Which pair of features is likely composed of sediments with different grain size and sorting characteristics?

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 outwash plain and end moraine are both landforms associated with glacial activity, and they exhibit distinct differences in sediment characteristics. An outwash plain, formed by melting glaciers, is typically composed of sediments that are well sorted and can range in size from fine silt to coarse gravel. The water from the melting glacier flows out and deposits these sediments based on their size and weight, often resulting in a relatively uniform grain size within specific areas of the outwash plain.

In contrast, an end moraine is formed from the accumulation of debris that a glacier pushes ahead of it. This material is often poorly sorted, containing a mix of grain sizes from fine particles to large boulders, as the glacier transports a wide variety of materials without significant sorting. As a result, the sediments found in an end moraine are more heterogeneous in both size and sorting characteristics compared to those in an outwash plain.

Thus, the pair of features—outwash plain (well sorted, varying sizes) and end moraine (poorly sorted, varied sizes)—exemplifies a contrasting relationship in sediment composition, making them likely composed of sediments with different grain size and sorting characteristics.

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