Geology 1403 Exam 2
Geology 1403 EXAM 2
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Clay minerals formed from gabbro or diorite bedrock illustrate which kind of weathering?
- A.
Chemical
- B.
Proactive
- C.
Syntropical
- D.
Mechanical
Correct Answer
A. ChemicalExplanation
Clay minerals formed from gabbro or diorite bedrock illustrate chemical weathering. Chemical weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals through chemical reactions. In this case, the minerals in the bedrock are being altered and transformed into clay minerals through chemical processes. This type of weathering typically occurs when water or other substances react with the minerals in the rock, causing them to dissolve or undergo chemical changes.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Why is the humus layer typically thicker in a cool, temperate forest soil than in a tropical rainforest soil?
- A.
Less humus is produced in the tropical rainforest because the B-horizon is so poorly developed
- B.
Less humus is produced in the cool, temperate forest but the rate of decay and oxidation is slower than in a tropical rainforest.
- C.
More humus is produced in the tropical rainforest but it is quickly washed away by the heavy rains
- D.
In a tropical rainforest, the forest-floor litter is offen burned during the dry season
Correct Answer
B. Less humus is produced in the cool, temperate forest but the rate of decay and oxidation is slower than in a tropical rainforest.Explanation
In a cool, temperate forest soil, the humus layer is typically thicker because although less humus is produced, the rate of decay and oxidation is slower compared to a tropical rainforest soil. This means that the organic matter in the cool, temperate forest soil takes longer to break down, leading to a buildup of humus over time. In contrast, in a tropical rainforest, more humus may be produced, but it is quickly washed away by the heavy rains, preventing the formation of a thick humus layer.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Frost wedging is the majojr weathering process contributing to the formation of which regolith material?
- A.
Tropical literates
- B.
Talus slopes
- C.
C soil horizons
- D.
Mature pedalfers
Correct Answer
B. Talus slopesExplanation
Frost wedging is a weathering process in which water seeps into cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, causing the rocks to break apart. This process is particularly effective in cold climates with freeze-thaw cycles. Talus slopes are formed by the accumulation of broken rock fragments at the base of steep slopes or cliffs, often as a result of frost wedging. Therefore, talus slopes are the regolith material formed by the major weathering process of frost wedging.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What portion of an angular fracture-bounded granitic block shows the highest rate of weathering?
- A.
The unfractured interior
- B.
The edges and corners
- C.
The crack surfaces not including edges and corners
- D.
All of the above show equal rate
Correct Answer
A. The unfractured interiorExplanation
The unfractured interior of an angular fracture-bounded granitic block shows the highest rate of weathering. This is because the unfractured interior is more exposed to the elements and has a larger surface area compared to the edges, corners, and crack surfaces. The weathering process, which involves the breakdown of rocks due to physical, chemical, and biological processes, is accelerated in areas with more surface area and exposure to environmental factors. Therefore, the unfractured interior experiences a higher rate of weathering compared to other parts of the block.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following describes a characteristic process in the formation of a pedalfer soil?
- A.
Soil bacteria produce organic acids that precipitate calcium carbonate in the B-horizon
- B.
Iron oxides and aluminum-rich clays are precipitated in the B-horizon
- C.
Humus accumulates below the solum in the C-horizon
- D.
Clays are eluviated upward from the C-horizon
Correct Answer
B. Iron oxides and aluminum-rich clays are precipitated in the B-horizonExplanation
In the formation of a pedalfer soil, iron oxides and aluminum-rich clays are precipitated in the B-horizon. This process is known as illuviation, where minerals and materials are transported downward into the soil profile. As water percolates through the soil, it carries dissolved iron and aluminum compounds from the upper layers and deposits them in the B-horizon. This accumulation of iron oxides and aluminum-rich clays gives pedalfer soils their characteristic reddish or yellowish color.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Ln theRockyMountain regionof the United States,north-facingslopes(downhill directionis toward the north)aretyPicallymore moist and heavilyforested than south-facingslopes.Why?
- A.
A) north-facing slopesreceivemoresunlightin the summer;snow meltsfaster and moresoilmoisture is availablefor thetrees
- B.
B)south-facingslopesreceivemoremoisfureandstrnlight;rock weatheringis slower
- C.
North-facingslopesreceive about thesameamountof precipitationassouth-facingslopes;lessmoisture evaporatesfrom north-facingslopes
- D.
South-facingslopesreceive less moisture, yetrockweatheringis faster
Correct Answer
C. North-facingslopesreceive about thesameamountof precipitationassouth-facingslopes;lessmoisture evaporatesfrom north-facingslopesExplanation
North-facing slopes typically receive about the same amount of precipitation as south-facing slopes, but less moisture evaporates from north-facing slopes. This explains why north-facing slopes in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States are typically more moist and heavily forested than south-facing slopes. The moisture from precipitation is retained on the north-facing slopes due to less evaporation, creating a more favorable environment for trees and vegetation to thrive.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Clayminerals,silica(SiO2),and dissolved potassium bicarbonatein the soil waterareproductsof which process?
- A.
Chemicalweatheringof olivine and plagioclase feldspar
- B.
Mechanicalweatheringof graniteandrhyolite
- C.
Chemicalweatheringof orthoclase feldspar
- D.
Differentialmechanical weathering of micas
Correct Answer
C. Chemicalweatheringof orthoclase feldsparExplanation
The correct answer is chemical weathering of orthoclase feldspar. This is because clay minerals, silica (SiO2), and dissolved potassium bicarbonate in the soil water are commonly produced through the chemical weathering of orthoclase feldspar. Orthoclase feldspar is a common mineral found in granite and other igneous rocks, and it undergoes chemical reactions with water and other substances in the environment to break down and form these products. This process is a key component of the overall weathering and erosion of rocks.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What two factorsspeedup ratesof chemical reactionandrveatheringin rocks and soils?
- A.
Low temperatures; very dry
- B.
Low temperatures;very moist
- C.
High temperatures; very dry
- D.
warm temperatures; very moist
Correct Answer
D. warm temperatures; very moistExplanation
Warm temperatures and high levels of moisture can speed up rates of chemical reactions and weathering in rocks and soils. This is because warm temperatures increase the kinetic energy of molecules, making them more likely to react with each other. Additionally, moisture can act as a solvent, allowing for the dissolution of minerals and the transport of ions. Together, these factors promote the breakdown and alteration of rocks and minerals, leading to faster rates of chemical reactions and weathering.Rate this question:
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- 9.
In terrain with steephill slopes,which crop and cultivation technique will minimize soil erosion?
- A.
Corn; rows trending straight down the slope,frequent cultivation
- B.
Apples;land between the treesis planted in grass and not cultivated
- C.
Winterwheat;after the harvest,thefieldis plowed and left idle until next fall
- D.
Bean,rows are sPaced wider thanon a levelfield
Correct Answer
B. Apples;land between the treesis planted in grass and not cultivatedExplanation
The correct answer is apples because planting grass between the trees helps to prevent soil erosion on steep hill slopes. The grass acts as a natural barrier, holding the soil in place and reducing the risk of erosion caused by water runoff. By not cultivating the land between the trees, the soil structure is maintained, further preventing erosion. This technique helps to maintain the stability of the soil and minimize the loss of topsoil on steep slopes.Rate this question:
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- 10.
From the land surface downward to the unweathered bedrock, which of the following is the correct order of the different soil horizons?
- A.
0, A, E, B, C,bedrock
- B.
A, B,C,D, E, bedrock
- C.
E, A, B,C,0, bedrock
- D.
D, E, C, B, A, bedrock
Correct Answer
A. 0, A, E, B, C,bedrockExplanation
The correct order of the different soil horizons from the land surface downward to the unweathered bedrock is 0, A, E, B, C, bedrock. This order follows the typical arrangement of soil horizons, starting with the organic matter-rich surface horizon (0), followed by the topsoil horizon (A), the leaching horizon (E), the subsoil horizon (B), the parent material horizon (C), and finally the unweathered bedrock.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Whictr one of the following statements concerning mechanical weathcring is not true?
- A.
Reduces grain sizes of rock particles
- B.
Allows for faster rates of chemical weathering
- C.
Is important in the formation of talus slopes
- D.
Involves a major change in the mineral composition of theweatheredmaterial
Correct Answer
D. Involves a major change in the mineral composition of theweatheredmaterialExplanation
Mechanical weathering refers to the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller particles without any change in their chemical composition. It includes processes like frost wedging, thermal expansion, and abrasion. Therefore, the statement "involves a major change in the mineral composition of the weathered material" is not true because mechanical weathering does not alter the mineral composition of the rocks, it only breaks them into smaller pieces.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The finely divided,red,brown, and yellow soil-coloringmineralsoriginateby what process?
- A.
Mechanical weathering of very fine-grained,blue-gray clays
- B.
Chemical weathering of quartz and feldspars
- C.
Precipitation of iron oxides during the chemical weatheringprocess
- D.
Mechanical weathering of the feldspars and micas in granit and rhyolite
Correct Answer
C. Precipitation of iron oxides during the chemical weatheringprocessExplanation
The finely divided, red, brown, and yellow soil-coloring minerals originate by the precipitation of iron oxides during the chemical weathering process. This means that as the minerals in the soil undergo chemical weathering, iron oxides are formed and precipitate out, giving the soil its characteristic colors.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Wnicn term describes a soil formed by weathering of the underlying bedrock?
- A.
Transformational
- B.
Residual
- C.
Relict
- D.
Transported
Correct Answer
B. ResidualExplanation
The term "residual" describes a soil formed by the weathering of the underlying bedrock. This means that the soil is derived from the same material as the bedrock and has not been transported or moved from its original location. The weathering process breaks down the bedrock into smaller particles, creating the residual soil. This type of soil is often found in areas where the bedrock is exposed or close to the surface.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following best describes the,DustBowl',?
- A.
The long drought preceding the Irish potato famine of the 1840s
- B.
The area covered by volcanic ash around Mt. pinatubo,1991
- C.
Areas of severe wind erosion on the creat plains,1930s
- D.
A New Year's Day invitational soccer match in Tripoli, Libya
Correct Answer
C. Areas of severe wind erosion on the creat plains,1930sExplanation
The correct answer is "areas of severe wind erosion on the Great Plains, 1930s." This best describes the Dust Bowl, which was a period of severe dust storms that occurred during the 1930s in the United States, primarily affecting the Great Plains region. The combination of drought, poor farming practices, and strong winds led to the erosion of topsoil and the creation of massive dust storms that devastated agriculture and caused significant economic and environmental damage.Rate this question:
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- 15.
which of the followingis an important, mechanical weathering process for enlarging fractures and extending them deeper into large boulders and bedrock?
- A.
Oxidation
- B.
Eluviation
- C.
Hydrologic cycling
- D.
Fros twedging
Correct Answer
D. Fros twedgingExplanation
Frost wedging is an important mechanical weathering process that occurs when water seeps into cracks and freezes, expanding and enlarging the cracks. This process is especially effective in colder climates where temperatures frequently fluctuate above and below freezing. As the water freezes and expands, it exerts pressure on the surrounding rock, causing it to fracture and break apart. Over time, this repeated freezing and thawing can extend the fractures deeper into large boulders and bedrock, eventually breaking them down into smaller pieces.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which of the following bes tdescribes sets of fractures in relatively fresh bedrock,suchasgranitc,that are roughly parallel to the land surface?
- A.
Thermal expansion cracks
- B.
Sheetingfractures
- C.
Hydrolytic failures
- D.
Columnar joints
Correct Answer
B. SheetingfracturesExplanation
Sheeting fractures best describe sets of fractures in relatively fresh bedrock, such as granite, that are roughly parallel to the land surface. Sheeting fractures are caused by the release of pressure as overlying rocks are eroded and removed, resulting in the outer layers of the rock peeling away in parallel sheets. This process is commonly observed in granite and other igneous rocks, and it creates fractures that are parallel to the land surface.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Assume that water filling a crack in a rock undergoes cycles of freezing and melting. Which of the following statement is true?
- A.
water expands as it melts,causing the crack walls to bepushedapart
- B.
Water shrinks asit freezes,causing thecrack walls to bedrawn closer together
- C.
water expands asit freezes,causing the crack walls to bepushedapart
- D.
Water shrinks asit melts,causingthecrackwallsto bep.,it.a closertogether
Correct Answer
C. water expands asit freezes,causing the crack walls to bepushedapartExplanation
When water freezes, it undergoes a phase change from a liquid to a solid state. During this phase change, the water molecules arrange themselves in a crystalline structure, causing the volume of the water to increase. As a result, the water expands as it freezes, exerting pressure on the crack walls and pushing them apart. This phenomenon is known as ice expansion and is responsible for the formation and widening of cracks in rocks due to repeated cycles of freezing and melting.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which one of the following statements best describes erosion?
- A.
disintegration and decomposition of rocks and minerals at the surface
- B.
Movement of weathered rock and regolith toward the base of a slope'
- C.
The process by which weathered rock and mineral paricles are removed from one area and transported
- D.
The combined processes of leaching, eluviation,and mass wasting
Correct Answer
C. The process by which weathered rock and mineral paricles are removed from one area and transportedExplanation
Erosion refers to the process by which weathered rock and mineral particles are removed from one area and transported. This involves the movement of these particles through various agents such as water, wind, or ice. Erosion plays a crucial role in shaping the Earth's surface over time, as it can create valleys, canyons, and other landforms. It is an ongoing process that continuously changes the landscape.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Quartz weathers readily to aluminum-rich clav minerals.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Quartz does not weather readily to aluminum-rich clav minerals.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Abundant moistureand warm temperafures result in high ratesof chemical weathering.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Abundant moisture and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for chemical weathering processes to occur at a higher rate. Moisture allows for the dissolution and transport of minerals, while warm temperatures accelerate the chemical reactions involved in weathering. Therefore, it is true that abundant moisture and warm temperatures lead to high rates of chemical weathering.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Feldspars commonly decompose during weathering to clayminerals,silica,andsolubleconstituents.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Feldspars are a group of minerals that are commonly found in rocks. During the process of weathering, which involves the breakdown of rocks due to exposure to the elements, feldspars can decompose. This decomposition leads to the formation of clay minerals, silica, and soluble constituents. Therefore, the statement that feldspars commonly decompose during weathering to clay minerals, silica, and soluble constituents is true.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Humus is a concentration of decaying,organicmatter in theB-horizonsof lateritic soils.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Humus is a concentration of decaying organic matter in the B-horizons of lateritic soils. This statement is false because humus is actually a concentration of organic matter found in the topsoil layer, not in the B-horizons. The B-horizons of lateritic soils are typically characterized by the accumulation of minerals, not organic matter.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Calcite,a majorcomPonentof some monumental and building stones,slowlv dissolvesin weaklyacidic waters.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Calcite, a major component of some monumental and building stones, slowly dissolves in weakly acidic waters. This means that over time, when exposed to weakly acidic water, calcite will gradually break down and dissolve. Therefore, the statement "Calcite, a major component of some monumental and building stones, slowly dissolves in weakly acidic waters" is true.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Like most otherliquids,water decreasesin volumewhen it freezes.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Water is one of the few exceptions where it actually expands when it freezes. This is because the water molecules form a crystalline structure when they freeze, which takes up more space than the liquid form. This expansion is why ice floats on water, as the solid form is less dense than the liquid form.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Cemical weathering in bedrock below the land surface often begins along joints and sheeting fractures.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Chemical weathering refers to the breakdown and alteration of rocks through chemical processes. Bedrock, which is the solid rock beneath the soil and sediment layers, can undergo chemical weathering. Joints and sheeting fractures are common features in bedrock that provide pathways for water and chemicals to penetrate. These openings allow for increased surface area and exposure of the rock to chemical reactions, leading to the initiation of chemical weathering. Therefore, the statement that chemical weathering in bedrock below the land surface often begins along joints and sheeting fractures is true.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Removal of soluble chemical constituents from a soil is termed leaching.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Leaching is the process of removing soluble chemical constituents from the soil. This occurs when water carries these substances downward through the soil profile, away from the root zone. Therefore, the statement that removal of soluble chemical constituents from a soil is termed leaching is true.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Oxlctation of iron is an important chemical weathering processfor ferromagnesian silicate minerals Iike olivine and biotite.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement suggests that the expectation or anticipation of iron is a significant chemical weathering process for minerals such as olivine and biotite, which are ferromagnesian silicates. This implies that iron plays a crucial role in the weathering of these minerals. Therefore, the correct answer is "True."Rate this question:
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- 28.
Sheeting is mainly a process of mechanical rveathering.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Sheeting is indeed mainly a process of mechanical weathering. Mechanical weathering refers to the physical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without any change in their chemical composition. Sheeting occurs when rocks that were formed under high pressure deep within the Earth's crust are exposed to the surface due to erosion. As these rocks are exposed to the lower pressure at the surface, they expand and crack, resulting in the outer layers of the rock peeling away in thin sheets. This process is known as sheeting and is a form of mechanical weathering.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Sheeting fractures and exfoliation domes commonly develop in areas with soft, highly fractured bedrock.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Sheeting fractures and exfoliation domes are geological features that occur in areas with soft, highly fractured bedrock. Sheeting fractures are parallel fractures that form due to the release of pressure on the rock surface, causing it to expand and crack. Exfoliation domes, on the other hand, are large, rounded rock formations that result from the removal of overlying rock layers, exposing the underlying bedrock. These features are commonly found in areas with soft and fractured bedrock because the rock is more susceptible to weathering and erosion, leading to the development of sheeting fractures and exfoliation domes. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Quartz is resistant to weathering and is an important component of sandsin riverbeds and on beaches.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Quartz being resistant to weathering means that it can withstand the effects of weather and erosion over time. This quality makes it a prominent component of sands found in riverbeds and on beaches, as these environments are constantly exposed to weathering forces. Therefore, the statement that quartz is resistant to weathering and is an important component of sands in riverbeds and on beaches is true.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Veryfine-grained,iron oxide particles account for nearly all red, yellow, and brown soilcolors.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Very fine-grained iron oxide particles are responsible for the majority of red, yellow, and brown soil colors. Iron oxide, also known as rust, is a common mineral found in soil. These particles are small enough to be suspended in the soil and give it its characteristic colors. Therefore, it is true that very fine-grained iron oxide particles account for nearly all red, yellow, and brown soil colors.Rate this question:
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