8th Grade: A Trivia Quiz On Earth Science!
The Earth has a layered structure, the part on which we live is called the crust. It is made from solid rocks which are covered in many places by soil. Soil is created from the weathering and erosion of the rocks, so the type of soil in an area depends on what rocks are in the region. Rocks are made from minerals that are joined together.
- 1.
Which one of these describes a metamorphic rock?
- A.
A black rock formed on the Earth's surface
- B.
A glass type rock formed by volcanoes
- C.
A rock formed from grains of sand squeezed together
- D.
A white rock, showing layers formed by heat and pressure on chalk or limestone
Correct Answer
D. A white rock, showing layers formed by heat and pressure on chalk or limestoneExplanation
Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks undergo intense heat and pressure, causing them to change in composition and structure. The description of a white rock showing layers formed by heat and pressure on chalk or limestone fits this process. The layers are a result of the minerals in the rock recrystallizing and rearranging under the influence of heat and pressure. This transformation gives the rock its distinct appearance and characteristics.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which statement about the rock cycle is true?
- A.
Erosion is the weathering and carrying away of rock sediment
- B.
Freeze thaw is cold weather
- C.
Lava is molten rock inside the Earth
- D.
Transportation is the covering and squashing of layers
Correct Answer
A. Erosion is the weathering and carrying away of rock sedimentExplanation
The correct answer is "Erosion is the weathering and carrying away of rock sediment." Erosion refers to the process of breaking down and transporting rock sediment by natural forces such as wind, water, or ice. Weathering, on the other hand, is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces. Therefore, erosion is the next step after weathering, as it involves the movement and transportation of the weathered rock sediment to new locations.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which rock is composed mainly of calcium carbonate?
- A.
Chalk
- B.
Pumice
- C.
Quartz
- D.
Sandstone
Correct Answer
A. ChalkExplanation
Chalk is composed mainly of calcium carbonate. This sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation of microscopic marine organisms such as plankton and algae. The calcium carbonate in their shells and skeletons gets compacted over time, creating the chalk rock. Chalk is known for its soft texture and white color, and it is commonly used for writing on blackboards and as a building material.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which type of soil will have good drainage, meaning water runs through quickly?
- A.
Clay
- B.
Loam
- C.
Sandy
- D.
Silt
Correct Answer
C. SandyExplanation
Sandy soil will have good drainage because it has larger particles with more space between them, allowing water to flow through quickly. The larger particles do not compact tightly together, creating larger pore spaces for water to move through. This helps to prevent water from pooling or saturating the soil, allowing excess water to drain away easily.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Sandstone is grainy and crumbly and may contain fossils. Its rock type is.....
- A.
Igneous
- B.
Metamorphic
- C.
Sedimentary
- D.
Soft
Correct Answer
C. SedimentaryExplanation
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation and cementation of sand grains. It is grainy and crumbly due to its composition of sand-sized particles. Additionally, sandstone often contains fossils, which are remnants of ancient organisms that were preserved within the sedimentary layers. Therefore, the correct answer is sedimentary.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following is a metamorphic rock?
- A.
Basalt
- B.
Limestone
- C.
Mudstone
- D.
Slate
Correct Answer
D. SlateExplanation
Slate is a metamorphic rock because it is formed from the transformation of shale or mudstone through heat and pressure. It has a fine-grained texture and is characterized by its ability to split into thin layers. Basalt, limestone, and mudstone are all examples of sedimentary rocks, which are formed by the accumulation and lithification of sediment.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Granite is an intrusive igneous rock. Which best describes its characteristics?
- A.
A hard rock, large crystals due to slow cooling of magma
- B.
A hard rock, small crystals due to fast cooling of lava
- C.
A soft rock, large crystals due to slow cooling of magma
- D.
A soft rock, small crystals due to fast cooling of magma
Correct Answer
A. A hard rock, large crystals due to slow cooling of magmaExplanation
Granite is an intrusive igneous rock, meaning it forms from the slow cooling of magma deep within the Earth's crust. As a result of this slow cooling process, the crystals in granite have more time to grow, leading to the formation of large crystals. Additionally, granite is known for being a hard rock, further supporting the correct answer choice.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which type of rock has been formed from hot liquid rock called magma?
- A.
Igneous
- B.
Metamorphic
- C.
Mixture
- D.
Sedimentary
Correct Answer
A. IgneousExplanation
Igneous rock is formed from hot liquid rock called magma. Magma is molten rock that is found beneath the Earth's surface. When magma cools and solidifies, it forms igneous rocks. These rocks can be found in various forms such as granite, basalt, and obsidian. Igneous rocks are characterized by their crystalline structure and can be classified into two types: intrusive (formed underground) and extrusive (formed on the Earth's surface).Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which one of these is NOT a component of soil?
- A.
Humus
- B.
TMagma
- C.
Rock particles
- D.
Water
Correct Answer
B. TMagmaExplanation
Magma is not a component of soil. Soil is composed of rock particles, water, air, and organic matter (humus). Magma, on the other hand, is molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface. It is not a part of the soil composition.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following is the BEST definition of weathering?
- A.
Breaking up of rocks at the surface
- B.
Change to liquid caused by intense heat
- C.
Covering and squashing layers to form rock
- D.
Moving of rocks from one place to another
Correct Answer
A. Breaking up of rocks at the surfaceExplanation
Weathering refers to the process of breaking up or disintegrating rocks at the Earth's surface. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to various factors such as temperature changes, wind, water, and chemical reactions. Over time, these external forces cause physical and chemical changes to the rocks, leading to their breakdown into smaller fragments or particles. This process is an essential part of the rock cycle and plays a significant role in shaping the Earth's surface.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 07, 2019Quiz Created by
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