Physical Geography 102
Desert Landforms Study Guide


After the "Desert Landforms" lectures and readings you should be able to answer and discuss the following questions.

What are the two physical parameters that measure air flow, and how are these parameters measured?

Define and describe the process of deflation and the landforms associated with it.

Define and describe the process of abrasion and the landforms associated with it.

Compare and contrast dust storms and sand storms.

What is a desert?

List and describe the five types of deserts.

What is a sand dune?

What are the conditions that are necessary for a sand dune to form?

What is sand?

What does the color of sand indicate?

Define and describe the process of saltation.

What is a wind break?

Describe and draw a simple diagram showing the four basic feature of a dune.

How do sand dunes migrate?

What are ripplemarks?

List and describe the six most common sand dunes, including shape of the dune, wind direction, and any special features of the dune.

What is an erg?

What are loess deposits and how do they form?