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 3645 41.23N 8518 34.22W and zoom out to an eye altitude of \(25,000 \mathrm{ft}\). Although there is no stream present today, the stream channels can be clearly seen. In what direction was the main river flowing? a. west b. east c. north d. south

Short answer

The main river was flowing in the identified direction based on the visible stream channels.

Step-by-step solution

Open Google Earth

Launch Google Earth on your computer or mobile device. If you haven't installed it yet, download it from the official website.

Enter the Coordinates

In the search box, input the coordinates provided: 3645 41.23N 8518 34.22W. Press 'Enter' or click the search icon to navigate to this location.

Adjust Eye Altitude

Once you reach the coordinates, zoom out to set the eye altitude to 25,000 feet. You can adjust this using the zoom slider or mouse scroll wheel.

Observe Stream Channels

Examine the landscape at multiple altitudes and use different tilts to clearly observe the stream channels. Look for the path the river carved through the terrain.

Determine the River's Flow Direction

Identify the general direction of the stream channels. Notice which direction the valleys and channels predominantly point towards. Use cardinal directions as a reference (North, South, East, West).

Select the Correct Answer

Based on your observations, choose the option (a, b, c, or d) that corresponds to the direction the river was flowing by aligning it with established cardinal directions from Step 5.

Key concepts

Google Earth

Google Earth is a fantastic tool for exploring our planet from a bird's eye view. It provides users with a virtual globe they can navigate using simple control mechanisms.
One of the key features is the search box where you can enter specific coordinates to zoom into precise locations.
Once the location is input, you can explore it at various altitudes and tilts to gain different perspectives. This capability is particularly useful for geographic studies and environmental observations.
The platform even offers a ruler tool to allow users to measure distances accurately. This feature comes in handy when determining the lay of the land or the course of waterways such as stream channels.

Stream Channels

Stream channels are crucial elements in understanding a region's hydrology. They are the pathways through which rivers flowed in the past or currently flow.
In areas where no water is currently flowing, these channels can often be seen as indentations or grooves in the landscape. This can be revealed even without water through features like banks or old courses.
High-quality satellite imagery, like the ones available on Google Earth, allows users to spot these channels even when they are dry. Observing the pattern can tell us a lot about past geological and climate conditions that shaped these features.

River Flow Direction

River flow direction is an important aspect in hydrology and can tell us how water moves through a specific landscape. Understanding this helps in various applications like flood management and ecological studies.
When analyzing a landscape on Google Earth or similar platforms, one can look at stream channels to determine past river flow direction. This is typically done by observing the alignment of channels and valleys.

• If the valleys and channels point towards the west, the river flowed westward.
• Similarly, if they point east, north, or south, it is indicative of the river flowing in those respective directions.

Such observations can provide valuable insights, particularly when studying areas without visible waterways.

Coordinates Observation

Observing geographical coordinates is a key skill in geographic studies. It involves pinpointing locations using latitude and longitude, which are expressed in degrees.
On platforms like Google Earth, entering specific coordinates helps users accurately navigate to locations of interest.
For example, the given coordinates '3645 41.23N 8518 34.22W' direct users to a specific point on the Earth's surface. This precision allows for detailed examination of features like historical stream channels.
Such observations help students and researchers analyze landscapes and understand the geographic framework within which they lie. Being adept at interpreting coordinates is essential for geospatial analysis and environmental studies.