CHAPTER 5 GEOLOGICAL AGENTS 5.1 INTRODUCTION Erosion by Water 5.1.1 Erosion Types Factor 5.1.2 Erosion Rates 5.1.

3 Deposition Erosion by Wind 5.2.1 Deflation (Blowing away process) 5.2.2 Deposition SUMMARY REVIEW QUESTIONS

5.2

FIGURE 5.1 The major sedimentary environments are represented in this idealized diagram. Most sediment moves downslope from continental highlands towards the oceans, so the most important environments of sedimentation are found along the shores and in the shallow seas beyond. Sedimentary environments can be categorized in three groups: continental, shoreline (transitional) and marine Movement of bed load in a stream The columns in Bryce Canyon National Park are produced by differential erosion along receding cliff where zones of weakness occur along fractures and bedding planes Natural arches develop in massive sandstone area Differential erosion produces plateaus, mesas, buttes and pinnacles in Monument Valley, Utah, form resistant sandstone overlying nonresistant shale The transportation of sediment by wind is accomplished by surface creep, saltation and suspension. Coarse grains move by impact from other grains and slide or roll (surface creep). Medium grains move by skipping or bouncing (saltation). Fine silt and dust move in suspension. Sand dune migrates as sand grains move up the slope of the dune

5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6

5.7