USA Glacial Landforms Overview Quiz
Ice-shaped landscapes of northern USA (10 questions).
USA Glacial Landforms Overview Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Explore the fascinating impact of past ice ages on the northern United States. This quiz and study guide delve into the distinctive landforms sculpted by continental glaciers, from the Great Lakes to drumlin fields and eskers, shaping the geography we see today.
Key Glacial Features
Key Takeaways
- Continental glaciers significantly shaped the northern USA’s landscape.
- Erosional landforms include glacial troughs (U-shaped valleys) and scour basins (Great Lakes).
- Depositional landforms comprise various moraines, drumlins, eskers, kames, and outwash plains.
- Glacial till is unsorted sediment; stratified drift is sorted by meltwater.
- Kettle lakes are common features formed by melting buried ice blocks.
- The “Driftless Area” in the Upper Midwest is a unique region largely untouched by the last glaciation.
- Glacial erratics provide evidence of ice transport over long distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary types of glacial landforms found in the northern USA?
The northern USA features both erosional landforms like U-shaped valleys, cirques, and the Great Lakes basins, and depositional landforms such as moraines (terminal, recessional, lateral), drumlins, eskers, kames, and outwash plains.
How did the Great Lakes form?
The Great Lakes were formed by continental glaciers repeatedly advancing and retreating over millions of years. The immense weight and erosive power of these ice sheets scoured out deep basins, which then filled with meltwater as the glaciers receded.
What is the difference between glacial till and stratified drift?
Glacial till is unsorted, unstratified sediment (ranging from clay to boulders) deposited directly by glacial ice. Stratified drift, on the other hand, is sorted and layered sediment (like sand and gravel) deposited by glacial meltwater streams.
What is a drumlin, and where are they common in the USA?
A drumlin is an elongated, streamlined hill composed of glacial till, often occurring in fields or swarms. Their long axes are parallel to the direction of ice flow. They are common in areas like western New York, Wisconsin, and parts of New England.
What is the “Driftless Area,” and why is it unique?
The “Driftless Area” is a region in southwestern Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and northwestern Illinois that escaped glaciation during the last Ice Age. Its unique landscape features deeply incised river valleys, rugged bluffs, and lacks the typical glacial deposits (drift) found in surrounding areas.
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