Which of the following is the primary geomorphic agent responsible for...
Answer: c. Running water
Explanation: In regions with high humidity and heavy rainfall, running water is the primary agent responsible for the erosion and shaping of land surfaces through processes like overland flow and stream erosion.
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Which of the following is the primary geomorphic agent responsible for...
Running water as the primary geomorphic agent in regions with high humidity and heavy rainfall
Running water is the primary geomorphic agent responsible for land surface degradation in regions with high humidity and heavy rainfall. This is due to the following reasons:
Effect of water erosion:
- Water erosion is a natural process where the movement of water over the land surface wears down the soil and rocks, transporting them to other locations.
- In regions with high humidity and heavy rainfall, the volume and velocity of water increase, leading to more intense erosion processes.
Types of water erosion:
- There are different types of water erosion, including sheet erosion, rill erosion, and gully erosion, all of which can significantly degrade the land surface.
- Sheet erosion occurs when a thin layer of soil is removed uniformly from a large area, while rill erosion creates small channels in the soil surface. Gully erosion forms deeper channels that can be several feet deep.
Impact on the landscape:
- Running water can carve out valleys, create meanders in rivers, and deposit sediment in floodplains.
- Over time, the continuous action of water erosion can lead to the formation of gorges, canyons, and other landforms that alter the landscape.
Human-induced water erosion:
- Human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and construction can exacerbate water erosion by removing vegetation cover and disrupting natural drainage patterns.
- This can lead to increased sedimentation in rivers, decreased soil fertility, and loss of biodiversity.
In conclusion, running water plays a crucial role in shaping the land surface in regions with high humidity and heavy rainfall, making it the primary geomorphic agent responsible for land surface degradation in such environments.