Sand moving over a dune surface by saltation typically forms ___.
A) graded beds
B) ripple marks
C) mud cracks
D) desert pavement
E) tool marks

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When sand moves over a dune surface by saltation, it typically forms ripple marks. This is because saltation involves the movement of sand grains in short, bouncy hops, which create small ripples in the surface of the dune. Over time, these ripples can grow and merge to form larger-scale ripple patterns. Graded beds are typically formed by sediment settling out of a fluid, mud cracks form when wet sediment dries out and shrinks, desert pavement is a surface layer of closely-packed pebbles or rocks that can form in arid environments, and tool marks are impressions left by humans or tools on rocks or other surfaces.

Sand Moving Over a Dune Surface by Saltation Typically Forms