Question

Use Google Earth. Paste the location that is given into the "Search" box. Examine each location at multiple eye altitudes and differing amounts of tilt. For any measurements that use the ruler tool, this can be accessed by clicking on the ruler icon above the image. Search for \(635555.23 \mathrm{~N} 170107.14 \mathrm{~W}\) and zoom out to an eye altitude of 10,000 feet. How would one describe this river? a. Straight b. Meandering c. Low sinuosity d. Braided

Short answer

The answer is likely 'b. Meandering', as many rivers at this zoom level typically exhibit winding patterns.

Step-by-step solution

Open Google Earth

Start by opening Google Earth on your computer. Make sure it is fully loaded and you are familiar with the basic controls, such as zooming in and out, panning, and adjusting the tilt view.

Input Coordinates

In the search box of Google Earth, input the given coordinates: '635555.23 N 170107.14 W'. Make sure you enter these coordinates correctly to find the exact location on Earth that needs examination.

Adjust Eye Altitude

Once the location is loaded, gradually zoom out to an eye altitude of 10,000 feet. You can adjust this using the zoom tool or scrollwheel on your mouse. This altitude will give you a clearer overview of the surrounding terrain to assess the characteristics of the river.

Examine River Characteristics

With the given eye altitude, examine the layout and flow patterns of the river. Pay attention to the way the river winds or whether it has multiple channels. You may need to observe the river's path from multiple angles by adjusting your tilt and panning around the location.

Match Observations to Descriptions

Based on your observations, determine which description best fits the river's characteristics: a) Straight means a direct path without curves. b) Meandering means winding with loop-like features. c) Low sinuosity indicates gentle curves and bends. d) Braided refers to multiple intersecting and separating channels.

Key concepts

River Classification

When studying rivers on platforms like Google Earth, understanding their classification is key. Rivers can be categorized into several types based on their physical features and flow patterns. Each type provides insights into the geological processes at play and the environmental conditions surrounding the river.

• Straight rivers are rare and usually engineered by humans. Naturally, rivers seldom form a direct path as they meander and curve over time.
• Meandering rivers have a winding path with several turns and curves, forming loop-like features. These loops, called meanders, are formed due to the erosion of the outer banks and the deposition of sediments on the inner banks.
• Braided rivers consist of multiple channels that continually converge and diverge. These channels are separated by small, often unstable islands of sediment.
• Low sinuosity rivers are those that contain gentle bends and slight curves, but lack significant meandering features.

Grasping these classifications helps in identifying and understanding different river types by simple observations from tools like Google Earth.

Coordinates and Navigation

Using coordinates is a fundamental skill when navigating digital mapping services like Google Earth. Coordinates allow us to pinpoint exact locations on Earth's surface, using a system based on latitude and longitude.
Latitude measures how far a point is from the equator. It is expressed in degrees north or south. Longitude, on the other hand, measures the distance from the Prime Meridian, marked in degrees east or west.
To effectively use coordinates:

• Ensure you enter the coordinates precisely, keeping the order of latitude and longitude consistent.
• Familiarize yourself with the tools available for navigation within Google Earth, like panning for moving around and zooming to change your viewpoint.
• Remember that varying your eye altitude and using the tilt function can give you different perspectives, revealing distinct characteristics of the terrain.

Mastering these techniques enables you to locate and explore various natural phenomena efficiently.

Meandering Rivers

Meandering rivers are fascinating geological structures characterized by their serpentine paths, which are primarily influenced by erosion and deposition processes.
These rivers typically form in flatter landscapes where the gradient is gentle, allowing the river to wander back and forth.

• Erosion occurs predominantly on the outer sides of bends, where the water's velocity is greatest. This causes the riverbank to wear away.
• Deposition happens on the inside of bends, where the water slows down, allowing sediments to settle and accumulate.

Over time, these processes accentuate the river's curves, sometimes leading to the formation of cut-off oxbow lakes. Studying meandering rivers in Google Earth can help observe these distinctions, especially from a higher altitude where the entire path is visible.

Braided Rivers

Braided rivers resemble a labyrinth, with multiple channels weaving and intersecting across a broad, flood-prone plain. These distinct river types form under specific conditions, shaping them in unique ways.
Several factors contribute to the formation of braided rivers:

• High sediment load delivered by the river plays a crucial role, as deposition of this sediment forms small islands and bars between channels.
• Variable water flow is typical in braided rivers, where changes in discharge can lead to varying channel sizes and flow paths.
• Steeper gradients compared to meandering rivers, allowing faster-moving water to transport and deposit larger particles.

Observing these rivers on Google Earth can reveal the dynamic nature of their channels, constantly changing as sediments shift due to varying water flows. Understanding these characteristics is vital for comprehending the geological and ecological settings in which braided rivers exist.