Can You Pass The Geology Practice Exam?

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  • 1/71 Questions

    Rocks are composed of

    • Minerals
    • Crystals
    • Sand
    • Glass
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About This Quiz

Test your knowledge of Earth's structure and geological processes in this Geology Practice Exam. It covers topics from the distribution of natural resources to the layers of the Earth, offering insights into both historical and physical aspects of geology.

Can You Pass The Geology Practice Exam? - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Shaking during an earthquake can

    • All of the above

    • Trigger landslides

    • Generate a tsunami

    • Cause rigid buildings to collapse

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    During an earthquake, shaking can trigger landslides as the ground becomes unstable and loose soil or rocks can slide down slopes. The shaking can also generate a tsunami if the earthquake occurs under the ocean, causing the water above to be displaced and creating powerful waves. Additionally, the intense shaking can cause rigid buildings to collapse as the structural integrity is compromised, leading to devastating damage and potential loss of life. Therefore, all of the above options are possible consequences of shaking during an earthquake.

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  • 3. 

    Which of the following is true about rocks and minerals?

    • A rock can contain more than one mineral

    • A mineral is composed of chemical elements

    • A single rock can include more than one mineral

    • All the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All the above
    Explanation
    All of the given statements are true about rocks and minerals. Rocks can indeed contain more than one mineral, as they are composed of various minerals that are naturally occurring solid substances. Minerals, on the other hand, are indeed composed of chemical elements. Lastly, it is also true that a single rock can include more than one mineral, as rocks are often made up of a mixture of different minerals.

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  • 4. 

    The higher the gas pressure builds in a magma,

    • The more explosive an eruption it is likely to produce

    • The more likely a volcanic dome is to form

    • The longer the lava flows on an eruption will produce

    • The less explosive an eruption is likely to produce

    Correct Answer
    A. The more explosive an eruption it is likely to produce
    Explanation
    As the gas pressure builds in a magma, it creates a higher level of energy and force within the volcano. This increased pressure can result in a more explosive eruption. The gas bubbles within the magma expand rapidly, causing the magma to fragment and explode violently from the volcano. This can lead to the ejection of ash, rocks, and pyroclastic material into the atmosphere, creating a highly destructive eruption. Therefore, the higher the gas pressure, the more likely it is to produce a more explosive eruption.

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  • 5. 

    What are the three main types of stress?

    • Compression, Tension and Shear

    • Confining stress, deformation and folding

    • Convergence, divergence and transform faulting

    • Positive, negative and neutral

    Correct Answer
    A. Compression, Tension and Shear
    Explanation
    The three main types of stress are compression, tension, and shear. Compression occurs when forces push or squeeze an object together, causing it to become shorter and denser. Tension is the opposite of compression, where forces stretch or pull an object apart, causing it to become longer and thinner. Shear stress occurs when forces act parallel to each other but in opposite directions, causing the object to deform or slide. These three types of stress play a significant role in various geological processes and can lead to the formation of mountains, faults, and earthquakes.

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  • 6. 

    Identify the factor that strongly influences the size, shape, and sorting of sedimentary clasts.

    • All of these

    • Agents of transport

    • Strength of current

    • Sediment supply

    • Steepness of slope

    Correct Answer
    A. All of these
    Explanation
    All of these factors strongly influence the size, shape, and sorting of sedimentary clasts. The agents of transport, such as wind, water, or ice, determine how the sediments are moved and deposited, affecting their size and shape. The strength of the current determines the energy of the transport, which can impact the sorting of the sediments. Sediment supply plays a crucial role in determining the quantity and type of sediments available for deposition. Lastly, the steepness of the slope affects the speed and force of the transport, influencing the size and sorting of the clasts.

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  • 7. 

    Geology can help us learn about Earth's past by studying:

    • All the above

    •  why continents and oceans are different

    • Why a landscape looks the way it does

    • How life in the past was different than today

    Correct Answer
    A. All the above
    Explanation
    Geology can help us learn about Earth's past by studying various aspects. By examining all the above options, geologists can understand why continents and oceans are different, how landscapes have formed over time, and how life in the past differed from the present. Geology provides insights into the Earth's history and helps us understand the processes that have shaped our planet.

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  • 8. 

    What typically happens when tributaries join the main river

    • Channel size increases

    • Water velocity increases

    • The amount of discharge increases

    • Total sediment load increases

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    When tributaries join the main river, several changes occur. Firstly, the channel size increases as more water is added to the main river. Secondly, the water velocity increases due to the increased volume of water flowing through the channel. Thirdly, the amount of discharge, which refers to the volume of water passing through a cross-section of the river per unit of time, increases. Lastly, the total sediment load, which includes the amount of sediment carried by the river, also increases. Therefore, all of the given options are correct.

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  • 9. 

    The distribution of natural resources is influenced by the

    • All of the above

    • Types of rocks

    • Age of rocks

    • Ways that rocks are formed

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    The distribution of natural resources is influenced by all of the factors mentioned above. Types of rocks play a role as different types of rocks contain different minerals and resources. The age of rocks is important because older rocks have had more time for the accumulation of resources. Additionally, the ways that rocks are formed, such as through volcanic activity or sedimentation, can affect the concentration and availability of natural resources. Therefore, all of these factors contribute to the distribution of natural resources.

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  • 10. 

    Approximately how fast do tectonic plates move?

    • Centimeters per year

    • Meters per year

    • Kilometers per year

    • Hundreds of kilometers per year

    Correct Answer
    A. Centimeters per year
    Explanation
    Tectonic plates move at a very slow pace, measured in centimeters per year. This movement is due to the convection currents in the Earth's mantle. The plates can either move apart, collide, or slide past each other at plate boundaries. This slow movement over millions of years leads to geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.

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  • 11. 

    Shield volcanos have low slopes primarily because

    • The low viscosity of basaltic magma allow it to flow downhill for long distances

    • They never erupt from the same plate twice

    • Their abundant ash layers spread out large distances

    Correct Answer
    A. The low viscosity of basaltic magma allow it to flow downhill for long distances
    Explanation
    Shield volcanoes have low slopes primarily because the low viscosity of basaltic magma allows it to flow downhill for long distances. Basaltic magma has a lower silica content, which gives it a lower viscosity compared to other types of magma. This low viscosity allows the magma to flow more easily, resulting in gentle slopes as it spreads out over larger areas. As a result, shield volcanoes have a characteristic broad and shallow shape, with gently sloping sides.

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  • 12. 

    Which of the following is NOT a common trigger for a slope failure?

    • All of these are common triggers for slope failure

    • Volcanic eruption

    • Adding water to slope

    • Shaking during a earthquake

    Correct Answer
    A. All of these are common triggers for slope failure
    Explanation
    The given correct answer states that all of the options provided are common triggers for slope failure. This implies that each option listed (volcanic eruption, adding water to slope, shaking during an earthquake) can potentially cause a slope failure. Therefore, there is no single option that is NOT a common trigger for slope failure.

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  • 13. 

    The process of one plate sliding beneath another plate is called

    • Subduction

    • Transformation

    • Convergence

    • Divergence

    Correct Answer
    A. Subduction
    Explanation
    Subduction is the correct answer because it refers to the process of one tectonic plate sliding beneath another plate. This occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where two plates are moving towards each other. As one plate sinks into the mantle, it is subducted beneath the other plate. This process is responsible for the formation of trenches, volcanic arcs, and mountain ranges. Transformation refers to the process of one type of rock changing into another, convergence refers to plates coming together, and divergence refers to plates moving apart.

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  • 14. 

    What happens to the erosive power of a stream as velocity increases?

    • Erosion increases

    • Erosion Decreases

    • Erosion in not related to velocity

    • None

    Correct Answer
    A. Erosion increases
    Explanation
    As the velocity of a stream increases, the erosive power also increases. This is because higher velocity allows the stream to carry larger and heavier sediment particles, increasing the force with which they can erode the streambed and banks. Additionally, higher velocity increases the kinetic energy of the water, enabling it to break down and dissolve rocks and minerals more effectively. Therefore, the correct answer is that erosion increases as velocity increases.

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  • 15. 

    Which of the following Earth layers is the thinnest

    • Oceanic crust

    • Upper mantle

    • Lower mantle

    • Outer core

    • Inner core

    Correct Answer
    A. Oceanic crust
    Explanation
    The oceanic crust is the thinnest layer among the given options. It is the outermost layer of the Earth's lithosphere and is found beneath the oceans. It is composed mainly of basaltic rocks and has an average thickness of around 5-10 kilometers. In contrast, the other layers mentioned, such as the upper and lower mantle, outer core, and inner core, are much thicker and located deeper within the Earth.

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  • 16. 

    What type of stress is the cause of most folding

    • Compression

    • Tension

    • Confining pressure

    • Fluid pressure

    Correct Answer
    A. Compression
    Explanation
    Compression is the type of stress that is the cause of most folding. When rocks are subjected to compressive forces, they are squeezed or pushed together, causing them to fold and buckle. This type of stress is commonly found in convergent plate boundaries where two tectonic plates collide. The compression forces act perpendicular to the direction of the fold, leading to the formation of folds in the rock layers.

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  • 17. 

    Fluvial refers to

    • The processes and sediment of stream and rivers

    • The movement of fluids underground

    • The hydrological cycle

    • None

    Correct Answer
    A. The processes and sediment of stream and rivers
    Explanation
    Fluvial refers to the processes and sediment of streams and rivers. This term encompasses the various activities and materials associated with the flow of water in these natural watercourses. It includes erosion, transportation, and deposition of sediment, as well as the formation of landforms such as meanders and floodplains. Fluvial processes are crucial for shaping the landscape, influencing the distribution of water resources, and supporting diverse ecosystems that depend on these water bodies.

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  • 18. 

    A large body of permeable, saturated material through which groundwater can flow well enough to yield sufficient water to wells and springs is a(n):

    • Aquifer

    • Aquitard

    • Groundwater divide

    • Hydraulic gradient

    Correct Answer
    A. Aquifer
    Explanation
    An aquifer is a large body of permeable, saturated material that allows groundwater to flow easily and provides enough water to wells and springs. This means that the aquifer has the ability to hold and transmit water, making it a reliable source of water for human use. It is different from an aquitard, which is a less permeable layer that restricts the flow of groundwater. A groundwater divide refers to a boundary between different drainage basins, while a hydraulic gradient is the slope of the water table.

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  • 19. 

    Which data were used to develop the hypothesis of continental drift?

    • All of these

    • The distribution of glacial deposits and directions of glacial scratch marks

    • The distribution of fossils

    • The shape of the continents

    Correct Answer
    A. All of these
    Explanation
    The hypothesis of continental drift was developed using all of the mentioned data. The distribution of glacial deposits and directions of glacial scratch marks provided evidence of past glaciations that could only be explained by the movement of continents. The distribution of fossils also played a crucial role in supporting the hypothesis, as similar fossils were found on different continents that were once connected. Additionally, the shape of the continents, particularly the way they fit together like puzzle pieces, further supported the idea of continental drift.

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  • 20. 

    The age of a fossil, organism, rock, geologic feature or event as defined relative to other geologic features or events is the?

    • Relative age

    • Absolute age

    • Numerical age

    • Radiometric age

    Correct Answer
    A. Relative age
    Explanation
    Relative age refers to the age of a fossil, organism, rock, geologic feature, or event in relation to other geologic features or events. It is determined by comparing the position of the fossil or rock layer in the geologic record and using principles such as superposition and cross-cutting relationships. This method does not provide an exact age but rather establishes a sequence of events or a relative timeline.

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  • 21. 

    This volcano is broad and low and is composed of basaltic lava flows. What kind of volcano is it?

    • A shield volcano

    • Composite volcano

    • A caldera

    • A scoria cone

    Correct Answer
    A. A shield volcano
    Explanation
    A shield volcano is a type of volcano that is characterized by its broad and low shape, as well as its composition of basaltic lava flows. This type of volcano is formed by the eruption of fluid lava that spreads out in all directions, creating a gently sloping cone. Shield volcanoes are typically not very explosive and have a relatively calm eruption style. They are commonly found in areas with hotspots, such as the Hawaiian Islands.

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  • 22. 

    Which of the following activities is not used to monitor volcanos?

    • All of these are used to monitor volcano

    • Measuring tilting on he flanks of a volcano 

    • Measuring changes in heat flow from satellites

    • Measuring seismic activity with seismic instruments

    • Measuring sulfur dioxide gas emissions

    Correct Answer
    A. All of these are used to monitor volcano
    Explanation
    All of the activities listed - measuring tilting on the flanks of a volcano, measuring changes in heat flow from satellites, measuring seismic activity with seismic instruments, and measuring sulfur dioxide gas emissions - are used to monitor volcanoes.

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  • 23. 

    A delta forms when

    • A river slows and deposits sediment as it enters a lake or sea

    • Windblown dust slides down steep hillsides and into a lake

    • A steep mountain front collapses sending sediment out into the sea

    • Ocean waves, especially during storms, pile up sediment along the coast

    Correct Answer
    A. A river slows and deposits sediment as it enters a lake or sea
    Explanation
    A delta forms when a river slows down and deposits sediment as it enters a lake or sea. As the river reaches its destination, the velocity of the water decreases, causing it to lose its ability to transport sediment. The sediment carried by the river begins to settle and accumulate, forming a delta. Over time, the deposited sediment builds up and creates a landform that extends into the body of water. Deltas are often characterized by their triangular shape and are important ecosystems that provide habitats for various species of plants and animals.

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  • 24. 

    If you were designing a rock that resisted weathering, which of the following characteristics would it have? 

    • Closely spaced fractures

    • A soluble chemical composition

    • A quartz-rich rock

    • A rock composed of abundant loose pieces 

    Correct Answer
    A. A quartz-rich rock
    Explanation
    A quartz-rich rock would resist weathering because quartz is a very hard and durable mineral. It is resistant to chemical weathering and erosion, making it a good choice for a rock that needs to withstand the effects of weathering.

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  • 25. 

    If a mineral lacks planes along which is may cleave, what will occur?

    • The mineral will fracture in an irregular pattern

    • The mineral will not break

    • The mineral will fracture evenly along predictable planes

    • The mineral will still cleave but it will only occur along one plane

    Correct Answer
    A. The mineral will fracture in an irregular pattern
    Explanation
    If a mineral lacks planes along which it may cleave, it means that it does not have any specific weak points or directions along which it can easily break. As a result, when external forces are applied to the mineral, it will not break along any specific planes but instead fracture in an irregular pattern. This means that the mineral will break into random and unpredictable shapes and sizes, rather than breaking along clean, straight lines.

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  • 26. 

    A porphyric igneous texture indicates that

    • The rock cooled slowly and then quickly

    • There was water in magma

    • The rock broke as it flowed

    • The rock cooled slowly

    • The ash and pumice became compacted

    Correct Answer
    A. The rock cooled slowly and then quickly
    Explanation
    A porphyric igneous texture indicates that the rock cooled slowly and then quickly. This is because porphyritic texture is characterized by large crystals (phenocrysts) surrounded by a fine-grained matrix (groundmass). The large crystals form when the magma cools slowly deep within the Earth's crust, allowing enough time for the crystals to grow. However, the magma is then rapidly brought to the surface, where it cools quickly, resulting in the formation of the fine-grained matrix. This dual cooling process gives rise to the porphyritic texture.

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  • 27. 

    Rock that exhibits both coarse and fine-grained textures is called

    • Porphyritic

    • Pegmatite

    • Aphanitic

    • Glassy

    Correct Answer
    A. Porphyritic
    Explanation
    Porphyritic is the correct answer because it refers to a rock that has both coarse and fine-grained textures. This means that the rock contains larger crystals (coarse-grained) embedded in a matrix of smaller crystals (fine-grained). This texture is typically formed when the rock undergoes two stages of cooling, with the initial slow cooling allowing for the growth of larger crystals, followed by rapid cooling that forms smaller crystals. Porphyritic rocks are commonly found in volcanic environments.

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  • 28. 

    The two main processes by which sediment is produced are

    • Physical and chemical weathering

    • Subduction and melting

    • Transportation and deposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Physical and chemical weathering
    Explanation
    The correct answer is physical and chemical weathering. This is because physical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces through processes like freeze-thaw cycles and abrasion, while chemical weathering involves the alteration of rock composition through chemical reactions. Both of these processes contribute to the production of sediment by breaking down larger rocks into smaller particles that can be transported and deposited elsewhere.

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  • 29. 

    The mineral halite has cube-shaped crystals because

    • There are no planes along which the mineral can break

    • Cubes are the most common way two tetrahedron can join

    • Of the arrangement of atoms in crystal lattice

    • Halite is soluble in water

    Correct Answer
    A. Of the arrangement of atoms in crystal lattice
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the cube-shaped crystals of halite are a result of the arrangement of atoms in the crystal lattice. The atoms in the crystal lattice are arranged in a way that allows the mineral to form cubic shapes. This arrangement of atoms determines the crystal structure and shape of the mineral.

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  • 30. 

    Shield volcanos are composed primarily of 

    • Rhyolite lava flows

    • Basalt lava flows

    • Andestite lave flows

    Correct Answer
    A. Basalt lava flows
    Explanation
    Shield volcanoes are composed primarily of basalt lava flows. Basalt is a type of igneous rock that is formed from the solidification of lava. It is characterized by its low viscosity, which allows it to flow easily and cover large areas. Shield volcanoes are typically formed by the accumulation of multiple layers of basaltic lava flows that spread out in a broad, flat shape resembling a shield. This type of lava has a low silica content, which contributes to its fluidity and ability to travel long distances before solidifying.

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  • 31. 

    Why does the Tibetan Plateau have a high elevation?

    • Continental collision

    • Continental rifting

    • Seafloor spreading

    • Transform faulting

    • Hot spot activity

    Correct Answer
    A. Continental collision
    Explanation
    The Tibetan Plateau has a high elevation due to continental collision. This occurs when two continental plates collide and push against each other, causing the crust to buckle and uplift. In the case of the Tibetan Plateau, the Indian Plate is colliding with the Eurasian Plate, resulting in the uplift and formation of the plateau. The collision between these two plates has been ongoing for millions of years, gradually pushing up the crust and creating the high elevation seen in the region.

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  • 32. 

    How did the Red Sea, shown between Arabia and Africa in this figure, form?

    • Continental rifting following by seafloor spreading

    • A continental collision

    • Subduction of Africa beneath Arabia

    • Subduction of Arabia beneath Africa

    Correct Answer
    A. Continental rifting following by seafloor spreading
    Explanation
    The Red Sea formed through continental rifting followed by seafloor spreading. Continental rifting occurs when tectonic plates move apart, creating a gap. In this case, the Arabian and African plates moved apart, creating a rift. Seafloor spreading then took place, where magma rises to the surface and creates new oceanic crust. This process led to the formation of the Red Sea as a result of the separation of the Arabian and African plates.

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  • 33. 

    Where is most of Earth's freshwater?

    • Ice caps, glaciers, and groundwater

    • Groundwater and rivers

    • Lakes and swamps

    • Rivers and streams

    • Oceans

    Correct Answer
    A. Ice caps, glaciers, and groundwater
    Explanation
    Most of Earth's freshwater is found in ice caps, glaciers, and groundwater. Ice caps and glaciers store a significant amount of freshwater in the form of ice. Groundwater, which is water stored beneath the Earth's surface, also holds a large portion of freshwater. These sources are crucial for maintaining the Earth's water cycle and providing freshwater for various ecosystems and human consumption.

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  • 34. 

    Which of these is true about the nature of the water table?

    • It is the boundary between the saturated zone and unsaturated zone 

    • Below the water table, water fills pore spaces and can flow

    • Infiltrating water generally passes through the water table to become ground water

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    The nature of the water table is described by all of the statements provided. It is indeed the boundary between the saturated zone (where all pore spaces are filled with water) and the unsaturated zone (where some pore spaces are filled with air). Below the water table, water fills the pore spaces and can flow, indicating the presence of groundwater. Additionally, infiltrating water generally passes through the water table to become groundwater. Therefore, all of the statements are true about the nature of the water table.

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  • 35. 

    How can we tell that the Himalaya has been uplifted

    • All of the above

    • Deep rocks are exposed at the surface and yield young isotopic ages

    • Uplift can be measured with a gps

    • The top of Mount Everest contains a limestone with marine fossils

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "All of the above." This means that all the given statements are indicators that the Himalaya has been uplifted. The first statement mentions that deep rocks are exposed at the surface and yield young isotopic ages, which suggests that there has been significant uplift. The second statement states that uplift can be measured with a GPS, indicating that there is evidence of vertical movement in the region. Finally, the third statement highlights that the top of Mount Everest contains a limestone with marine fossils, indicating that the area was once underwater and has been uplifted to its current height.

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  • 36. 

    What is the main reason why the oceans are salty

    • Weathering of rocks releases chemical elements that make the oceans salty

    • Salt deposits that formed early in earth history become dissolved by modern oceans

    • The early oceans were salty from dirt and debris on incoming comets

    • Blowing salt crystals become incorporated into clouds and falls with the rainfall

    Correct Answer
    A. Weathering of rocks releases chemical elements that make the oceans salty
    Explanation
    The main reason why the oceans are salty is because weathering of rocks releases chemical elements that make the oceans salty. As rocks on land are exposed to weathering processes such as erosion, they release minerals and ions into rivers and streams, which eventually flow into the oceans. Over time, these dissolved minerals and ions accumulate in the oceans, resulting in their saltiness. This process has been ongoing for millions of years and is the primary source of salt in the oceans.

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  • 37. 

    What is permafrost

    • The upper part of the ground that remains frozen throughout the year

    • Ice and snow that are permanently in motion

    • Ice and snow that exist throughout the entire year

    • Curly crystal of frost that form early in the morning

    Correct Answer
    A. The upper part of the ground that remains frozen throughout the year
    Explanation
    Permafrost refers to the upper part of the ground that remains frozen throughout the year. It is a layer of soil, rock, or sediment that remains at or below 0 degrees Celsius for at least two consecutive years. This frozen layer can be found in cold regions, such as polar regions and high mountain areas. Permafrost plays a crucial role in regulating water flow, supporting vegetation, and preserving archaeological and paleontological remains.

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  • 38. 
    This stream is currently flowing down the surface of a relatively steep slope.  What could cause this stream to begin carving into the landscape, deepening the river channel? - ProProfs

    This stream is currently flowing down the surface of a relatively steep slope.  What could cause this stream to begin carving into the landscape, deepening the river channel?

    • If the base level is lowered, such as a drop in sea level

    • If the land is uplifted relative to the sea

    • If a change in climate weathers and weakens the rocks

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    All of the above factors can cause a stream to begin carving into the landscape and deepening the river channel. If the base level is lowered, such as a drop in sea level, the stream will have more erosive power and can cut deeper into the land. If the land is uplifted relative to the sea, it increases the stream's gradient, making it flow faster and erode more. A change in climate can also weather and weaken the rocks, making them more susceptible to erosion by the stream. Therefore, all of these factors can contribute to the stream carving into the landscape and deepening the river channel.

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  • 39. 

    Lithification can be defined as

    • Loose sediment hardens into sedimentary rock

    • Loose sediment breaks off of sedimentary rocks

    • Sediment settles from the water column

    • None

    Correct Answer
    A. Loose sediment hardens into sedimentary rock
    Explanation
    Lithification refers to the process by which loose sediment, such as sand or mud, becomes compacted and cemented together to form sedimentary rock. This process involves the removal of water from the sediment, as well as the deposition of minerals that act as a binding agent. Over time, the pressure from overlying layers and the chemical reactions between the minerals cause the sediment to harden and solidify into rock.

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  • 40. 

    Huge circular depressions from which volcanos erupt are called?

    • Calderas

    • Fissures

    • Cones

    • Domes

    Correct Answer
    A. Calderas
    Explanation
    Calderas are huge circular depressions from which volcanoes erupt. They are formed when a volcano collapses after a large eruption, creating a large crater-like feature. Calderas can be several kilometers in diameter and are often filled with water or lava. They are distinct from fissures, which are long cracks in the Earth's surface from which lava can erupt, and from cones and domes, which are different types of volcanic landforms.

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  • 41. 

    Most of the exposed surface of the Earth is covered with

    • Sediment and sedimentary rocks

    • Sediment and igneous rocks

    • Sediment and metamorphic rocks

    • Mainly igneous rocks with some soil

    Correct Answer
    A. Sediment and sedimentary rocks
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Sediment and sedimentary rocks." Sediment refers to particles of rock and organic material that are transported and deposited by water, wind, or ice. Over time, these sediments accumulate and become compacted and cemented to form sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks cover most of the Earth's exposed surface because they are formed through the processes of weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, and lithification, which are common and ongoing geological processes.

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  • 42. 

    Regional Elevations on land are primarily controlled by

    • The thickness of continental crust

    • The temperature of the crust

    • Whether the area is over a hot sport

    • Whether the crust is old or was formed more recently

    Correct Answer
    A. The thickness of continental crust
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the thickness of continental crust. Regional elevations on land are primarily controlled by the thickness of the continental crust. The thicker the crust, the higher the elevation. This is because the crust acts as a buoyant layer on top of the denser mantle. Areas with thicker continental crust, such as mountain ranges, tend to have higher elevations, while areas with thinner continental crust, such as basins, tend to have lower elevations. The temperature of the crust, whether the area is over a hot spot, and whether the crust is old or formed more recently may have some influence on regional elevations, but they are not the primary controlling factors.

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  • 43. 

    What's is a point bar?

    • A sandbar deposited along the inside of stream meanders due to lower velocity

    • A new, shorter channel across the narrow neck of a meander

    • A crescent-shaped meander cutoff

    • A flowing network of interconnected rivulets around numerous bars

    Correct Answer
    A. A sandbar deposited along the inside of stream meanders due to lower velocity
    Explanation
    A point bar is a sandbar that forms along the inside of a stream meander. As the stream flows around a bend, the velocity of the water decreases on the inside of the curve, causing sediment to be deposited. Over time, this deposition builds up and forms a point bar. Point bars are typically crescent-shaped and can be found on the inside of many meandering streams.

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  • 44. 

    Mid-Ocean ridges form where two ocean plates?

    • Diverge

    • Collide

    • Subduct

    • Slide past one another

    Correct Answer
    A. Diverge
    Explanation
    Mid-ocean ridges form where two ocean plates diverge. Divergence occurs when the plates move away from each other, creating a gap in the ocean floor. As the plates separate, magma rises from the mantle to fill the gap, creating new crust. Over time, this process builds up a ridge of volcanic activity along the divergent boundary. This is why mid-ocean ridges are often associated with volcanic activity and the formation of new oceanic crust.

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  • 45. 

    What is a floodplain?

    • A broad strip of land built up by sedimentation on either side of the stream channel. Covered with water during a flood.

    • A body of sediment deposited at the mouth of a stream when the stream's velocity decreases.

    • A ridge of sediment, usually sand or gravel, deposited in the middle or along the banks of stream

    • Step-like landforms found above a stream

    Correct Answer
    A. A broad strip of land built up by sedimentation on either side of the stream channel. Covered with water during a flood.
    Explanation
    A floodplain is a broad strip of land that is formed by the accumulation of sediment on both sides of a stream channel. During a flood, this area becomes covered with water.

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  • 46. 

    The amplitude of a seismic wave on a seismograph is used to calculate?

    • The magnitide

    • The richer scale

    • The depth of the focus

    • The amount of shaking 

    Correct Answer
    A. The magnitide
    Explanation
    The amplitude of a seismic wave on a seismograph is used to calculate the magnitude of an earthquake. The magnitude is a measure of the energy released by the earthquake, and it helps in understanding the severity and impact of the earthquake. By measuring the amplitude of the seismic wave, scientists can determine the magnitude on various scales such as the Richter scale. The depth of the focus and the amount of shaking are not directly calculated from the amplitude of the seismic wave.

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  • 47. 

    Why does the US have such varying risks of seismic activity?

    • These are all reasons the US has varying risks of seismic activity

    • Volcanic activity can cause seismic risk in some areas

    • Some regions in the continetal interior have active fault systems

    • Some areas are near plate boundaries, while others are not

    Correct Answer
    A. These are all reasons the US has varying risks of seismic activity
    Explanation
    The US has varying risks of seismic activity due to a combination of factors. Volcanic activity is one reason for seismic risk in certain areas, as volcanic eruptions can trigger earthquakes. Additionally, some regions in the continental interior have active fault systems, which increase the likelihood of seismic events. Furthermore, the proximity to plate boundaries also plays a role, as areas near these boundaries are more prone to seismic activity compared to those further away.

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  • 48. 

    Radioactive decay within the earth produces heat; the other form of heat produced by the earth comes from

    • Heat trapped when the Earth was formed

    • Solar radiation trapped in the rock on the Earth's surface

    • Heat produced by air as it moves across the oceans

    Correct Answer
    A. Heat trapped when the Earth was formed
    Explanation
    The correct answer is heat trapped when the Earth was formed. This is because when the Earth was formed, it was a hot, molten mass. As it cooled and solidified, the heat that was trapped during this process remained within the Earth's core. This heat is known as residual heat and continues to contribute to the overall heat produced by the Earth.

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  • 49. 

    The Earth's magnetic field is generated by:

    • Movement of iron and electrical currents within Earth's outer core

    • Convection currents in the asthenosphere

    • Salty water moving through the deep parts of the crust

    • Aligned magnetic minerals within Earth's inner core

    Correct Answer
    A. Movement of iron and electrical currents within Earth's outer core
    Explanation
    The Earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of iron and electrical currents within Earth's outer core. The outer core is composed of molten iron and nickel, and the movement of this liquid metal creates convection currents. These currents, combined with the Earth's rotation, generate electrical currents. The interaction between these electrical currents and the Earth's magnetic field creates a dynamo effect, resulting in the generation of the magnetic field.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Nov 16, 2023 +

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  • Current Version
  • Nov 16, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Dec 07, 2019
    Quiz Created by
    Mdefanteuwb

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