Desert Landforms

Alluvial Fan

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Terms in this set (9)

An Alluvial Fan is the semi-circular build up of material that collects at the base of slopes and at the end of Wadis after being deposited there by water and wind.

Image: Alluvial Fan

A Playa Lake may cover a wide area, but is never deep. Most water in it evaporates, leaving a layer of salt on the surface. These salt-covered stretches are called Salt Pans.

Image: Playa Lake

Clay Pans are low lying sections of ground that may remain wet and muddy for some time.

An Oasis is a fertile spot in the Desert. It receives water from underground supplies.

Image: Oasis

A Mesa is a plateau-like section of land witha flat top and steep sides. The flat surface was once the ground level, before weathering and erosion took their toll.

Image: Mesa

Sand Dunes often start as small mounds of sand that collect around an object like a rock. As they grow larger they are moved and shaped by the wind.

Image: Dunes

An inselberg is a solid rock formation that was once below ground level. As the softer land around it erodes, it becomes more prominent. Uluru is an Inselberg.

Image: Inselberg

A chimney rock is the pillar-like remains of a Butte.

Image: Chimney Rock

A Butte is the remaining solid core of what was once a Mesa. It is often shaped like a castle or tower.

Image: Butte

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