Earth Science Test #3

Approved & Edited by ProProfs Editorial Team
The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By An_losoya
A
An_losoya
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 4 | Total Attempts: 1,478
Questions: 26 | Attempts: 131

SettingsSettingsSettings
Earth Science Quizzes & Trivia

Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    The largest reservoir of freshwater that is available to humans is ____________. 

    • A.

      River water

    • B.

      Lakes and reservoirs glaciers groundwater lakes and reservoirs glaciers groundwater lakes and reservoirs

    • C.

      Glaciers

    • D.

      groundwater

    Correct Answer
    D. groundwater
    Explanation
    Groundwater is the correct answer because it refers to the water that is stored beneath the Earth's surface in underground aquifers. These aquifers are a major source of freshwater for human consumption and agriculture. While rivers, lakes, and reservoirs also contain freshwater, they are not as large or as easily accessible as the vast underground reserves of groundwater. Glaciers, on the other hand, are not a readily available source of freshwater for humans as they are located in remote and often inaccessible areas.

    Rate this question:

  • 2. 

    The single most important agent sculpturing Earth's land surface is _________.

    • A.

      Ice

    • B.

      Waves

    • C.

      Groundwater

    • D.

      Wind

    • E.

      Running water

    Correct Answer
    E. Running water
    Explanation
    Running water is the single most important agent sculpturing Earth's land surface because it has the ability to erode, transport, and deposit sediment. Over time, running water can carve out valleys, create canyons, and shape the landscape through processes such as erosion and deposition. It is responsible for the formation of various landforms, including rivers, waterfalls, and deltas. The constant flow and force of running water make it a powerful and influential agent in shaping the Earth's land surface.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    Raising a stream's base level will cause the stream to ____________. 

    • A.

      Change course

    • B.

      Erode

    • C.

      Stop flowing

    • D.

      Deposit material

    • E.

      Meander

    Correct Answer
    D. Deposit material
    Explanation
    When a stream's base level is raised, it means that the level of the body of water into which the stream flows has increased. This causes the stream to slow down and lose energy, leading to a decrease in its ability to carry sediment. As a result, the stream will deposit the sediment it was previously transporting, leading to the accumulation of material such as sand, silt, and rocks along its course. Therefore, raising a stream's base level will cause it to deposit material.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    Along a stream meander, the maximum velocity of water occurs ____________. 

    • A.

      In the center, below the surface

    • B.

      In the center, on the surface

    • C.

      Near the inner bank of meander

    • D.

      Near the outer bank of meander

    • E.

      Near the stream's bed

    Correct Answer
    D. Near the outer bank of meander
    Explanation
    In a meandering stream, the maximum velocity of water occurs near the outer bank of the meander. This is because the water is forced to flow faster along the outer bank due to the curvature of the stream channel. As the water flows around the bend, centrifugal force pushes it towards the outer bank, causing the velocity to increase. This faster-moving water near the outer bank also erodes the bank more quickly, leading to the formation of a point bar on the inner bank.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    The function of artificial levees built along a river is to control ____________. 

    • A.

      Flooding

    • B.

      Meandering

    • C.

      Gradient

    • D.

      Oxbow lakes

    • E.

      Erosion

    Correct Answer
    A. Flooding
    Explanation
    Artificial levees are constructed along rivers to control flooding. These structures are built to prevent the overflow of water during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. By confining the river within its banks, levees help to regulate the flow of water and prevent it from spilling onto surrounding areas. This reduces the risk of property damage, loss of life, and disruption to communities that can result from flooding events.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    During periods when rain does not fall, rivers are sustained by ____________. 

    • A.

      Runoff

    • B.

      Groundwater

    • C.

      Atmospheric moisture

    • D.

      Evaporation

    • E.

      Transpirated water

    Correct Answer
    B. Groundwater
    Explanation
    During periods when rain does not fall, rivers are sustained by groundwater. Groundwater refers to the water that is stored beneath the Earth's surface in soil and rock formations. It is a crucial source of water for rivers during dry periods as it slowly seeps into the rivers, replenishing their flow. This water comes from precipitation that has infiltrated the ground and is stored in underground aquifers. Therefore, groundwater acts as a natural reservoir that helps to maintain the flow of rivers even in the absence of rain.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    Which one of the following would least likely be found in a wide valley?

    • A.

      Cutoff

    • B.

      Oxbow lake

    • C.

      Floodplain

    • D.

      Meanders

    • E.

      Rapids

    Correct Answer
    E. Rapids
    Explanation
    Rapids are least likely to be found in a wide valley because they require a steep gradient and fast-moving water. Wide valleys typically have a gentler slope and slower-moving water, making it less likely to have rapids. Rapids are commonly found in narrow, rocky areas where the water flows quickly and encounters obstacles, causing turbulence and white water. In contrast, a wide valley is characterized by a broader and flatter terrain, which is not conducive to the formation of rapids.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    Along straight stretches, the highest water velocities in a river are near the ____________ of the channel, just below the surface. 

    • A.

      Center

    • B.

      Sides

    • C.

      End

    • D.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Center
    Explanation
    In a river, the highest water velocities are near the center of the channel, just below the surface. This is because the flow of water is typically faster in the middle of the channel due to less friction with the river banks. As the water moves towards the sides or the end of the channel, it encounters more resistance from the banks, causing the velocity to decrease. Therefore, the correct answer is center.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    The combined effects of mass wasting and ____________ produce stream valleys. 

    • A.

      Capacity

    • B.

      Crystallization

    • C.

      Tectonics

    • D.

      Weathering

    • E.

      Running water

    Correct Answer
    E. Running water
    Explanation
    Mass wasting refers to the downward movement of rock and soil under the influence of gravity. Running water, such as rivers and streams, plays a significant role in shaping the landscape by eroding and transporting material. As water flows over the land, it can carve out stream valleys through the process of erosion. Therefore, the combined effects of mass wasting and running water contribute to the formation of stream valleys.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    Which one of the following is a measure of a material's ability to transmit water through interconnected pore spaces? 

    • A.

      Porosity

    • B.

      Permeability

    • C.

      Gradient

    • D.

      Capacity

    • E.

      Competence

    Correct Answer
    B. Permeability
    Explanation
    Permeability is a measure of a material's ability to transmit water through interconnected pore spaces. It quantifies how easily water can flow through a substance, such as soil or rock. A material with high permeability allows water to pass through quickly, while a material with low permeability restricts the flow of water. Porosity refers to the amount of empty space within a material, but it does not directly measure the material's ability to transmit water. Gradient refers to the slope or steepness of a surface, capacity refers to the maximum amount that something can hold, and competence refers to the ability of a person or material to perform a task effectively.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    In a typical stream, where gradient is steep, discharge is ____________. 

    • A.

      Reversed

    • B.

      Small

    • C.

      Variable

    • D.

      Impossible to calculate

    • E.

      Large

    Correct Answer
    B. Small
    Explanation
    In a typical stream with a steep gradient, the discharge is small. This is because a steep gradient causes the water to flow quickly and forcefully, resulting in a smaller volume of water passing through the stream.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    Drawdown of a well creates a roughly conical lowering of the water table called the cone of ____________. 

    • A.

      Permeability

    • B.

      Depression

    • C.

      Saturation

    • D.

      Aeration

    • E.

      Lowering

    Correct Answer
    B. Depression
    Explanation
    When a well is drawn down, it causes a decrease in the water table, resulting in a conical shape. This conical shape is called the cone of depression. It represents the area where the water table has been lowered due to the extraction of water from the well.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    Most streams carry the largest part of their load ____________. 

    • A.

      Near their head

    • B.

      During the dry season

    • C.

      As bed load

    • D.

      In solution

    • E.

      In suspension

    Correct Answer
    E. In suspension
    Explanation
    Streams carry the largest part of their load in suspension. This means that the majority of the sediment, such as sand, silt, and clay particles, is transported within the water column rather than being deposited on the stream bed. This is due to the flow velocity and turbulence of the water, which allows for the particles to be suspended and carried downstream.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 

    The great majority of hot springs and geysers in the United States are found in the ____________. 

    • A.

      South

    • B.

      West

    • C.

      North

    • D.

      East

    Correct Answer
    B. West
    Explanation
    The correct answer is West because the western region of the United States is known for its high concentration of hot springs and geysers. This area is geologically active due to the presence of the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ring of Fire, which contribute to the formation of these natural features. Yellowstone National Park, located in the western states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is particularly famous for its numerous geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 

    Whenever the water table intersects the ground surface, a natural flow of water, called a(n) ____________, results. 

    • A.

      Sinkhole

    • B.

      Aquitard

    • C.

      Stalagmite

    • D.

      Spring

    • E.

      Geyser

    Correct Answer
    D. Spring
    Explanation
    When the water table intersects the ground surface, it creates a natural flow of water known as a spring. Springs occur when groundwater is forced to the surface due to pressure from the water table. This can happen when the ground is sloping or when there is a fracture or permeable layer in the rock that allows the water to flow upwards. Springs can vary in size and flow rate, and they are an important source of freshwater for both humans and wildlife.

    Rate this question:

  • 16. 

    How many types of faults are there?

    • A.

      10

    • B.

      4

    • C.

      5

    • D.

      6

    Correct Answer
    C. 5
    Explanation
    There are five types of faults.

    Rate this question:

  • 17. 

    On which type of wall can you stand on?

    • A.

      Hanging Wall

    • B.

      Foot Wall

    • C.

      Standing Wall

    • D.

      Push Wall

    Correct Answer
    B. Foot Wall
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Foot Wall. A foot wall refers to the lower wall in a geological fault, while the hanging wall is the upper wall. In a fault, the foot wall is more stable and can be stood upon, whereas the hanging wall is typically less stable and cannot be stood upon. Therefore, you can stand on a foot wall.

    Rate this question:

  • 18. 

    What is a dip?

    • A.

      Horizontal line of the break

    • B.

      Exposed plane of fault

    • C.

      Vertical angle of break, slope

    • D.

      A hole in a road

    Correct Answer
    C. Vertical angle of break, slope
    Explanation
    A dip refers to a vertical angle of break or slope. It indicates a downward slope or depression in the ground or surface. This can be seen as a change in elevation where the terrain or surface slopes downwards. It is commonly used to describe a low point or depression in a road or pathway where there is a noticeable change in the slope or angle.

    Rate this question:

  • 19. 

    A strike is?

    • A.

      Vertical angle of break, slope

    • B.

      Horizontal line of the break

    • C.

      Exposed plane of fault

    • D.

      A crack in the earth

    Correct Answer
    B. Horizontal line of the break
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "horizontal line of the break." In geology, a strike refers to the horizontal direction of a line formed by the intersection of an inclined rock layer or fault plane with a horizontal surface. It represents the orientation of the geological feature and is often measured in degrees from the north. The strike helps in understanding the overall structure and orientation of rock layers or faults in a particular area.

    Rate this question:

  • 20. 

    A fault scarp is?

    • A.

      Vertical angle of break, slope

    • B.

      Horizontal line of the break

    • C.

      Exposed plae of fault

    • D.

      Where one fault meets another

    Correct Answer
    C. Exposed plae of fault
    Explanation
    A fault scarp refers to an exposed area of a fault. It is a visible feature on the Earth's surface that occurs when one side of a fault moves vertically in relation to the other side. This displacement creates a steep slope or cliff-like feature, exposing the fault plane. The fault scarp allows geologists to study and analyze the movement and activity of faults, providing valuable insights into the tectonic processes and seismic hazards in a region.

    Rate this question:

  • 21. 

    What type of fault is when its sideways movement due to a shear?

    • A.

      Transform

    • B.

      Normal

    • C.

      Reverse

    • D.

      Thrust

    Correct Answer
    A. Transform
    Explanation
    A transform fault is a type of fault where the movement of tectonic plates is horizontal and occurs due to shear stress. In this type of fault, the plates slide past each other horizontally, causing a lateral movement. This movement is perpendicular to the direction of the plate boundary. Therefore, when the sideways movement is due to shear, it is classified as a transform fault.

    Rate this question:

  • 22. 

    Which fault is stretching and the hanging wall moves down relative to footwall?

    • A.

      Transform

    • B.

      Normal

    • C.

      Reverse

    • D.

      Oblique Slip

    Correct Answer
    B. Normal
    Explanation
    In a normal fault, the hanging wall moves down relative to the footwall due to tensional forces that stretch the Earth's crust. This type of fault occurs when the crust is being pulled apart, causing the rocks on one side to slide downward. This downward movement creates a gap or a step in the Earth's surface. Normal faults are commonly found in areas undergoing extension or where there is a divergent plate boundary.

    Rate this question:

  • 23. 

    What type of fault is where sqeezing occurs and the hanging wall moves up the hanging wall?

    • A.

      Transform

    • B.

      Normal

    • C.

      Reverse

    • D.

      Thrust

    Correct Answer
    C. Reverse
    Explanation
    A reverse fault is a type of fault where the squeezing occurs and the hanging wall moves up the hanging wall. In this type of fault, the rock layers are pushed together, causing compression and resulting in the hanging wall moving upward relative to the footwall. This typically occurs in areas where there is intense compression and shortening of the Earth's crust, such as in convergent plate boundaries.

    Rate this question:

  • 24. 

    What fault is vertical movement?

    • A.

      Transform

    • B.

      Normal

    • C.

      Reverse

    • D.

      Both Normal and Reverse

    Correct Answer
    D. Both Normal and Reverse
    Explanation
    Vertical movement fault refers to a fault in which one block of rock moves vertically relative to another block. This can occur in two ways: normal fault and reverse fault. In a normal fault, the hanging wall moves downward relative to the footwall, resulting in a vertical displacement. In a reverse fault, the hanging wall moves upward relative to the footwall, again causing vertical displacement. Therefore, both normal and reverse faults involve vertical movement, making them the correct answer.

    Rate this question:

  • 25. 

    An Oblique Slip is when___________________________?

    • A.

      A vertical fault occurs

    • B.

      A hortizontal fault occurs

    • C.

      A vertical and hortizontal fault occurs

    • D.

      No faults are occur and is a fault all on its own

    Correct Answer
    C. A vertical and hortizontal fault occurs
    Explanation
    An oblique slip is a type of fault movement where both vertical and horizontal movements occur. This means that the rocks on either side of the fault plane move both vertically and horizontally relative to each other. This type of fault is characterized by a combination of both dip-slip and strike-slip movements. In dip-slip faults, the movement is primarily vertical, while in strike-slip faults, the movement is primarily horizontal. In oblique slip faults, both vertical and horizontal movements contribute to the overall displacement along the fault plane.

    Rate this question:

  • 26. 

    When cooling of igneous rock occurs this is called expansion.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    It is called contraction

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 15, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    An_losoya
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.