Chapter 28, Problem 11TE

To determine

The agents of transportation that transports the largest boulders and its reason.

Answer to Problem 11TE

The agents of transportation that transports the largest boulders is ice because they always travels under the effect of gravity.

Explanation of Solution

The transportation of sediments is caused either by gravity or mechanical deposition. The movement of a glacier is both external and internal movement due to the frictional drag causes these movements. The external drive of a glacier is slowest at the bottom and quick at the top surface. The ice at the sides and base will move at a slower pace with respect to the ice at the glacier's surface. Mass transportation of sediments of all sizes takes place under the effect of gravity.

Ice in glaciers is very effective in transporting the largest boulders as they move under the effect of gravity. Glaciers act like a plow that plucks up sediments that are present in the path. This can carry a huge load to distant places.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the agents of transportation which transports the largest boulders is ice because they always travels under the effect of gravity.