their movement along the surface.

    Correct Answer
    A. Surface creep occurs when saltating grains of sand strike heavier grains larger than one millimeter in diameter, causing the heavier grains a slight forward movement along the surface.
    Explanation
    Surface creep occurs when saltating grains of sand strike heavier grains larger than one millimeter in diameter, causing the heavier grains a slight forward movement along the surface. This explanation states that surface creep happens when larger grains are struck by saltating grains of sand, resulting in a slight forward movement of the heavier grains.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    What is the "fluid threshold" of saltation?

    • A.

      The fluid threshold is the wind speed necessary for sand to start saltating under the direct pressure of the wind.

    • B.

      The fluid threshold is the wind speed necessary to maintain saltation once it has begun.

    • C.

      The fluid threshold is how all the surfaces respond to each other as they move.

    • D.

      The fluid threshold is wind speeds above 20 mph that occur above the windy side of a dune.

    Correct Answer
    A. The fluid threshold is the wind speed necessary for sand to start saltating under the direct pressure of the wind.
    Explanation
    The fluid threshold refers to the wind speed required for sand particles to begin saltating, or bouncing and hopping along the ground, due to the direct force of the wind. This is the point at which the wind is strong enough to lift and transport the sand particles.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    Saltation of sand along the surface accounts for about _________ of all sand movement by wind.

    • A.

      75%

    • B.

      25%

    • C.

      50%

    • D.

      100%

    Correct Answer
    A. 75%
    Explanation
    Saltation is the process by which sand grains are lifted into the air and then fall back to the ground due to wind. It is the most common mode of sand movement by wind. The given answer of 75% suggests that saltation accounts for three-fourths of all sand movement by wind. This means that the majority of sand is transported through the air in a bouncing or hopping motion, rather than being carried along the surface or being suspended in the air.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    What makes sand accumulate into piles rather than spread out evenly over an area?

    • A.

      Sand tends to accumulate in any place where there is a sufficient reduction of wind energy in the direction that sand drifts in, and any obstacle, such as a rock outcrop or a stand of vegetation, forces sand accumulation by lowering the wind speed.

    • B.

      Sand tends to accumulate in any place where there is an abundant wind velocity in the direction that sand drifts in, and any obstacle, such as a rock outcrop or a stand of vegetation, forces sand accumulation by lowering the wind speed.

    • C.

      Sand tends to accumulate in any place where there is a sufficient reduction of sand in the sand drifts in, and any obstacle, such as a rock outcrop or a stand of vegetation, forces sand accumulation by sustaining the wind speed.

    • D.

      Sand tends to accumulate in any place where there is a sufficient reduction of sand in the sand drifts in and any obstacle, such as a rock outcrop or a stand of vegetation, forces sand accumulation by lowering the wind speed.

    Correct Answer
    A. Sand tends to accumulate in any place where there is a sufficient reduction of wind energy in the direction that sand drifts in, and any obstacle, such as a rock outcrop or a stand of vegetation, forces sand accumulation by lowering the wind speed.
    Explanation
    Sand tends to accumulate in piles rather than spread out evenly over an area because when there is a sufficient reduction of wind energy in the direction that sand drifts in, and any obstacle, such as a rock outcrop or a stand of vegetation, forces sand accumulation by lowering the wind speed. This means that the reduced wind energy allows the sand particles to settle and accumulate in one place rather than being carried away by the wind. The obstacles further contribute to this accumulation by creating areas of lower wind speed, causing the sand to settle and pile up.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    Identify the sand movement in the diagram in the order of these numbers:#1 _______________, #2 ______________, #3 ______________

    • A.

      #1 suspension, #2 saltation, #3 creep

    • B.

      #1 saltation, #2 suspension, #3 creep

    • C.

      #1 suspension, #2 saltation, #3 impact threshold

    • D.

      #1 fluid threshold, #2 saltation, #3 impact threshold

    Correct Answer
    A. #1 suspension, #2 saltation, #3 creep
    Explanation
    The correct answer is #1 suspension, #2 saltation, #3 creep. In the diagram, sand particles are shown being lifted and carried in the air, which is characteristic of suspension. This is followed by saltation, where the sand particles are seen bouncing and hopping along the ground. Finally, creep refers to the slow movement of sand particles along the ground's surface.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    Identify each sediment particle size: #1 ____________, #2 ______________, #3 ______________

    • A.

      #1 sand, #2 silt, #3 clay

    • B.

      #1-course sand, #2 fine sand, #3 silt

    • C.

      #1 rock, #2 sand, #3 silt

    • D.

      #1 mud, #2 silt, #3 clay

    Correct Answer
    A. #1 sand, #2 silt, #3 clay
    Explanation
    The correct answer is #1 sand, #2 silt, #3 clay. This is because sand particles are larger in size compared to silt and clay particles. Silt particles are smaller than sand but larger than clay particles. Clay particles are the smallest in size and have a fine texture. Therefore, the given answer accurately identifies the sediment particle sizes in increasing order of size.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    What is the relationship between heavier grains of sand and the "creep" movement of sand?

    • A.

      Saltating sand grains strike heavy grains of sand on the surface. These saltating grains don't have enough energy to knock the heavier grains into the air. The saltating grains cause the heavy grains to move slightly forward or "creep" along the surface.

    • B.

      Saltating sand grains strike fine grains of sand on the sand surface. These saltating grains have enough energy to knock the fine grains into the air. These fine saltating grains cause the heavy grains to move slightly forward or "creep" along the surface.

    • C.

      Saltating heavy grains of sand "creep" along the surface. These heavy saltating grains have enough energy to knock the heavier grains forward or along the surface.

    • D.

      Storm winds carry heavy grains of sand along the surface. Heavy grains saltate during storms. They move slightly forward or "creep" during a storm.

    Correct Answer
    A. Saltating sand grains strike heavy grains of sand on the surface. These saltating grains don't have enough energy to knock the heavier grains into the air. The saltating grains cause the heavy grains to move slightly forward or "creep" along the surface.
    Explanation
    Saltating sand grains are able to strike heavy grains of sand on the surface, but they do not possess enough energy to lift these heavier grains into the air. However, the impact from the saltating grains causes the heavy grains to experience a slight forward movement, known as "creep," along the surface. This suggests that the relationship between heavier grains of sand and the "creep" movement is that the saltating grains induce the creep motion in the heavy grains by striking them on the surface.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Aug 23, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 20, 2016
    Quiz Created by
    Rhaveno
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.