Glacier and Citrus College Chapter Essay - 4631 Words

ESCI 118 – Physical Geography Citrus College Chapter 17 – Solution Processes and Karst Topography 1. How does carbonic acid form? It forms when water and carbon dioxide combine and react. 2. What is meant by dissolution? Dissolution is the action of being dissolved. 3. What kinds of rock are most susceptible to solution processes? Why? Limestone and dolomite are most susceptible to solution processes because the water, which is slightly acidic, reacts with rock and dissolves the co2 gas carrying away or dissolving some of the sediment. 4. How does the underground structure of the bedrock influence the dissolution process? Bedrock that is made of carbonate is more†¦show more content†¦In an arid land, there is less precipitation than the potential evaporation which is not the case in humid regions. 2. What is meant by an impermeable surface and how does such a surface influence the results of rainfall in a desert? An impermeable surface cannot be penetrated by any element. Such a surface will not allow rain to percolate into the desert soil leaving no plants with root systems able to survive unless specifically adapted to the climate. 3. What is a basin of interior drainage? The land is uplifted crust blocks that form parallel ranges but surface water doesn’t run to the ocean. Instead, it evaporates over time leaving a salt flat. 4. What is the difference between an ephemeral stream and an exotic stream in a desert? An ephemeral stream is a stream that only exists during rainfall. Exotic streams come from an origin outside of the desert. 5. Although there is very little rainfall in deserts, running water is still the most important process of erosion and deposition in arid environments. Describe and explain at least two special conditions in deserts that tend to increase the likelihood of fluvial erosion whenever it does rain. Any rainfall increases fluvial erosion. When rain does fall, this creates ephemeral streams causing water erosion due to fast forces of water. Flash floods are possible as well creating even more erosion. 6.