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. What factors control the course of this river? a. Steep gradient and high discharge b. Low gradient and low discharge c. Low gradient and abundant sediment supply d. Steep gradient and low sediment supply

Short answer

c. Low gradient and abundant sediment supply

Step-by-step solution

Open Google Earth and Enter Coordinates

Launch Google Earth on your computer. In the 'Search' box, paste the coordinates '635555.23 N 170107.14 W' to locate the specific river referred to in the question.

Adjust the Zoom and Eye Altitude

Zoom out to an eye altitude of 10,000 feet. Adjust the tilt to get a clear view of the river's path in relation to the surrounding landscape.

Analyze the River's Characteristics

Examine the river's course to determine its gradient and discharge. Look at whether the river meanders gently (indicative of low gradient) or if it flows quickly and directly (indicative of steep gradient). Observe sediment deposition along the banks.

Evaluate Factors Controlling the River

Based on your observations, identify whether the river has a steep gradient or low gradient and note the amount of sediment present. This will help in deciding the river's main controlling factor.

Key concepts

Google Earth application

Google Earth is a powerful tool for exploring our planet from above. It allows you to enter specific coordinates, like '635555.23 N 170107.14 W', to bring you directly to precise locations around the globe. When you open Google Earth, the first step is to use the 'Search' box for entering these coordinates.
Then, you can easily adjust your view using zoom and tilt functionalities. The ability to tilt and zoom gives you a better understanding of the topography and specific features of the land. This application helps in identifying natural features and is particularly useful in geomorphology. Ensure you zoom out to eye altitudes around 10,000 feet for a broad view of land features, especially rivers or mountain ranges.
Google Earth's tools, including the ruler for measuring distances, enhance your exploration by allowing detailed analysis of land features like river courses, aiding in academic and professional fields alike.

Analyzing river courses

Understanding river courses is crucial in geomorphology. A river's course can inform us about the dynamics of the water flow and environmental factors at play. When you view a river on Google Earth, pay attention to its shape:
- Meandering rivers usually indicate low gradients and abundant sediment load.
- Straight, direct flows typically suggest steep gradients and potentially high discharge.
Observing the river’s path helps determine the gradient—a key factor in knowing how fast water moves through it. Rivers with low gradients tend to have broader meanders as opposed to steep, fast-moving streams. This analysis offers a window into the natural processes that shape the river and its surroundings.

Topographic analysis

Topographic analysis involves evaluating the landscape features that surround a river. On Google Earth, the tilt and various views help you see different elevations and landscape formations. Topography is crucial for understanding river dynamics, as it affects how water flows and where it deposits sediment.
Observing the elevation and land formations enables you to assess the gradient of the river itself. For instance, steep areas contribute to faster water flow, while flat terrains slow it down. Additionally, topographic features influence how a river changes course over time, navigating through landforms like mountains or valleys.

• High gradients often imply steep, fast-flowing watercourses.
• Low gradients indicate gentle, more meandering rivers.

This analysis is a cornerstone of studying river systems and their geomorphological impact on the environment.

Sediment deposition

Sediment deposition is a key aspect in understanding a river's behavior and ecology. Sediment, which consists of materials like soil, sand, and organic particles, is carried by rivers and eventually settles along banks or the riverbed.
The process of sediment deposition is influenced by the river’s speed and gradient. Slower-moving rivers with low gradients tend to deposit more sediment, forming features like sandbars or deltas. In contrast, rivers with steep gradients may carry more sediment with less deposition due to their quicker flow. On Google Earth, such deposits can often be spotted along meanders or at the mouths of rivers.
Evaluating sediment deposition aids in understanding river channel development, habitat creation, and even the potential for flooding in surrounding areas.