Question

identifying surface water deposition
a geologist took this aerial photo of a location where a river flows out of a mountain range.
what feature is pictured here?
○ alluvial fan
○ delta
○ flood plain
○ oxbow lake

Explanation:

To determine the feature, we analyze each option:

• Alluvial fan: Forms when a river flows out of a mountain range, depositing sediment in a fan - shaped pattern. This matches the scenario (river exiting mountains) and the aerial view's fan - like sediment deposit.
• Delta: Forms at a river's mouth (where it enters a body of water like an ocean or lake), not at a mountain range exit.
• Flood plain: A flat area adjacent to a river, formed by repeated flooding and sediment deposition over time. It doesn't have the fan - shaped deposit seen here and isn't associated with a river exiting a mountain.
• Oxbow lake: A curved lake formed when a river meander is cut off. It has no relation to a river exiting a mountain range.

So, the correct feature is the alluvial fan.

Answer:

A. alluvial fan