Which of the following is NOT typical of glacial deposits?

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!

The question focuses on identifying what is not characteristic of glacial deposits. Glacial deposits, formed from the movement and melting of glaciers, typically present certain features due to their unique formation processes.

Glacial deposits are often characterized by unstratified and unsorted mixtures of sediment, resulting from the way glaciers transport material. The ice carries a wide array of rock sizes, from fine silt to large boulders, and when the glacier melts, this material is deposited in a chaotic manner rather than in well-defined layers.

Additionally, glacial activity and the resulting movement of ice lead to the formation of features like stratified deposits such as drumlins, which are elongated shapes formed beneath the glacier. These shapes are often serpentine or streamlined, demonstrating the direction of glacial flow.

The features described as "elongated ellipsoidal hillsides" also fall in line with glacial deposits such as drumlins, which are formed by sediment accumulation beneath the ice.

In contrast, the description of a "pile of rocks at the base of a steep slope" refers more to talus deposits or scree, which are products of gravity-driven processes rather than glacial activity. Talus accumulates due to rockfall and is typically found at the base

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