Geology Final Test Review
Interlude B: Below is a photo of an outcrop where bedrock, unconsolidated sediments, and soil are all visible. Which of the three materials is youngest? A- A B- B C- C D- All are the same age *A is located on top of hill with vegetation *B is located mid way on dirt mound *C is located at bottom of dirt mound
A - A
A well-sorted sandstone with ripple marks was most likely deposited as sand by a... A- beach B- glacier C- river (near source). D- alluvial fan.
A - Beach
Aside from the Earth, the terrestrial planets are... A- Mars, Mercury, and Venus. B- Mars, Venus, and Jupiter. C- Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. D- Mars and Saturn.
A - Mars, Mercury, and Venus.
Chapter 2: In the following figure, the magnetic anomaly pattern is mirrored on either side of the central ridge. What is responsible for this pattern? A- Seafloor spreading builds new crust equally on both sides of the ridge. B- The magnetic anomalies follow a repetitious pattern in mantle convection. C- The anomalies follow El Niño /La Niña cycles D- The anomalies follow Milenkovich cycles based on orbital dynamics.
A - Seafloor spreading builds new crust equally on both sides of the ridge.
At the subduction zone where the Pacific Plate is subducting under the islands of Japan, the Wadati-Benioff zone of deep earthquakes A- extends from the trench westward underneath Japan. B- extends from the trench eastward underneath the Pacific Plate. C- is confined to the trench. D- is absent because there are no earthquakes at subduction zones.
A - extends from the trench westward underneath Japan.
The idea that the continents had once fit together as a single supercontinent called Pangaea was rejected when first proposed because... A- geologists did not know of a force great enough to move continents. B-the continents did not fit together tightly enough. C-the fossil evidence was inconclusive. D- the distribution of climatic belts did not make sense in that configuration.
A - geologists did not know of a force great enough to move continents.
In the heliocentric model... A- the Earth orbits around the Sun. B- the Sun orbits around the Earth. C- the Earth is a stationary planet. D- Mercury and Venus orbit around the Sun, but all other planets orbit around the Earth.
A - the Earth orbits around the Sun.
This figure is of a single atom. Match the letter with the correct atomic particle and its charge. A- A - Electron, negative; B - Proton, positive; C - Neutron, neutral B - A - Proton, positive; B - Electron, neutral; C - Neutron, negative C - A - Neutron, neutral; B - Proton, positive; C - Electron, negative D- A - Electron, positive; B - Neutron, negative; C - Proton, neutral
A- A - Electron, negative; B - Proton, positive; C - Neutron, neutral
The largest known volcanic eruption in the last million years occurred at ________. A- Toba Volcano (Indonesia) B- Mt. St. Helens (USA) C- Mt. Pinatubo (the Philippines) D- Yellowstone Caldera (USA)
A- Toba Volcano (Indonesia)
Volcanic eruptions vary in size from very small to extremely large events. This image shows the different stages of a cataclysmic eruption. What type of eruption is shown by this sequence of images? A- a caldera eruption B- a fissure eruption C- a stratovolcano eruption D- a cinder cone eruption *image shows an eruption, smoke flow, and finally the volcano inverts.
A- a caldera eruption
The angles between adjacent crystal faces of the same type of mineral _______ A- are always the same. B- vary widely among different specimens of the mineral. C- depend on the size of the crystal. D- are 90° for every type of mineral.
A- are always the same.
This image shows a chemical reaction that is primarily responsible for the chemical deterioration of limestone. Which form of chemical weathering does the figure show? A- dissolution B- hydrolysis C- oxidation D- hydration
A- dissolution
Which type of magma has the greatest silica content? A- felsic B- intermediate C- mafic D- ultramafic
A- felsic
A fast-moving wet slurry consisting of a mixture of water and volcaniclastic debris is termed a ________. A- lahar B- pyroclastic flow C- flood basalt D- hyaloclastite
A- lahar
Igneous rocks formed at mid-ocean ridges are primarily A- mafic B- volatile-rich. C- glassy D- felsic
A- mafic
Igneous rocks at hot spots are formed by ________ extending deep into the Earth's mantle. A- mantle plumes B- subduction zones C- rift zones D- groundwater
A- mantle plumes
In the discontinuous series of Bowen's reaction series, the first mineral to crystallize from a mafic melt is... A- olivine B- plagioclase C- pyroxene D- quartz
A- olivine
The most abundant elements in the Earth's crust are... A- oxygen and silicon. B- carbon and nitrogen. C- iron and nickel. D- sodium and chlorine.
A- oxygen and silicon.
The average time between eruptions is called a(n) ________ A- recurrence interval B- prediction C- forecast D- assessment
A- recurrence interval
Sedimentary basins that form on the continental side of mountain ranges are called _________ basins. A- rift B- passive-margin C- foreland D- intracontinental
A- rift
What type of weathering has produced the honeycomb-like features shown in the following photo? A- salt wedging B- frost wedging C- dissolution D- hydration
A- salt wedging
The classes of silicate minerals differ from one another based on how the Si-O molecules are linked to each other. The image below shows many of the different arrangements. What shape is the base silicon-oxygen molecule that makes up these different arrangements? A- tetrahedron B- hexahedron C- octahedron D- decahedron
A- tetrahedron
Sea level rises locally, and marine sediments are deposited on top of terrestrial sediments during events termed... A- transgressions B- regressions. C- turbidity currents. D- cross bedding.
A- transgressions
Multiple types of plate boundaries can often be found in close proximity to one another. Below is an image of the Juan de Fuca plate subducting beneath Washington and Oregon in the American Northwest. Match the type of plate boundary with the correct letter on the image. A- A - Convergent, B - Divergent, C - Transform B- A - Divergent, B - Transform, C - Convergent C- A - Transform, B - Divergent, C - Convergent D- A - Transform, B - Convergent, C - Divergent
B - A - Divergent, B - Transform, C - Convergent
Using the Mohs hardness scale below, which of the following statements about the actual hardness of minerals is false? A- Your fingernail can scratch a sample of gypsum. B- Diamonds are twice as hard as apatite. C- Diamonds are more than seven times as hard as quartz. D- Quartz will scratch anything made of steel.
B - Diamonds are twice as hard as apatite.
The constant motion of tectonic plates leads to convergent, divergent, and transform-plate boundaries. Which type of structure is shown in the figure below? A- a subduction zone B- a mid-ocean ridge C- a passive margin D- a strike-slip fault
B - a mid-ocean ridge
Of the ~4,000 known minerals, the vast majority ___________ A- are common. B- are rare. C- form only near volcanoes. D- are characterized as gems.
B - are rare.
The __________ can flow while the __________ is a rigid solid. A- crust; inner core B- asthenosphere; lithosphere C- mantle; crust D- lithosphere; asthenosphere
B - asthenosphere; lithosphere
Geologists have divided the Earth into different layers based on composition and physical state. Which of the sequences below puts the layers of the Earth in the proper order, starting at the Earth's surface? A - upper mantle, lower mantle, crust, outer core, inner core B - crust, upper mantle, lower mantle, outer core, inner core C - outer core, inner core, upper mantle, lower mantle, crust D- crust, upper mantle, outer core, lower mantle, inner core
B - crust, upper mantle, lower mantle, outer core, inner core
The metal alloy that makes up the core of the Earth is ________ compared to the rocky mantle. A- less dense B- denser C- very similar in chemistry and density D- distinct in chemistry but of very similar density
B - denser
The shape of the Earth's magnetic field is approximately that of a... A- monopole, as would be produced by just one pole of a magnet. B- dipole, such as that produced by a bar magnet. C- torus, a doughnut-shaped ring parallel to the Earth's equator. D- sphere, following the shape of the Earth.
B - dipole, such as that produced by a bar magnet.
Which of the following choices lists atomic particles ordered from smallest to largest in size? A- atom, nucleus, proton, electron B- electron, proton, nucleus, atom C- proton, electron, nucleus, atom D- atom, electron, nucleus, proton
B - electron, proton, nucleus, atom
Continental coastlines that occur within the interior of a lithospheric plate are called ___________ margins. A- internal B- passive C- active D- inert
B - passive
According to the Big Bang theory... A- the Earth is much older than the rest of the Universe. B- the Universe is much older than the Earth. C- the Earth and the Universe formed at about the same time. D- there is no way of knowing how old the Universe might be.
B - the Universe is much older than the Earth.
Minerals in geodes (as seen below) form spectacular euhedral crystals because... A- all of the elements incorporated in the crystals are in plentiful supply. B- the crystals have abundant room to grow in their hollow surroundings. C- minerals within geodes are always framework silicates. D- minerals within geodes always contain iron.
B - the crystals have abundant room to grow in their hollow surroundings.
The map below depicts the locations of earthquakes in the ocean basins. Which of the following locations is most likely to be located along a plate boundary? A- the interiors of continents, where there are few or no earthquakes B- the middle of the north Atlantic Ocean, where there is a north-south belt of earthquakes C- the southwest Atlantic Ocean, far away from any earthquakes D- None of these are likely locations for plate boundaries.
B - the middle of the north Atlantic Ocean, where there is a north-south belt of earthquakes
The following figure shows a cartoon cross-section of an erupting volcano. Which letter on the figure properly identifies a pyroclastic flow? A- A B- B C- C D- D *A is located underground in lava caldera *B is located where smoke travels down side of volcano *C is located near the top of eruption *D is located on side of volcano
B- B
The image below shows an idealized soil profile divided up into soil horizons. Where in the horizon is extensive leaching found? A- Horizon O B- Horizon E C- Horizon B D- Horizon C
B- Horizon E
Which of the following is true regarding biochemical chert? A- It is massive (lacking layers). B- It is made of cryptocrystalline quartz. C- It is made of aragonite shell fragments. D- It is composed of the minerals calcite and dolomite.
B- It is made of cryptocrystalline quartz.
The image below shows the distribution of volcanoes around the world. Based on the information on this figure, which statement BEST describes where most volcanoes are found? A- Most volcanoes are located in polar regions. B- Most volcanoes are located at plate boundaries. C- Most volcanoes are located in the Atlantic Ocean. D- Most volcanoes are located near Australia. *image shows Ring of Fire
B- Most volcanoes are located at plate boundaries.
Sedimentary structures preserved in rock outcrops can give us insight into what the environment was like when the sediments were originally deposited. What type of environment created the bedding structure shown below? A- a shallow ocean B- a desert with migrating dunes C- a down-cutting river system D- a swamp *The image shows cross-bedding. This sedimentary structure is formed as dunes migrate across a desert governed by the primary wind direction. New dunes climb up the backs of older dunes
B- a desert with migrating dunes
Continental lithosphere does not subduct because it is too... A- thick. B- buoyant C- young. D- warm
B- buoyant
Precipitation of gypsum due to evaporation of seawater produces which kind of sedimentary rock? A- biochemical B- chemical C- clastic D- organic
B- chemical
Slab pull occurs because subducting slabs are _________, and therefore are _________ dense than the surrounding asthenosphere. A- hotter; less B- cooler; more C- hotter; more D- cooler; less
B- cooler; more
The following image shows a rock in hand sample and photomicrograph. Which term BEST describes the texture of this rock? A- porphyritic B- crystalline C- clastic D- foliated *Image is of magnified rock. The particles are close together and look almost camouflaged.
B- crystalline
The term for the separation of the Earth into internal layers early in our planet's history is _______. A- accretion B- differentiation C- protoplanetary collapse D- nucleosynthesis
B- differentiation
The removal of detritus from weathered rock at an outcrop is termed... A- deposition B- erosion C- weathering. D- lithification
B- erosion
The diamonds we typically see today in engagement rings do not display their natural crystal faces but rather ________, which are made by grinding the gem on a spinning lap. A- striations B- facets C- cleavage planes D- facades
B- facets
What is the basis for classification of rocks into igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary? A- how old the rocks are B- how the rocks formed C- the types of minerals in the rocks D- the grain size of the rocks
B- how the rocks formed
Chapter 3: Chemical bonding is responsible for many of the physical properties we observe in minerals. The following figure shows one such bond type. Please choose the correct name for the chemical bond shown. A- metallic bond B- ionic bond C- covalent bond D- hydrogen bond
B- ionic bond
Chapter 5: The figure below shows a volcanic hazard map for Mount Rainier in Washington State. Based on this map, which volcanic hazard(s) should Tacoma be prepared for if Mount Rainier erupts? A-lava flows B- lahars C- pyroclastic flows D- pyroclastic flows and lava flows.
B- lahars
Flood basalts such as those found in the Columbia Plateau and the Deccan region are associated with... A- subduction zones. B- mantle plumes. C- mid ocean ridges. D- rifts
B- mantle plumes.
The Dust Bowl of the 1930s is an example of what hazard to soils and the roles they play in society? A- soil accumulation B- soil erosion C- soil percolation D- soil leaching
B- soil erosion
Most of the pulling force driving plate motion is produced... A- at mid-ocean ridges. B- at collision zones. C- at subduction zones. D- in the interiors of continental plates.
C- at subduction zones.
During the past 5 million years, approximately how long have chrons lasted before the next major magnetic polarity reversal? A- 10 to 20 years. B- 500 to 1000 years. C- 700,000 to 1.5 million years D- There has not been a magnetic polarity reversal during the past five million years.
C - 700,000 to 1.5 million years
The density of rocks is generally related to composition; rocks with higher silica contents tend to be less dense. Which of the following places rock compositions in order of increasing density? A- felsic, intermediate, ultramafic, mafic B- ultramafic, mafic, intermediate, felsic C- felsic, intermediate, mafic, ultramafic D- mafic, ultramafic, intermediate, felsic
C - felsic, intermediate, mafic, ultramafic
By far the most common elements in the Universe and in our Solar System are... A- nitrogen and oxygen. B- iron and manganese. C- hydrogen and helium. D- hydrogen and oxygen.
C - hydrogen and helium.
Through plate tectonics, plates move about the Earth, slamming into, pulling away from, and sliding past one another. Match the images from the figure below with the appropriate boundary name. A- A - Convergent, B - Divergent, C - Transform B- A - Transform, B - Convergent, C - Divergent C- A - Divergent, B - Convergent, C - Transform D- A - Divergent, B - Transform, C - Convergent
C- A - Divergent, B - Convergent, C - Transform
The following image shows samples, both in hand sample and in microscope thin-section views. The textures are the result of their emplacement mechanism (intrusive, extrusive, or pyroclastic). Match the texture term with the appropriate picture set. A- A - Crystalline, B - Glassy, C - Fragmental B- A - Glassy, B - Fragmental, C - Crystalline C- A- Crystalline, B - Fragmental, C - Glassy D- A - Fragmental, B - Glassy, C - Crystalline *image shows granite, cement piece, and obsidian
C- A- Crystalline, B - Fragmental, C - Glassy
How do volcanic eruptions affect global average temperatures on the Earth? A- Aerosols amplify incoming solar radiation. B- Ash traps heat in atmosphere. C- Ash and aerosols block incoming solar radiation. D- Greenhouse gases absorb incoming solar radiation.
C- Ash and aerosols block incoming solar radiation.
This image shows cosmic interaction between the Sun and the Earth. Which of the following statements BEST describes the pictured interaction? A - The Earth absorbs solar radiation due to Earth's gravitational field. B - Ozone deflects solar light around the Earth. C - The Earth's magnetic field deflects solar winds around the Earth. D - Solar light is directed toward the Earth due to its gravitational field.
C- The Earth's magnetic field deflects solar winds around the Earth.
This image shows the location of the Moho boundary within the Earth's interior. Which statement properly places the Moho? A- The Moho marks the boundary between the continental crust and the oceanic crust. B- The Moho marks the boundary between the crust and the core. C- The Moho marks the boundary between the crust and the lithospheric mantle. D- The Moho marks the boundary between the mantle and the core.
C- The Moho marks the boundary between the crust and the lithospheric mantle.
Which of the following is true about regressions? A- They are typically well-preserved in the sedimentary record. B- They occur when the climate warms and continental ice sheets melt. C- They occur when the land is uplifted by tectonic processes. D- Coastal environments will migrate landward.
C- They occur when the land is uplifted by tectonic processes.
What was unusual about the 1986 volcano-related disaster near Lake Nyos in Cameroon? A- A volcanic eruption involved a lateral blast of volcaniclastic debris that no one anticipated. B- Pyroclastic flows buried surrounding villages, reminiscent of Pompeii ~1,900 years earlier. C- Volcanically derived carbon dioxide gas bubbled from the lake and suffocated people and animals nearby. D- A slurry of lava and lake water flowed rapidly outward from the lake and buried surrounding villages.
C- Volcanically derived carbon dioxide gas bubbled from the lake and suffocated people and animals nearby.
Chapter 6: Evidence of transgressions and regressions is preserved in the rock record. Based on the distribution of the deposits in the image below, which answer BEST describes the history of this shoreline? A- a transgression only B- a regression only C- a transgression then a regression D- a regression then a transgression *Hint - think high tide to low tide
C- a transgression then a regression
If you find a tuff in the field, what type of geologic activity could you reasonably assume has occurred? A- an igneous intrusion B- sea-level rise C- a volcanic eruption D- tectonic uplift
C- a volcanic eruption
Hydration occurs when minerals A- are dissolved into water. B- are turned into rust. C- absorb water and expand. D- are removed by frost.
C- absorb water and expand.
Interlude A: The following image shows a rock in hand sample and photomicrograph. Which term BEST describes the texture of this rock? A- porphyritic B- crystalline C- clastic D- foliated *image shows magnified image of rock. The rock particles are separated by defined lines.
C- clastic
Gemstones are often found in pegmatites, which are igneous rocks that are A- exceptionally mafic. B- extrusive, forming from lava. C- exceptionally coarse-grained. D- exceptionally fine-grained.
C- exceptionally coarse-grained.
The Moon's lunar maria are believed to be ancient __________. A- lahars B- ash deposits C- flood basalts D- hot spots
C- flood basalts
Hot spots are caused by A- friction due to the lithosphere sliding atop the asthenosphere. B- unusually dense concentrations of radioactive isotopes at various points in the crust. C- hot plumes of mantle material that rise up through cooler, denser surrounding rock. D- zones of localized subduction that produce melting of the mantle.
C- hot plumes of mantle material that rise up through cooler, denser surrounding rock.
Differential weathering occurs when... A- none of the layers weather at all. B- layers of rock weather at the same rate. C- layers of rock weather at different rates. D- weathering occurs in the tropics.
C- layers of rock weather at different rates.
Two major sources of energy, coal and oil shale, are considered ________ sedimentary rocks. A- clastic B- biochemical C- organic D- chemical
C- organic
Volcanism is least likely to occur in which of the following geologic settings? A- subduction zone B- mid-ocean rift C- passive margin D- oceanic hot spot
C- passive margin
The section below shows a series of graded beds superimposed on one another. What series of events could have produced this set of structures? A- migrating sand dunes B- repetitious evaporation from a saline lake C- repeated turbidite currents D- oscillating ocean waves
C- repeated turbidite currents
Olympus Mons, the largest known volcano in our Solar System, is an example of a ________. A- stratovolcano B- cinder cone C- shield volcano D- fissure volcano
C- shield volcano
Ripple marks are ________ A- internal laminations that are inclined at an angle relative to the main layering of a sedimentary rock. B- a bed in which grain size varies from coarse at the bottom to fine at the top. C- small, elongate ridges in clastic sediments and rocks that form perpendicular to the direction of flow. D- a suite of cracks separating plates that form when mud dries out.
C- small, elongate ridges in clastic sediments and rocks that form perpendicular to the direction of flow.
In plate tectonics, a triple junction is a place on the Earth's surface where... A- three volcanoes form a tight, triangular cluster. B- glacial ice, continental rocks, and the ocean can be found together. C- the boundaries of three lithospheric plates meet at a single point. D- all three of the basic rock types are found in the same location.
C- the boundaries of three lithospheric plates meet at a single point.
Grains become rounded primarily during... A- weathering at the outcrop. B- lithification. C- transportation D- deposition
C- transportation
What is the approximate radius of the Earth? A- 1200 km B- 3500 km C-4800 km D- 6400 km
D - 6400 km
The following figure shows several different samples of sediments in optical microscope view. Which of the samples displays the BEST sorting? A- A B- B C- C D- D *A is 25/75 ratio of big to little particles *B is 75/25 of big to little particles *C is 50/50 *D is all similar
D- D
What is the difference between a rock that is cemented together and a rock that has a crystalline texture? A- A rock that is cemented contains rounded grains that are held together by cement, whereas a crystalline rock contains angular grains held together by cement. B- Crystalline rocks contain minerals, while cemented rocks contain rock fragments; both are held together by static forces between grains. C- Minerals are held together as interlocking pieces in a cemented rock, whereas grains are held together by minerals precipitated in pore spaces in a crystalline rock. D- Minerals are held together as interlocking pieces in a crystalline rock, whereas in a cemented rock the grains do not fit together like puzzle pieces and instead are held together by cement.
D- Minerals are held together as interlocking pieces in a crystalline rock, whereas in a cemented rock the grains do not fit together like puzzle pieces and instead are held together by cement.
Viscosity is a material's resistance to flow. The pictures below show two types of volcanic eruptions. In the first, lava is fountaining and flowing freely, making a gently sloping volcano. In the second eruption, a thick plug of lava called a dome has emerged in a volcanic crater. Which of the following statements BEST describes the relative viscosity of these two eruptions? A- The lava dome (2) is lower viscosity than the fountaining lava (1). B- The two lavas have similar viscosities. C- Nothing about relative viscosity can be determined from the images. D- The lava dome (2) is higher viscosity than the fountaining lava (1). *image 1 shows lava flow *image 2 shows volcano inside mountain, cave almost
D- The lava dome (2) is higher viscosity than the fountaining lava (1).
Minerals are all naturally occurring solid substances with a definable chemical composition. They must also possess A- the ability to be synthesized in the laboratory as well as be found in nature. B- metallic elements, such as iron, calcium, or magnesium. C- metallic luster. D- a fixed crystalline structure (spatial arrangement of atoms and ions).
D- a fixed crystalline structure (spatial arrangement of atoms and ions).
The quartz in this figure shows a very specific type of breakage. It is not cleavage. What is this type of break called? A- concave fracture B- irregular fracture C- iiInternal fracture D- conchoidal fracture
D- conchoidal fracture
The image below shows an outcrop of coarse-grained sedimentary rock. Note the rock hammer for scale. What is the name of this rock type? A- sandstone B- shale C- breccia D- conglomerate
D- conglomerate
A body of rock starts at location A in the graph below. The rock, over a period of time, moves to location B and begins to melt. This is an example of melting due to A- fractional crystallization. B- heat transfer. C- addition of volatiles. D- decompression.
D- decompression.
In this image, volatiles that were driven off of the subducting slab have caused the mantle to melt. What kind of melting does this figure show? A- decompression melting B- compression melting C- heat transfer melting D- flux melting *image shows convergent plate boundary, volatiles are released from crust; overlying asthenosphere melts
D- flux melting
Chapter 4: Geologists use composition (mineral content) and texture (grain size) to classify igneous rocks. Use the chart below to provide the name of a mafic rock that cooled slowly. A- granite B- rhyolite C- obsidian D- gabbro
D- gabbro
Which types of minerals are most likely to experience oxidation during chemical weathering? A- evaporite minerals such as halite B- carbonate minerals such as calcite and aragonite C- silicate minerals such as quartz and feldspar D- iron minerals such as biotite and pyrite
D- iron minerals such as biotite and pyrite
What is the term for felsic extrusive igneous rock with glassy texture? A- scoria B- rhyolite C- granite D- obsidian
D- obsidian
In silicate minerals, the SiO4 tetrahedron can be linked together by sharing: A- silicon atoms. B- cations. C- electrons D- oxygen atoms.
D- oxygen atoms.
Death Valley is currently sinking partly due to the weight of continuously accumulating sediment shed from the mountains that border the valley. What phenomenon is this an example of and what depositional environment is created by the sediment deposition? A- regression and deltas B- subsidence and deltas C- regression and alluvial fans D- subsidence and alluvial fans
D- subsidence and alluvial fans
Pyrite (FeS2) is in which mineral class? A- silicates B- carbonates C- oxides D- sulfides
D- sulfides
The pillow basalts in the photo below most likely formed ____________. A- on dry land at a continental hotspot B- underwater at a subduction zone C- on dry land at a continental rift D- underwater at a mid-ocean ridge
D- underwater at a mid-ocean ridge
Granite, an intrusive igneous rock, is most similar in mineral composition to which extrusive equivalent? A- andesite B- basalt C- gabbro D-rhyolite
D-rhyolite