Category Archives: Class Notes

Alluvial Fans:Types and Formation

An alluvial fan is a triangle-shaped deposit of gravel, sand, and even smaller pieces of sediment, such as silt. This sediment is called alluvium. Alluvial fans are usually created as flowing water interacts with mountains, hills, or the steep walls of canyons. Streams carrying alluvium can be trickles of rainwater, a fast-moving creek, … Continue reading

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Climate of California

California enjoys a subtropical and middle latitude location. The climate is much influenced by the state’s latitudinal extent which is a prime determinant of temperatures, wind and humidity. Within the state further climatic variation is influenced by controls that reflect … Continue reading

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California: Physical Divisions

As California is the third largest state, behind Alaska and Texas, and runs almost 1400 kms from north to south. It is not surprising that it offers a contrasting landscape and a diverse topography. California’s general coastline is 840 miles … Continue reading

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The Origin of Geomorphology: An Opinion

Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers wondered how mountains and other surface features in the natural landscape had formed. Aristotle, Herodotus, Seneca, Strabo, Xenophanes, and many others discoursed on topics such as the origin of river valleys and deltas, and the … Continue reading

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