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Identify erosional processes, features created by weathering and mass wasting, depositional processes, and features, and interpret topographic profiles based on given landscape data. Answer questions on weathering types, mass wasting processes, slope calculations, and human interaction with landscapes, supported by Google Earth analyses and relevant concepts in geomorphology.

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Understanding the processes of weathering and mass wasting is essential in geomorphology, as they significantly shape Earth's surface features and influence landscape stability. The interconnected nature of physical and chemical weathering, combined with various mass wasting mechanisms, results in diverse landforms and sedimentary deposits that reflect local environmental conditions, geological materials, and climatic influences.

Physical weathering, also known as mechanical weathering, involves the breakdown of rocks through physical forces without altering their chemical composition. Common types include frost wedging, which occurs when water seeps into cracks, freezes, expands, and widens these cracks; exfoliation, where large sheets of rock detach due to pressure release; and salt crystal growth, where salt crystals expand and fragment rocks in arid environments. The dominant mechanical weathering processes vary with climate and rock properties; for example, frost wedging is prevalent in colder regions, while exfoliation is typical in areas with significant temperature fluctuations. Google Earth imagery can assist in identifying these processes by visual inspection of landscape features and rock weathering patterns.

Chemical weathering entails the alteration of mineral constituents within rocks through chemical reactions, leading to decomposition and transformation. Major types include hydrolysis, where minerals react with water to form clay; carbonation, involving carbon dioxide reacting with minerals to produce soluble bicarbonates; oxidation, where minerals react with oxygen, leading to coloration and weakening of rocks; and spheroidal weathering, characterized by rounded rock forms resulting from differential weathering of chemically altered outer layers. The dominance of each chemical weathering process depends on factors such as temperature, water availability, and mineral composition. For instance, carbonation is more active in climates with high rainfall and abundant CO2, as visualized in Google Earth landscape features. These chemical processes influence the durability of rocks and contribute to soil formation.

Mass wasting refers to the downhill movement of rock and soil due to gravity, often triggered or facilitated by weathering processes, water content, slope steepness, and human activities. Types include rockfalls, where large rocks detach and rapidly descend slopes; landslides, involving cohesive blocks of earth moving along failure surfaces; slumps, characterized by rotational movement along concave slip surfaces; and debris flows, which are fast-moving mixtures of water, debris, and sediments. Slow movements like soil creep and solifluction occur gradually over time. Google Earth images reveal mass wasting features, such as rotated blocks or displaced soil and debris, aiding in process identification. The velocity of these events varies; for example, rockfalls are rapid, while soil creep is extremely slow.

Human activities, such as construction, deforestation, and extraction, can destabilize slopes and increase the likelihood of mass wasting events. Conversely, areas with stable geological conditions, flat terrains away from slopes, and non-jointed bedrock are generally safer. Proper land-use planning involves assessing slope angles, water drainage, and substrate properties to mitigate hazard risks. Google Earth allows for analyzing slope profiles and landforms to identify potential problem areas and inform land management decisions.

Topographic analysis involves calculating slopes using elevation profiles, which provide a visual understanding of landscape steepness. The slope percentage is derived by dividing the vertical rise (elevation gain) by the horizontal run (distance) and multiplying by 100%. This measure indicates potential stability or instability, as steeper slopes are more susceptible to mass wasting. Google Earth’s elevation profile tools facilitate these calculations, essential for assessing hazard potential and landscape evolution.

Application of these concepts is exemplified through case studies, where analyzing landscape features with Google Earth helps identify weathering patterns and mass wasting processes. For example, in Bangkok, Thailand, with a mean annual temperature of 28°C and 145 cm of precipitation, chemical weathering is dominant, leading to significant soil and rock alteration. In contrast, colder, drier regions like parts of Alaska experience more physical weathering with frost action. Morphological features such as exfoliation terraces, chemical coloration, displaced debris, and rotational slides visually confirm these processes. Understanding the mechanisms and conditions that produce these features contributes to better hazard assessment, land use planning, and environmental management.

References

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