What type of geological feature is formed by the deposition of rock debris by a glacier?

Prepare for the Fundamentals of Geology Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Get ready to ace your geology test!

A moraine is a geological feature created by the accumulation and deposition of rock debris, dirt, and sediment that a glacier has transported. As glaciers move, they erode the surrounding landscape and pick up various materials, including loose rocks and soil. When the glacier advances or retreats, it deposits this accumulated debris at its edges or terminus, forming a ridge-like structure known as a moraine. This feature can vary in size and shape, depending on factors like the glacier's movement and the types of materials involved.

In contrast, a delta forms at the mouth of a river where it meets a standing body of water, such as an ocean or lake, due to sediment carried by the river being deposited as the flow velocity decreases. An alluvial fan forms in arid regions when a river emerges from a narrow canyon onto a broader, flatter area, depositing sediment in a fan-shaped pattern. A talus slope is a collection of rock debris that accumulates at the base of a cliff or steep slope due to weathering and gravity, but it is not associated with glacial activity. Each of these other features reflects different geological processes and environments distinct from the formation of moraines by glacial action.

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