What is loess?
(1 point)
Responses
silt that settles on a hilltop
silt that settles on a hilltop
a grass-covered plain
a grass-covered plain
a dry wind from the Gobi
a dry wind from the Gobi
a fine, dustlike material
a fine, dustlike material
Loess is a fine, dustlike material.
Loess is a fine, dustlike material. To understand what loess is, we can break it down into smaller parts:
1. Definition: Loess refers to a type of sediment or soil that is composed of very fine particles, typically ranging from 0.02 to 0.06 millimeters in size. It is primarily made up of silt particles, which are smaller than sand but larger than clay.
2. Formation: Loess is commonly formed by the accumulation of windblown dust over long periods of time. The dust particles are transported by strong winds, usually originating from arid or semiarid regions with large expanses of exposed sediment or bedrock. These windblown particles may travel vast distances before settling.
3. Properties: Loess has unique properties that distinguish it from other types of sediment. It is usually light-colored, ranging from yellowish to light brown, but can also exhibit gray, tan, or reddish hues. Due to its fine particle size, loess is highly fertile and can be found in agricultural regions worldwide. It is also easily eroded by water, making it prone to landslides and other forms of erosion.
In summary, loess is a fine, dustlike material composed mainly of silt particles. It forms through the accumulation of windblown dust and is known for its fertile nature and susceptibility to erosion.