Landscape Evolution:GeomorphologyReliefMountains and ValleysMountainsDeserts: Vertical Cliffs and Alluvial FansValleys and BasinsColorado National MonumentCanyonlandsDesert and Semi-arid LandformsCuestaHogbackHogback CuestaBad-landsLandform TermsChapter 18Landscape Evolution:GeomorphologyTopography is a Balance Between Erosion and Tectonic UpliftTopography is a Balance Between Erosion and Tectonic UpliftRelief•The relief in an area is the maximum difference between the highest and lowest elevation.–We have about 7000 feet of relief between Boulder and the Continental divide.ReliefMountains control weather and increase erosionIsostasy:Mountains Have RootsMountains and Valleys•A mountain is a large mass of rock that projects above surrounding terrain. •A mountain range is a continuous area of high elevation and high relief.•A valley is an area of low relief typically formed by and drained by a single stream.•A basin is a large low-lying area of low relief. In arid areas basins commonly have closed topography (no river outlet to the sea).Mountains•Typically occur in ranges.•Glaciated forms–Horn–Arête•Desert Mountains–Vertical Cliffs–Alluvial FansMountain Landforms:HornDeserts: Vertical Cliffs and Alluvial FansValleys and Basins•River Valleys–U-shape(Glacial)–V-shape(Active Water erosion)–Flat-floored(depositional flood plain)•Tectonic (Fault) Valleys (Basins)–Tectonic origin–San Luis Valley–Jackson Hole–Great BasinU-shaped Valley:Glacial ErosionV-shaped Valley: Active water erosionFlat-floored Valley: Depositional Flood PlainFlat Floored ValleyColorado National MonumentCanyonlandsDesert and Semi-arid Landforms•A cuesta is an asymmetric ridge in dipping sedimentary rocks as the Flatirons. •A hogback is ridge formed by near-vertical, resistant sedimentary rock. (Dakota Ridge) •Badlands are areas of deeply gullied topography unsuitable for agriculture.CuestaHogbackHogback CuestaBad-landsLandform Terms•Relief•Mountain•Mountain Range•Isostasy•Valley•Basin•Horn•Arête•Alluvial Fan •U-shaped Valley•V-shaped
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