Objectives
This sinkhole opened up under Bullfrog
Valley Road near Hershey, PA. The geology beneath Hershey, primarily limestone,
is similar to the geology of southern and southeastern Indiana (Photo: William H. Bolles, PA DCNR).This section will help you to:
- classify and differentiate the common types of surficial processes;
- understand the factors that affect surficial processes (forces, Earth material type, slope and topography, climate, vegetation, water, and time);
- relate the factors to the occurrence of specific surficial processes (e.g., landslides, sinkholes, and subsidence);
- explain how humans can increase the risk of dangerous surficial processes;
- explain how humans (e.g., engineers) can minimize or prevent surficial hazards;
- distinguish where surficial processes can occur in Indiana;
- indicate how surficial processes impact densely populated countries:
- describe how caves and karst topography forms; and
- relate ideas discussed in other sections to surficial processes and case studies.
If you would like a guide to help you to achieve these learning objectives for this module, please click here for an “Objective Guide.”