The Big Quiz On Geology

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Geology Quizzes & Trivia

The end of the year is almost here and as always, there is a major exam that you must pass before you are accepted to move to the next level. Do you think you have what it takes to tackle the geology exam without breaking a sweat or do you need more quizzes to help refresh your memory? Take this big quiz on geology and show us what you remember.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    How many miles long is the Grand Canyon?

    • A. 

      277 Miles

    • B. 

      1370 Miles

    • C. 

      700 Miles

    • D. 

      20 Miles

    Correct Answer
    A. 277 Miles
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 277 Miles. The Grand Canyon is a massive natural wonder located in Arizona, USA. It stretches approximately 277 miles in length, making it one of the longest canyons in the world. The canyon was formed over millions of years by the erosive action of the Colorado River, creating breathtaking cliffs, colorful rock formations, and a unique landscape that attracts millions of visitors each year.

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  • 2. 

    How many gallons of water do the Great Lakes contain?

    • A. 

      6 Quadrillion

    • B. 

      10 Million

    • C. 

      25 Billion

    • D. 

      60 Trillion

    Correct Answer
    A. 6 Quadrillion
    Explanation
    The Great Lakes contain 6 Quadrillion gallons of water. This is an extremely large quantity, indicating that the Great Lakes are a vast and significant water body. The term "Quadrillion" denotes a number with fifteen zeros, emphasizing the immense volume of water present in the lakes.

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  • 3. 

    In which U.S. state is Crater Lake located?

    • A. 

      Oregon

    • B. 

      Washington

    • C. 

      South Dakota

    • D. 

      Nevada

    Correct Answer
    A. Oregon
    Explanation
    Crater Lake is located in Oregon. Crater Lake is a deep, volcanic lake formed in the caldera of Mount Mazama. It is known for its stunning blue color and is one of the deepest lakes in the United States. The lake and the surrounding Crater Lake National Park are major tourist attractions in Oregon, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives.

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  • 4. 

    In what year did Krakatoa erupt after being dormant for 200 years?

    • A. 

      1761

    • B. 

      1982

    • C. 

      1912

    • D. 

      1883

    Correct Answer
    D. 1883
    Explanation
    Krakatoa erupted in 1883 after being dormant for 200 years. The eruption of Krakatoa was one of the most powerful and devastating volcanic events in recorded history. It resulted in a series of massive explosions, tsunamis, and the formation of a new volcanic island. The eruption had a significant impact on the global climate, causing a decrease in temperatures and producing vivid sunsets around the world for several years.

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  • 5. 

    In which U.S. state does the Columbia basalt plateau appear?

    • A. 

      Idaho

    • B. 

      Nebraska

    • C. 

      Washington

    • D. 

      California

    Correct Answer
    C. Washington
    Explanation
    The Columbia basalt plateau appears in the state of Washington. This geographical feature is characterized by extensive layers of basalt lava flows that were formed during ancient volcanic activity in the region. The plateau covers a large area in eastern Washington and is known for its unique landscape and geological formations.

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  • 6. 

    Petrified wood is an example of what type of petrification fossil?

    • A. 

      Compression

    • B. 

      Trace

    • C. 

      Replacement

    • D. 

      Permineralized

    Correct Answer
    D. Permineralized
    Explanation
    Permineralization is a type of petrification where the organic material of an organism is replaced by minerals, while retaining the original structure of the organism. Petrified wood is a prime example of permineralization, as the organic matter of the wood is gradually replaced by minerals such as silica or calcite over time. This process preserves the cellular structure and texture of the wood, resulting in a fossil that closely resembles the original plant material.

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  • 7. 

    The conversion of kerogen to petroleum is known by what name?

    • A. 

      Generation

    • B. 

      Kerogenation

    • C. 

      Maturation

    • D. 

      Preservation

    Correct Answer
    C. Maturation
    Explanation
    Maturation refers to the process of converting kerogen, which is a solid organic material found in sedimentary rocks, into petroleum. During maturation, the kerogen undergoes thermal decomposition and chemical reactions, resulting in the formation of liquid hydrocarbons that make up petroleum. This process takes place over millions of years under high pressure and temperature conditions. Therefore, maturation is the correct term used to describe the conversion of kerogen to petroleum.

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  • 8. 

    What era in Earth's history is known as the Age of Reptiles due to the dominance that this group achieved during this time?

    • A. 

      Mesozoic

    • B. 

      Paleocene

    • C. 

      Cenozoic

    • D. 

      Paleozoic

    Correct Answer
    A. Mesozoic
    Explanation
    During the Mesozoic era, also known as the Age of Reptiles, reptiles were the dominant group of animals on Earth. This era, which lasted from about 252 million years ago to 66 million years ago, saw the rise of iconic reptiles such as dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and marine reptiles. These reptiles thrived and diversified, occupying various ecological niches and shaping the ecosystems of the time. The Mesozoic era ended with the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs and many other reptile groups, paving the way for the rise of mammals in the following Cenozoic era.

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  • 9. 

    What is not an example of a halide?

    • A. 

      Apatite

    • B. 

      Halite

    • C. 

      Fluorite

    • D. 

      Cryolithionite

    Correct Answer
    A. Apatite
    Explanation
    Apatite is not an example of a halide because it is a phosphate mineral, not a halide mineral. Halides are compounds that contain a halogen element (such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine) combined with another element. Apatite, on the other hand, is composed mainly of calcium phosphate, and does not contain any halogen elements.

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  • 10. 

    What is the name for snow crystals that melt and refreeze into granular particles on glaciers?

    • A. 

      Snizzle

    • B. 

      Corn

    • C. 

      Firn

    • D. 

      Sleet

    Correct Answer
    C. Firn
    Explanation
    Firn refers to snow crystals that have undergone multiple cycles of melting and refreezing on glaciers. As snow accumulates over time, it undergoes compaction and transforms into granular particles known as firn. This process occurs due to the weight of the overlying snow layers, causing the snow to compress and partially melt before refreezing. Firn is an important intermediate stage in the formation of glacial ice and plays a crucial role in the overall dynamics of glaciers. Snizzle, corn, and sleet do not accurately describe this specific phenomenon.

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  • 11. 

    What is the name for the semiarid region that surrounds most deserts?

    • A. 

      Steppe

    • B. 

      Oasis

    • C. 

      Desert Basin

    • D. 

      Desert Border

    Correct Answer
    A. Steppe
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Steppe. A steppe is a semiarid region that surrounds most deserts. It is characterized by grasslands and low rainfall, making it a transitional zone between deserts and more fertile regions. Steppe regions often have a dry climate, with hot summers and cold winters, and are home to various types of vegetation adapted to survive in such harsh conditions.

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  • 12. 

    What is the name of a glacier that is formed when two or more valley glaciers flow together?

    • A. 

      Alpine Glaciers

    • B. 

      Piedmont Glacier

    • C. 

      Plateau Glaciers

    • D. 

      Tidewater Glaciers

    Correct Answer
    B. Piedmont Glacier
    Explanation
    A Piedmont Glacier is formed when two or more valley glaciers flow together and spread out onto a flat plain or valley. This type of glacier is characterized by its wide, fan-like shape and is commonly found in mountainous regions. The merging of the valley glaciers causes the ice to spread horizontally, creating a broad, low-lying glacier that covers a large area.

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  • 13. 

    What is the name of the reddish soils of the humid tropics?

    • A. 

      Pedocals

    • B. 

      Tropical Soils

    • C. 

      Pedalfers

    • D. 

      Latosols

    Correct Answer
    D. Latosols
    Explanation
    Latosols are the name given to the reddish soils found in the humid tropics. These soils are characterized by their high iron and aluminum oxide content, which gives them their reddish color. They are typically found in areas with high rainfall and warm temperatures, as these conditions promote the weathering and leaching processes that result in the formation of Latosols. These soils are often highly weathered and have a low fertility, making them challenging for agriculture.

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  • 14. 

    What is the term for when pieces of glaciers break off and form icebergs?

    • A. 

      Dissolve

    • B. 

      Calve

    • C. 

      Fissure

    • D. 

      Separate

    Correct Answer
    B. Calve
    Explanation
    Calving is the term used to describe the process when pieces of glaciers break off and form icebergs. This occurs when the front edge of a glacier reaches the water, causing chunks of ice to break away and float as icebergs. The term "dissolve" refers to the process of a substance being absorbed or mixed into a liquid, which is not applicable in this context. "Fissure" refers to a crack or opening in a solid object, and "separate" means to divide or disconnect, but neither accurately describes the specific process of glaciers breaking off to form icebergs.

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  • 15. 

    What is the term used to classify igneous rocks that are light in both color and gravity?

    • A. 

      Andesite

    • B. 

      Sima

    • C. 

      Sialic

    • D. 

      Diorite

    Correct Answer
    C. Sialic
    Explanation
    Sialic is the term used to classify igneous rocks that are light in both color and gravity. This term refers to rocks that are rich in silica and aluminum, which are lighter elements. Sialic rocks are typically found in continental crusts and are lighter in color compared to mafic rocks.

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