Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

What is alluvium?

1. Material transported and deposited by water

2. The gradual rise of water levels

3. Land formed by erosion

4. The process of land disappearing due to flood

The correct answer is: Material transported and deposited by water

Alluvium refers specifically to the sediment, such as clay, silt, sand, and gravel, that is transported and deposited by flowing water, typically in riverbeds, floodplains, and deltas. This material is important for various geological and ecological processes, as it contributes to the fertility of the land in floodplains and supports diverse ecosystems. It is also significant in surveying and civil engineering, as understanding the characteristics and distribution of alluvial deposits can influence construction, water management, and land use planning. The other options relate to water and land dynamics but do not accurately define alluvium. The gradual rise of water levels typically refers to phenomena like flooding or sea-level rise rather than the material itself. Similarly, land formed by erosion describes a different process where materials are worn away and transported by elements like wind, water, or ice rather than deposited by them. Lastly, the process of land disappearing due to flood pertains to immediate and specific conditions caused by floods rather than the broader geological concept of alluvial deposits.