|
Correct Answer: sorted deposits
the correct answer to the question of what is formed when wind carries sediment is "sorted deposits." this process occurs through the action of wind transportation, where particles of different sizes are picked up and moved by the force of the wind over various distances before being deposited.
as the wind transports these sediments, sorting occurs based on the size, weight, and shape of the particles. larger, heavier particles tend to settle first because they require stronger wind forces to be moved and are quicker to fall out of suspension when the wind speed decreases. following this, smaller particles settle as the wind's carrying capacity further reduces. this sequential settling results in the formation of sorted layers, with each layer predominantly consisting of particles of a similar size.
the phenomenon of sorted deposits is a contrast to unsorted deposits, where particles of varying sizes are jumbled together without any apparent sorting. unsorted deposits often result from glacial activity or other geological processes where materials are deposited en masse without the influence of wind or water that can segregate particles by size.
it's important to note that similar sorting processes can occur in water bodies, where sediment is transported and deposited by currents. however, in the context of wind, the sorting is typically more noticeable due to the variability in wind strength and direction, which can selectively carry and drop finer materials over greater distances compared to heavier particles.
in conclusion, sorted deposits are characteristic of aeolian (wind-driven) sedimentary environments and are a key indicator of the past and present action of wind in shaping the earth's surface through the transportation and deposition of sediment. this process plays a critical role in the formation of various landforms and contributes to the dynamic nature of earth's landscapes.
|
