earth science exam 3
With no clear geometry and no true stream valley, this drainage pattern occurs in areas such as glaciated shield regions. -dendritic -parallel -radial -trellis -deranged
deranged
The Paraná River is in the process of filling in an enclosed body of water at the river's mouth. This is an example of a(n) ________ delta. -estuarine -bird's-foot -alluvial -fluvial -arcuate
estuarine
The ability of the wind to move materials -increases with decreased wind speed. -is greater than that of water because of the higher density of air compared to water. -is equal to other transporting agents, such as water and ice. -exceeds that of other transporting agents, such as water and ice. -is small compared to other transporting agents, such as water and ice.
is small compared to other transporting agents, such as water and ice.
A ________ is a dry bed of an ephemeral lake a dryland region. -star dune -playa. -yardang -bajada -desert pavement
playa.
The portion of each meandering curve subject to the slowest water velocity undergoes aggradation. This results in a(n) -neck. -point bar. -cutback. -meander scar. -oxbow.
point bar.
________ is the theory that describes the motion of the Earth's lithosphere. -Metamorphism -Orogeny -Sea floor spreading -Pangaea -Plate tectonics
Plate tectonics
________ dunes form with their tips pointing downwind, usually in areas with limited sand supply and little to no vegetation. -Linear -Parabolic -Transverse -Barchan -Longitudinal
Barchan
________ are steep-sided landforms resulting from the weathering and mass wasting of mesas. -Volcanic necks -Plugs -Dikes -Buttes -Badlands
Buttes
The grinding and shaping of rock surfaces by the "sand blasting" action of particles captured in the air is termed -saltation. -abrasion. -deflation. -deposition. -traction.
abrasion.
Cone-shaped deposits of sediment often found at mouth of canyons in arid and semiarid climates are called -clastics. -deltas. -alluvial fans. -deposition. -arroyos.
alluvial fans.
The maximum incline at which sediments on a slope can remain at rest before pulled downward by gravity is known as the -free face. -regolith. -catchment. -angle of repose. -slope.
angle of repose.
Which of the following human activities can contribute to mass movement? -residential development only -commercial development only -a road cut only -surface mining only -any human disturbance of a slope, including road cuts, surface mining, and development
any human disturbance of a slope, including road cuts, surface mining, and development
The Horton River delta has an intricate maze of distributaries in an arc-shaped pattern. This is an example of a(n) ________ delta. -estuarine -bird's-foot -alluvial -fluvial -arcuate
arcuate
Maximum velocity in a straight channel is found -at the center and near the surface, corresponding with the shallowest parts of the stream channel. -near the inside of a meander. -near either of the river banks. -near the bottom. -at the center and near the surface, corresponding with the deepest parts of the stream channel.
at the center and near the surface, corresponding with the deepest parts of the stream channel.
Maximum velocity in a meandering stream is -at the outer portion of the meander curve. -at the inner portion of the meander curve. -at the center and near the surface. -at the point bar. -near the bottom.
at the outer portion of the meander curve.
A depression created by deflation is known as a -blowout. -bolson. -haboob. -playa. -structural basin.
blowout.
A maze of interconnected channels formed on a river with a high sediment load is known as a(n) ________ stream. -anabranching -straight -exotic -meandering -braided
braided
The total possible load a stream can transport is its ________, whereas a stream's ability to move particles of specific size is its ________. -saltation; traction -discharge; competence -competence; capacity -bed load; sediment load -capacity; competence
capacity; competence
Stream piracy refers to -the merging of two streams flowing in the same valley. -capturing the headwater regions of another stream by an eroding rill in another system. -upstream erosion leading the to the lengthening of the channel. -the legal process by which a state secures rights to the waters of a river basin. -the illegal withdrawal of water from a river.
capturing the headwater regions of another stream by an eroding rill in another system.
Any large cave formed by chemical processes is a -collapse sinkhole. -karst valley. -stalagmite. -doline. -cavern.
cavern.
When rock is broken down and disintegrated in the presence of water and with chemical alterations to the rock, the process in operation is -mass movement. -biological weathering. -scarification. -physical weathering. -chemical weathering.
chemical weathering.
As a stream's velocity decreases, which of the following sizes of sediments will be deposited last? -sand -loam -clay -gravel -silt
clay
Stream drainage patterns are determined by which of the following? -variations in rock resistance only -landscape characteristics only -regional steepness and relief only -climate only -climate, regional steepness and relief, landscape characteristics, and variations in rock resistance.
climate, regional steepness and relief, landscape characteristics, and variations in rock resistance.
Coarser particles generally settle out ________, while finer particles settle out ________. -closer to the headwaters; closer to the mouth -closer to the mouth; not at all -closer to the mouth; closer to the headwaters -at point bars; along cutbanks -along cutbanks; at point bars
closer to the headwaters; closer to the mouth
A sinkhole that develops over a period of hours or days and forms from a collapse through the roof of an underground cavern is known as a -karst valley. -solution sinkhole. -collapse sinkhole. -karst tower. -doline.
collapse sinkhole.
The portion of each meandering curve subject to the fastest water velocity undergoes the greatest erosive action. This action forms a steep -oxbow. -uppercut bank. -point bar. -cutback. -meander scar.
cutback.
As they migrate, meandering streams erode their out outside banks, often forming a narrow neck of land that eventually erodes through and forms a ________ and the stream becomes ________. -meander scar; narrower -neck; longer -cutoff; straighter -cutback; more sinuous -point bar; wider
cutoff; straighter
When pressure is removed from overlying rock, the pressure of deep burial is relieved, initiating pressure-release jointing. The joints then separate into curved slabs. This is known as -spheroidal weathering. -salt crystal growth. -exfoliation. -frost wedging. -crystallization.
exfoliation.
Natural levees are created during -normal flow conditions. -erosional events. -low flow conditions. -degradation. -floods.
floods.
Rectangular drainage patterns form primarily as a result of -topographic uplift. -flow through anticlinal and synclinal topography. -flow through a faulted and jointed landscape. -hard, resistant rock that prevents erosion. -differential resistance to erosion.
flow through a faulted and jointed landscape.
For purposes of discussing eolian processes, the wind acts like a -fluid. -gas. -plasma. -solid. -degenerate matter.
fluid.
Processes that are related expressly to streams and rivers are termed -geomorphic. -lentic. -riverine. -fluvial. -lotic.
fluvial.
The fact that water expands as much as 9% of its volume as it freezes is the basis of -hydrolysis -salt crystal growth. -frost wedging. -exfoliation. -oxidization.
frost wedging.
The loess deposits in Europe and North America are thought to be derived mainly from -glacial and periglacial sources. -windblown desert sediments. -alluvium, i.e. stream deposited materials. -ocean sediments. -deeply entrenched river channels.
glacial and periglacial sources.
A(n) ________ is a stream which maintains an equilibrium between the processes of erosion and deposition and, therefore degradation and aggradation. -rill -meandering stream -oxbow -graded stream -anabranching river
graded stream
The drop in stream elevation per unit distance is known as -aspect. -discharge. -slope. -base level. -gradient.
gradient.
The process whereby streams lengthen their channels upstream is called -stream piracy. -headwater erosion. -saltation. -traction. -channel incision.
headwater erosion.
Chemical weathering is greatest under conditions of -higher rainfall, but lower temperatures. -lower rainfall and temperatures. -lower rainfall, but higher temperatures. -higher rainfall and temperatures. -near absence of rainfall, but higher temperatures.
higher rainfall and temperatures.
The Basin and Range Province in the western United States is an example of a ________ landscape. -horst and graben -compressional -reverse -Great Plains -tensional
horst and graben
In which climates would rocks experience the highest amounts of chemical decomposition and decay? -cold and dry -hot and wet -cold and wet -hot and dry -cool and moist
hot and wet
The science of water and its global circulation, distribution, and properties is known as -lithology. -hydrology. -fluviology. -geomorphology. -climatology.
hydrology.
What type of rock forms from the solidification of molten material? -clastic -igneous -foliated -metamorphic -sedimentary
igneous
Which rock type makes up approximately 90% of the Earth's crust? -igneous -sedimentary -clastic -foliated -metamorphic
igneous
Continuing dissolution and collapse may lead the coalescing of sinkholes to form a -drip curtain. -disappearing stream. -doline. -rise. -karst valley.
karst valley.
A ________ is a type of debris flow associated with volcanic activity. -creep -slump -landslide -lahar -rockfall
lahar
Which side of a dune typically has a slope angle equal to that of the angle of repose for sand? -bottom -top -windward -leeward -stoss
leeward
Windblown dust that accumulates into homogeneous deposits is known as -deflation hollows. -yardangs. -loess. -desert pavement. -gobi.
loess.
Alluvial fans are formed as flowing water ________ as it leaves a constricted channel. -expands. -gains velocity -loses velocity -changes direction -down cuts
loses velocity
________ streams are not connected to groundwater systems and only flow after precipitation events. -Intermittent -Temporary -Perennial -Ephemeral -Exotic
Ephemeral
In vegetated dune landscapes, ________ dunes form with their tips pointing upwind. -Longitudinal -Transverse -Linear -Barchan -Parabolic
Parabolic
________ streams flow year-round, fed by snowmelt, rainfall, groundwater, or a combination thereof. -Temporary -Ephemeral -Intermittent -Permanent -Perennial
Perennial
Most cratons date to the -Mesozoic era. -Paleocene epoch. -Paleozoic era. -Devonian period. -Precambrian eon.
Precambrian eon.
________ may form at the bottom of cockpits and may even be an important cause of cockpit karst topography. -Sinkholes -Stalactites -Grabens -River floodplains -Dripstones
Sinkholes
________ occurs as rock surfaces heated by the Sun during the day expand slightly, and then contract with nighttime cooling. -Salt-crystal growth -Hydrolysis -Thermal expansion -Frost wedging -Exfoliation
Thermal expansion
Which of the following is incorrect regarding floodplains? -Natural levees on either side of a stream are formed during times when the stream is at flood stage and overflows the bank. -They are generally low-lying areas. -They are formed by recurrent flooding in the area adjacent to the stream. -They are characterized by rapids and low waterfalls. -Residual deposits from abandoned channels often result in meander scars in floodplains
They are characterized by rapids and low waterfalls.
As the discharge of a stream increases, which of the following also happens? -Erosion and sediment transport are greatly reduced. -The rate of flow decreases. -Stream channels narrow, become shallower, and lose velocity. -Width, depth, and/or velocity increase. -Channel width increases but channel depth decreases.
Width, depth, and/or velocity increase.
A drainage divide that separates drainage basins that empty into different bodies of water surrounding a continent is known as -a rill. -a continental divide. -a catchment. -a delta. -an interfluve.
a continental divide.
Which of the following may act as a local base level? -an interfluve -a lake that a river flows into -a drainage divide -the headwaters -the upper surface of a waterfall
a lake that a river flows into
Base level refers to -the amount of discharge in a particular reach of a stream. -the average height of a stream channel. -the stream gradient. -a level below which a stream cannot erode its valley. -an evolutionary cycle of landscape development from fluvial action.
a level below which a stream cannot erode its valley.
Flows involve -a slurry of unconsolidated materials -moving downslope. -detachment and rapid downward movement of a volume by gravity. -movement of surface material along a concave surface. -unconsolidated flow of material. -movement of surface material along a planar surface.
a slurry of unconsolidated materials -moving downslope.
An earthquake is best described as -the amount of ground displacement along a fault. -the amount of stress rocks along plate boundaries experience. -an effusive explosion of magma. -the sharp release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. -the point within the Earth where seismic waves originate.
the sharp release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.
If you live in an area that was flooded by the 100-year flood last year, you can conclude that -the likelihood of another flood of this magnitude will increase in the following years. -the next 100-year flood will occur in exactly 100 years. -the next 100-year flood will occur in exactly 99 years. -you do not have to worry about another flood of that size during your lifetime. -there is a 1% chance you could be flooded by the 100-year flood again this year.
there is a 1% chance you could be flooded by the 100-year flood again this year.
Which of the following landforms is incorrectly matched with a drainage pattern? -folded mountain belt - trellis -volcano - radial -faulted and jointed - rectangular -glaciated - deranged -topographically disrupted areas - parallel
topographically disrupted areas - parallel
The majority of the Earth's volume is within the -Mohorovičić discontinuity. -crust. -inner core. -outer core. -mantle.
mantle.
The downslope movement of a body of material made up of soil, sediment, or rock propelled by the force of gravity is known as -lahar. -weathering. -downslope flow. -slide. -mass movement.
mass movement.
Channels with gradual slopes often develop a sinuous form called a(n) ________ pattern. -anabranching -meandering stream -braided stream -straight -exotic
meandering stream
A rock transformed from any other rock through extreme heat and or pressure is referred to as -clastic. -igneous. -sedimentary. -metamorphic. -ancient.
metamorphic.
A rotational slide (slump) involves -a slurry of unconsolidated materials moving downslope. -detachment and rapid downward movement of a volume by gravity. -movement of surface material along a concave surface. -movement of surface material along a planar surface. -unconsolidated flow of material.
movement of surface material along a concave surface.
A translational slide involves -unconsolidated flow of material. -movement of surface material along a planar surface. -movement of surface material along a concave surface. -a slurry of unconsolidated materials moving downslope. -detachment and rapid downward movement of a volume by gravity.
movement of surface material along a planar surface.
In a given section of channel, the greatest flow velocities are usually -near the surface, near the center. -along either bank. -in areas with large obstacles, such as tree trunks and boulders. -near the bottom of the stream channel. -along the shallowest portions of the stream.
near the surface, near the center.
Tensional stress along a fault can result in a dropped hanging-wall block relative to the footwall side, producing a -lateral fault. -reverse fault. -thrust fault. -strike-slip fault. -normal fault.
normal fault.
Arid and semiarid climates cover about ________ of Earth's surface. -three-fourths -one-third -a quarter -two-thirds -one-half
one-third
Frost wedging is an example of ________ weathering processes. -only biological -only chemical -only physical -both biological and chemical -both biological and physical
only physica
Exfoliation occurs because -rock minerals react with carbonic acids in rain, causing weathering to occur. -evaporated water leaves behind previously dissolved mineral to form crystals, which accumulate and grow over time, exerting pressure on the rock. -water freezes in joints and expands. -overlying rock is removed, thereby allowing the underlying rock mass to expand and fracture. -water combines with minerals and increases their size, thereby causing surrounding minerals to expand.
overlying rock is removed, thereby allowing the underlying rock mass to expand and fracture.
A(n) ________ is a meander that becomes isolated from the rest of the river. -cutoff -oxbow lake -undercut bank -cutbank -point bar
oxbow lake
Rust, formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water, is an example of -oxidation. -carbonation. -hydrolysis. -frost wedging. -hydration.
oxidation.
When rock is broken down and disintegrated without any chemical alterations, the process in operation is -carbonation. -chemical weathering. -hydrolysis. -physical weathering. -erosion.
physical weathering.
This drainage pattern results when streams flow off a central peak or dome. -rectangular -trellis -radial -deranged -annular
radial
Which of the following is incorrectly matched? erosion - exogenic process radioactive decay heat - exogenic process volcanism - endogenic processes weathering - exogenic process plate tectonics - endogenic processes
radioactive decay heat - exogenic process
Which of the following is not a general shape upon which scientists classify dunes? -crescentic -rectilinear -linear -parabolic -star
rectilinear
Entrenchment of a channel occurs because -isostatic downwarping of the crust occurs. -rejuvenation occurs due to uplift. -a decrease in stream gradient occurs. -a change in the bed load size-distribution occurs. -the river flows from consolidated rock into a region composed of loose sediments.
rejuvenation occurs due to uplift.
Overland flow can concentrate in small grooves called ________, which can enlarge to form ________. -striations; potholes -gullies; rills -potholes; striations -striations; gullies -rills; gullies
rills; gullies
Factors influencing the weathering process include -rock composition and structure only. -the climate of an area only. -subsurface water only. -organic processes only. -rock composition and structure, climate, organic processes, and subsurface water.
rock composition and structure, climate, organic processes, and subsurface water.
The presence of talus slopes indicates the occurrence of -creep. -rockfall. -planar slides. -slump. -mudflow.
rockfall.
Which of the following can lead to the slope failure that causes mass movement? -saturation from rainfall -oversteepening of the slope -volcanic eruptions -earthquakes -saturation, oversteepening of slopes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
saturation, oversteepening of slopes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
The ultimate base level is -dependent on the geological substrate. -a dam. -any hard, resistant rock in a channel. -sea level. -a drainage divide.
sea level.
Factors that influence dry climates include all the following except -dry, subsiding air associated with subtropical high pressure systems. -cool, stabilizing ocean currents along the western margins of continents. -seasonal influence of the ITCZ. -location in the rain shadow of mountains. -location in continental interiors.
seasonal influence of the ITCZ.
In stream formation, surface water initially moves down slope in a thin film called -gully. -sheetflow. -rill. -river. -interfluve.
sheetflow.
A gently sloping mountain landform built from effusive eruption is known as a -cinder cone. -caldera. -pluton. -crater. -shield volcano.
shield volcano.
The weathering of limestone can create circular depressions known as -stalactites. -uvalas. -sinkholes. -disappearing streams. -caverns.
sinkholes.
The type of mass movement in which material moves in a unit along a zone of weakness is -weathering. -scarification. -fall. -flow. -slides.
slides.
A slow persistent mass movement of surface soil is called -a soil slide. -a rockfall. -slump. -soil creep. -a debris avalanche
soil creep.
In polar and alpine regions, thawing and saturation of the upper layer of soil, resulting in a slow downslope movement called -mudflow. -transitional slide. -slump. -lahar. -solifluction.
solifluction.
A slope is ________ if its strength exceed denudation processes and ________ if its materials are weaker than denudation processes. -unstable; stable -in equilibrium; in disequilibrium -in disequilibrium; in equilibrium -stable; unstable -inertial; gravitational
stable; unstable
Which of the following are examples of dripstones? -stalactites -disappearing streams -sinkholes -rockfall -caverns
stalactites
The general term for channelized water flow, regardless of size, is -rill. -gully. -interfluve. -stream. -river.
stream.
The world's deep ocean trenches coincide with -areas of active orogeny. -subduction zones. -divergent plate boundaries. -transform plate boundaries. -mid-oceanic ridges.
subduction zones.
Desert pavement refers to -deposits of silt and clay. -sand-covered surfaces. -surfaces of concentrated pebbles and gravels. -any rock shaped by eolian erosion. -specially constructed roadbeds in dry and hot regions.
surfaces of concentrated pebbles and gravels.
Large depressions, such as the Qattâra depression, formed as a result of -orogeny. -tectonic forces. -subduction. -deflation. -converging plates.
tectonic forces.
Pulverized rock and clastic materials ejected violently during an eruption are called -explosive debris. -scoria. -cinders. -volcanic ash. -tephra, or pyroclastics.
tephra, or pyroclastics.
Under pressure, rocks can bend and deform, and then spring back to their initial shape after pressure is released. This is known as -continental drift. -orogeny. -plate tectonics. -folding. -the elastic-rebound theory.
the elastic-rebound theory.
The major rocks of Earth's crust are classified into principal types based on -element composition. -the manner in which they formed. -age and structure. -relative and absolute locations. -mineral composition.
the manner in which they formed.
Which of the following is not a process that can cause metamorphism? -heating -heating and pressure together -compression and shear -pressure -solidification of magma
solidification of magma
Which of the following is correct regarding Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift? -It was immediately adopted because of his geological background. -Although he provided a mechanism for continental drift, he could not find evidence of it. -Though it was later shown to be quackery, it nonetheless spurred innovations in scientific research. -It was based largely on conjecture with little basis in observable evidence. -He believed that 225 million years ago all the continents were joined together to form Pangaea.
He believed that 225 million years ago all the continents were joined together to form Pangaea.
The most recent epoch in the geologic time scale is the ________, though numerous scientists agree we have entered a new epoch called the ________. -Holocene; Anthropocene -Miocene; Pliocene -Pliocene; Pleistocene -Oligocene; Miocene -Pleistocene; Holocene
Holocene; Anthropocene
How does the ocean floor preserve evidence of past magnetic reversals? -Isotopic analysis of ocean core sediments help determine sea floor age and this can be used to infer past magnetism. -Magnetic particles in basalt orient with the magnetic field in force at the time the oceanic lava cooled and hardened. -The ocean floor is uniformly old, preserving the Earth's 4.6 billion history. -Mantle hot spots are always oriented to the magnetic field. -The oldest oceanic crust is always found near mid-ocean ridges. As one moves out from these ridges, the crust is simultaneously younger and oriented according to the polarity at the time.
Magnetic particles in basalt orient with the magnetic field in force at the time the oceanic lava cooled and hardened.
Which of the following is correct? -Continental crust is denser than oceanic crust and dominated by silica and aluminum. -Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust and dominated by silica and magnesium. -Oceanic crust is less dense than continental crust and dominated by silica and aluminum. -The density of continental and oceanic crust is roughly even, though the density varies in both time and space. -Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust and dominated by silica and magnesium.
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust and dominated by silica and magnesium.
If material is to move downslope, it must overcome the force of -inertial resistance of the material. -friction. -the cohesion of particles to each other. -both friction and inertial resistance. -friction, cohesion of particles, and inertial resistance.
both friction and inertial resistance.
In most river basins in humid regions, discharge is highest -at the headwaters. -upstream. -along tributaries. -midstream. -downstream.
downstream.
Watersheds are defined by -continental divides. -drainage divides. -fluvial units. -stream size and density. -stream orders.
drainage divides.
Which is the correct order of geologic time spans, from largest to smallest? epoch - period - era - eon eon - era - period - epoch eon - epoch - period - era epoch - era - period - eon era -eon -epoch - period
eon - era - period - epoch
The area at the surface directly above the subsurface location where seismic waves are initiated is termed the -fault area. -focus, or hypocenter. -Mercalli point. -Richter zone. -epicenter.
epicenter.
An extensive area of sand and sand dunes is known as a(n) -reg desert. -gibber plain. -desert pavement. -lag desert. -erg desert, or sand sea.
erg desert, or sand sea.
The term "eolian" refers to -weathering and mass movement in humid regions. -stream-related processes. -coastal erosion and deposition. -glacial processes in areas outside the polar regions. -erosion, transportation, and deposition by the wind.
erosion, transportation, and deposition by the wind.
A 50-year flood has an annual exceedance probability of -10%. -50%. -25%. -5%. -2%.
2%.
________ are isolated remnants of resistant rock and products of long-term weathering and erosion. -Arroyos -Alluvial fans -Inselbergs -Mesas -Badlands
Inselbergs
Which of the following is correct of the longitudinal profile of most rivers? -It is convex in shape. -It is highest at the mouth and lowest at the headwaters. -It always changes at a constant rate from the headwater region to the sea. -It is gentle upstream and steep downstream. -It is concave in shape.
It is concave in shape.
________ are flat-topped landforms with steep slopes resulting from differential weathering. -Alluvial fans -Badlands -Arroyos -Mesas -Inselbergs
Mesas
The removal and lifting of individual loose particles by the wind is termed -saltation. -abrasion. -traction. -deposition. -deflation.
deflation.
When a river reaches a base level, its forward velocity rapidly decelerates as it enters a larger body of standing water and a (n) ________ is formed. -floodplain -alluvial terrace -estuary -delta -stream terrace
delta
This tree-like drainage pattern efficiently moves water and sediment through its system due to minimization of the total length of each branch. -radial -rectangular -dendritic -deranged -trellis
dendritic
Rocks of the same composition and structure found in the same area may have weathered at uneven rates due to a variety of factors. This is known as -angle of repose. -jointing. -differential weathering. -denudation. -inertial resistance.
differential weathering.
A stream's volume of flow per unit of time is its -flow rate. -velocity. -speed. -discharge. -base load.
discharge.
The Aral Sea, once one of the four largest lakes in the world, has steadily decreased since the 1960s on account of -urbanization. -diversion of incoming rivers for irrigation. -hydroelectric production. -deforestation and resulting sedimentation. -climate change.
diversion of incoming rivers for irrigation.
Which of the following are located along the mid-ocean ridges? -seamounts -old oceanic sediments -volcanoes -outcrops of granite -evaporite deposits
volcanoes
Carbonation, in terms of chemical weathering, occurs when -carbon dioxide gas in water is dissolved under high pressure. -any chemical reaction involving carbon dioxide occurs in the soil. -carbon dioxide interacts with calcium hydroxide and hydrates calcium silicates. -carbon dioxide combines with hydrogen to form hydrocarbons that can weather rock and other materials. -water vapor dissolves carbon dioxide, yielding precipitation that contains carbonic acid.
water vapor dissolves carbon dioxide, yielding precipitation that contains carbonic acid.
Other than the rock itself, the most important chemical substance needed for the majority of weathering processes is -potassium. -carbon dioxide. -nitrogen. -water. -oxygen.
water.
The area of land from which all water in it drains into the same place is known as a(n) -watershed. -hydrologic unit. -drainage divide. -fluvial unit. -interfluve.
watershed.
Which of the following is an exogenic process? -radioactive decay -weathering -flows of heat and materials in the mantle -volcanism -earthquakes
weathering
Which of the following lists of processes are in the correct sequence as to their occurrence in nature? -deposition, erosion, transport, weathering -weathering, erosion, deposition, transport -transport, deposition, erosion, weathering -weathering, deposition, erosion, transport -weathering, erosion, transport, deposition
weathering, erosion, transport, deposition
The process that breaks down rock at the Earth's surface through disintegration of rocks into mineral particles or dissolving it into water is known as -mass movement. -weathering. -landmass denudation. -deposition. -erosion.
weathering.
Cones and cockpit karst develop in -wet tropical areas. -polar regions. -Mediterranean climates. -arid regions. -cold, midlatitude climates.
wet tropical areas.
The sediment-accumulation hypothesis of desert pavement formation states -wind removes fine particles leaving large pebbles, gravels, and rocks, which become consolidated. -water removes fine particles leaving large pebbles, gravels, and rocks, which become consolidated. -wind delivers fine particles that settle and wash downward as cycles of swelling and shrinking cause gravels to migrate upward. -water delivers fine particles that settle and wash downward as cycles of swelling and shrinking cause gravels to migrate upward. -both wind and water remove fine particles leaving large pebbles, gravels, and rocks, which become consolidated.
wind delivers fine particles that settle and wash downward as cycles of swelling and shrinking cause gravels to migrate upward.
The Appalachians formed as a result of the -Sierra Nevadan orogeny. -Alleghany orogeny. -Alpine orogeny. -Laramide orogeny. -Cordilleran orogeny.
Alleghany orogeny.
Which of the following is correct? -The age of the sea floor does not follow a discernable pattern. -The age of the sea floor is the same in most areas of the ocean. -The age of the sea floor increases with increasing distance from a mid-ocean ridge. -The age of the sea floor increases with increasing distance from a trench. -The oldest sea floor material is several billion years in age.
The age of the sea floor increases with increasing distance from a mid-ocean ridge.
Which of the following properly describes the formation of continental crust? -The formation of continental crust is independent of the formation of oceanic crust, involving only volcanism over the land masses. -New continental crust is formed essentially in the same many as oceanic crust - from upwelling at mid-continental ridges. -All continental crust was formed millions of years ago. There is no active continental crust being formed. -Continental crust, unlike oceanic crust, forms along transform plate boundaries where small amounts of magma are able to upwell to the surface, slowly forming new continental crust. -The formation of continental crust involves the entire sequence of seafloor spreading, subduction, remelting of oceanic crust, and subsequent rise of the remelted material.
The formation of continental crust involves the entire sequence of seafloor spreading, subduction, remelting of oceanic crust, and subsequent rise of the remelted material.
Which of the following is an example of the principle of uniformitarianism? -It is not possible to know how Earth processes have changed over time; therefore, it is not possible to deduce how Earth's ancient landforms evolved. -Prior to written history, knowledge of Earth history is largely unknowable. -The processes by which streams carve valleys at present are the same as those that carved valleys 500 million years ago. -The Earth's geological history is mostly uniform and homogenous, existing now as it mostly always has with the exception of minor recent changes. -Catastrophic events, such as major landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic episodes, are the primary drivers of geomorphological change.
The processes by which streams carve valleys at present are the same as those that carved valleys 500 million years ago.
The dynamic equilibrium model refers to -a hypothesis involving the cyclic or evolutionary development of a landscape. -a hypothesis suggestion that landscapes form from catastrophic events followed by long periods of stability. -a sequential development of landforms. -the idea that landscapes show great variations over time, but the forces of denudation and orogeny always balance. -a balancing act between tectonic uplift and rates of denudation by weathering and erosion in a given landscape.
a balancing act between tectonic uplift and rates of denudation by weathering and erosion in a given landscape.
Orogenesis refers to -the creation of an escarpment during normal faulting. -eroding away of surface material to expose a craton (continental shield). -a general term for a mountain-building episode that thickens continental crust. -the beginning of extensive faulting. -a general thinning of the crust.
a general term for a mountain-building episode that thickens continental crust.
Earth's magnetic poles -are no different than Earth's geographic poles. -are perfectly aligned with Earth's axis. -are migrating approximately 60 km (37 mi.) per year. -are fixed. -are misaligned from Earth's axis by 23.5 degrees.
are migrating approximately 60 km (37 mi.) per year.
A ________ forms when an area resembling a syncline is uplifted and then eroded over time. -craton -monocline -dome -basin -terrane
basin
The San Andreas system in California is an example of -a transform fault, only. -a strike-slip fault, only. -a thrust fault, only. -both a strike-slip and transform fault. -a strike-slip fault, a transform fault, and a thrust fault.
both a strike-slip and transform fault.
Large, basin-shaped depressions that form when summit materials on a volcanic mountain collapse inward after an eruption or loss of magma are known as -cinder cones. -craters. -calderas. -domes. -plutons.
calderas.
Travertine, formed from the CaCO3 that has been precipitated from groundwater, is an example of ________ sedimentary rock. -clastic -chemical -contact -intrusive -organic
chemical
Sedimentary rock formed from dissolved minerals that precipitate out of water solution and build up to form rock are -clastic. -chemical. -organic. -igneous. -inorganic.
chemical.
Small conical-shaped hills with truncated tops that formed during moderately explosive volcanic eruptions are known as -cinder cones. -craters. -calderas. -domes. -plutons.
cinder cones.
Sedimentary rock formed from the combined processes of weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, lithification, and compaction of rock fragments of other rocks are -biochemical. -basaltic. -clastic. -chemical. -organic.
clastic.
Explosive eruptions tend to build up -shield-shaped volcanoes. -many subsequent lava flows. -plateau basalts. -composite volcanoes. -basalt pools.
composite volcanoes.
A large region where a craton is exposed at the surface is known as a -continental platform. -continental shield. -mountain mass. -composite zone. -terrane.
continental shield.
The Himalayas formed as a result of the ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. This is an example of ________ collision. -continental shield-craton -oceanic plate-continental plate -oceanic plate-oceanic plate -terrane-craton -continental-plate-continental plate
continental-plate-continental plate
At which of the following locations does subduction occur? -divergent plate boundaries -at sea floor spreading zones -above mantle hot spots -convergent plate boundaries -along transform plate boundaries
convergent plate boundaries
The nucleus of old crystalline rock in each of the principal continental masses is called a -composite zone. -craton. -mountain mass. -terrane. -basalt mass
craton.
Which of the following is not a location in which volcanoes typically occur? -hot spots -subduction zones -sea-floor spreading centers -continental rift zones -cratons
cratons
All processes that cause reduction and rearrangement of landforms are included in the term -weathering. -erosion. -mass movement. -denudation. -evisceration.
denudation.
Which of the following lists, in proper sequential order, the steps leading to the formation of clastic sedimentary rock? -erosion, transportation, deposition, metamorphism -precipitation, settling, compaction, lithification -sedimentation, precipitation, lithification, erosion -erosion, deposition, transportation, lithification -erosion, transportation, deposition, lithification
erosion, transportation, deposition, lithification
Finer grained igneous rocks tend to be ________ because ________. -extrusive; the slower cooling of lava limits time for crystals to form -extrusive; the faster cooling of lava limits time for crystals to form -either intrusive or extrusive; the faster cooling of magma and lava limits time for crystals to form -intrusive; the faster cooling of magma limits time for crystals to form -intrusive; slower cooling of magma limits time for crystals to form
extrusive; the faster cooling of lava limits time for crystals to form
The subsurface area where the motion of seismic waves is initiated along the fault plane is called the -epicenter. -Richter zone. -Moho. -Mercalli point. -focus, or hypocenter.
focus, or hypocenter.
If one were to stack layers of thick fabric on top of one another and then push the opposite ends towards each other, resulting in bending and rumpling, this would illustrate what physical process? -tension -subducting -shear -faulting -folding
folding
Terranes refer to -subducted oceanic crust that is melted and later reaches the surface in volcanic eruptions or cools in the subsurface as an intrusive body. -the topography of a tract of land. -the formation of new oceanic crust along mid-ocean ridges. -fragmented crustal material from one plate and accreted to another plate. -a large region where a craton is exposed at the surface.
fragmented crustal material from one plate and accreted to another plate.
The science that specifically studies the origin, evolution, form, and spatial distribution of landforms is -geology. -hydrology. -environmental chemistry. -geography. -geomorphology.
geomorphology.
The angle of repose represent a balance between the driving force and resisting force. Which of the following is the driving force? -shear -friction -inertia -cohesion -gravity
gravity
Which of the following is incorrectly matched? tension - stretching or faulting folding - compressional stress shearing - stretching or faulting tension - normal fault compression - shortening or folding
shearing - stretching or faulting
The temperature of Earth's interior -decreases in the crust, increases in the mantle, decreases in the outer core, and increases in the inner core. -increases with depth so the hottest temperatures are found within Earth's core. -is variable throughout and dependent on the location of and distance from hot spots. -decreases with depth so the hottest temperatures are found within Earth's crust. -increases in the crust, decreases in the mantle, -increases in the outer core, and decreases in the inner core.
increases with depth so the hottest temperatures are found within Earth's core.
An earthquake that occurs in association with anthropogenic activity, such as waste water injection wells, is known as -injection quake. -induced seismicity. -tectonic seismicity. -megathrust earthquake. -a tectonic earthquake.
induced seismicity.
Increased seismicity in Colorado, New Mexico, and Oklahoma has been linked to -injection wells associated with hydraulic fracturing. -hot spots. -a continental plate-continental plate subduction zone. -a strike-slip fault. -a rift valley hot spot in the mid-continental region.
injection wells associated with hydraulic fracturing.
Coarser grained igneous rocks tend to be ________ because ________. -either intrusive or extrusive; the slower cooling of magma and lava allows more time for crystals to form -intrusive; the faster cooling of magma allows more time for crystals to form -extrusive; the faster cooling of lava allows more time for crystals to form -intrusive; slower cooling of magma allows more time for crystals to form -extrusive; the slower cooling of lava allows more time for crystals to form
intrusive; slower cooling of magma allows more time for crystals to form
An effusive eruption ________, whereas an explosive eruption ________. -produces composite volcanoes; is an outpouring of low-viscosity magma onto the ground -is a violent explosion of magma, gas, and pyroclastics; produces shield volcanoes -is an outpouring of low-viscosity magma onto the ground; is a violent explosion of magma, gas, and pyroclastics -results from magma produced by subducting oceanic plates; originates in the asthenosphere and upper mantle -produces composite volcanoes; produces shield volcanoes
is an outpouring of low-viscosity magma onto the ground; is a violent explosion of magma, gas, and pyroclastics
Because the climate of a region slowly changes and tectonic adjustments slowly occur, the landscape -is constantly at a threshold condition. -is usually in a state of stable equilibrium. -is constantly at a threshold, continuously adjusting, and in a state of dynamic equilibrium. -is continuously adjusting to new conditions that develop. -is continuously adjusting, and in a state of dynamic equilibrium, but not constantly at a threshold.
is continuously adjusting, and in a state of dynamic equilibrium, but not constantly at a threshold.
Glaciers that once covered the Hudson Bay area melted 8,000 years ago. As a result of this, the bay is gradually rising. In another 10,000 years or so, it will have risen above sea level and become dry. This process can best be considered an example of -catastrophism. -shear. -isostasy. -accretion. -orogenesis.
isostasy.
The principles of buoyancy and balance, when applied to Earth's crust, helps us to explain fluctuations in Earth's outer crust, a property known as -faulting. -isostasy. -Moho effect. -folding. -orogenesis.
isostasy.
Molten rock that pours forth on Earth's surface is called -magma. -lava. -metamorphic. -intrusive. -pyroclastics.
lava.
The process whereby ground shaking disrupts and loosens the structure of the soil causing it flow is known as -liquefaction. -creep. -slump. -gelification. -solifluction.
liquefaction.
The rigid crust and uppermost mantle are known collectively as the -asthenosphere. -lithosphere. -rigid layer. -Moho. -Gutenberg discontinuity.
lithosphere.
Effusive eruptions are not related to which of the following? -magma rich in iron and magnesium -gently sloping shield volcanoes -relatively gentle eruptions -magma rich in silica and aluminum -low-viscosity magma
magma rich in silica and aluminum
Molten rock beneath the Earth's surface is known as ________, whereas molten rock on the Earth's surface is called ________. -lava; extrusive -magma; lava -extrusive; intrusive -lava; magma -intrusive; extrusive
magma; lava
Boundaries between intervals of the geological time scale are determined by -historical misunderstandings based on the principle of uniformitarianism; they remain as relicts of this bygone scientific period. -dividing the time range of the interval by the number desired subdivisions, thereby creating equal intervals between the divisions. -using a quantile method whereby the number of years in each subdivision is determined by dividing the number of years by the desired number of classes. -major events in the Earth's history, such as major extinctions. -climatic periods based on paleoclimatological reconstructions.
major events in the Earth's history, such as major extinctions
Earth's interior is layered because -materials became sorted based on density as the Earth solidified. -successive subduction events at convergent plate boundaries forcing earthen materials downward. -the planet was formed due to successive bombardments of cosmic debris. -centrifugal force separated out the materials based on weight as the Earth solidified. -materials became sorted based on electromagnetic fields as the Earth solidified.
materials became sorted based on density as the Earth solidified.
The dominant element in oceanic crust are -calcium and iron. -silica and magnesium. -potassium and iron. -magnesium and aluminum. -silica and aluminum.
silica and magnesium.
Along ________, new ocean floor is formed by upwelling flows of magma, whereas along ________, old oceanic crust is destroyed. -subduction zones; mid-ocean ridges -oceanic trenches; archipelagos -archipelagos; oceanic trenches -seamounts; mid-ocean ridges -mid-ocean ridges; subduction zones
mid-ocean ridges; subduction zones
An element or combination of elements that forms an inorganic, natural compound is called a -molecule. -compound. -tectonic rock. -granite. -mineral.
mineral.
The "Ring of Fire" is a volcanic island arc extending from the southwestern Pacific through Indonesia. The island arc formed as a result of ________ collision. -oceanic plate-continental plate -oceanic plate-oceanic plate -continental-plate-continental plate -terrane-craton -continental shield-craton
oceanic plate-oceanic plate
At which of the following locations is new ocean crust being formed? -oceanic rift zones -in oceanic trenches -subduction zones -along collision zones between two continents -along collision zones between two oceanic plates
oceanic rift zones
The ________ is liquid and is responsible for producing Earth's magnetic field. -outer core -inner core -lower mantle -Mohorovii discontinuity -asthenosphere
outer core
Of the elements in the Earth's crust, ________ makes up the most of the Earth's crust by weight. -aluminum (Al) -iron (Fe) -oxygen (O) -silicon (Si) -calcium (Ca)
oxygen (O)
The three most abundant elements in Earth's crust are -magnesium, iron, and calcium -oxygen, silicon, and aluminum. -magnesium, potassium, and oxygen. -iron, aluminum, and calcium. -potassium, sodium, and iron.
oxygen, silicon, and aluminum.
Lava that forms ropy cords in twisted folds is called -aa. -obsidian. -scoria. -pahoehoe. -peridotite
pahoehoe.
Mid-ocean ridges occur where -the geographic middle of an ocean basic occurs. -at ocean-continent margins. -plates are moving apart (diverging). -plates are converging. -plates are sliding past one another (transform boundaries).
plates are moving apart (diverging).
Which of the following can occur when seismic waves encounter a layer in Earth's interior? -reflection and/or refraction, only -seismic waves cannot penetrate below the crust of Earth -absorption, only -reflection, refraction, absorption, and change in speed -change in speed, only
reflection, refraction, absorption, and change in speed
Metamorphism that occurs over broad areas when the pressure and associated heat of overlaying rocks or other tectonic forces cause the rocks to undergo deformation is known as -extrusive metamorphism. -clastic metamorphism. -regional metamorphism. -contact metamorphism. -intrusive metamorphism.
regional metamorphism.
When the upper surface of consolidated rock undergoes constant weathering, it creates broken-up rock called -regolith. -angle of repose. -parent material. -bedrock. -outcrop.
regolith.
A(n) ________ is an assemblage of minerals bound together, a mass composed of a single mineral, a mass of undifferentiated materials, or a mass of solid organic material. -molecule -rock -mineral -element -compound
rock
The continuous alteration of Earth materials from one rock type to another is known as the -rock cycle. -biogeochemical cycle. -hydrologic cycle. -geologic cycle. -tectonic cycle.
rock cycle.
What type of rock is derived from the bits and pieces of former rocks? -metamorphic -igneous -hydrothermal -mafic -sedimentary
sedimentary
If you were driving down the highway and saw mountains composed of layered strata, you could be confident that you were looking at -batholiths or laccoliths. -sedimentary rocks. -a shield volcano. -intrusive igneous rocks. -extrusive igneous rocks.
sedimentary rocks.
The three basic rock types are -felsic, mafic, and ultramafic. -intrusive, extrusive, and plutonic. -sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. -conglomerates, clastics, and evaporative. -laterite, schist, and basalt.
sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous.
An instrument used to record vibrations in the crust is the -tiltmeter. -seismograph. -the Richter scale. -land barometer. -sextant.
seismograph.
In terms of dating of specific rocks, structures, or landscapes, relative age refers to -the approximate age of geological features based on the period or epoch in which they occurred. For instance, noting a feature is from the Cretaceous. -an educated guess of the rocks age based on its crystalline structure. -the age of one feature with respect to another within a sequence of events and deduced from the positions of rock strata above and below one another. -the inability to ascertain exact age through isotopic methods and the necessity to provide a date range for such features. -the age of geological features based on radiometric dating techniques.
the age of one feature with respect to another within a sequence of events and deduced from the positions of rock strata above and below one another.
The occurrence of contact metamorphism would be direct evidence for -the local intrusion of magma. -regional plate collision. -cementation of sedimentary rock. -rapid cooling of lave above ground. -lithification of clastics.
the local intrusion of magma.
Ocean floor subducts under continents because -the ocean floor has a lower density and therefore sinks more easily. -granite is denser than basalt, forcing the basaltic ocean floors downward. -the ocean floor is made of mafic material and is therefore more dense than continental material. -the weight of the continents is so great that they push the ocean floor material downward. -the ocean floor is made of felsic minerals and is heavier than continental material.
the ocean floor is made of mafic material and is therefore more dense than continental material.
Uniformitarianism assumes that -catastrophic episodes have regularly occurred. -the same physical processes we see today are a key to understanding the processes that have been operating throughout geologic time. -much of Earth history is ultimately unknowable and we must therefore only concentrate on those parts that have been documented by written historical accounts. -mountains, plains, and canyons formed by catastrophic events. -Earth is quite young and is shaped by dramatic events.
the same physical processes we see today are a key to understanding the processes that have been operating throughout geologic time.
Fault types are differentiated by -the type of rock material in which they occur. -the angle of repose. -the tilt and orientation of the fault plane. -the amount of movement along the fault plane. -the amount of energy liberated during movement.
the tilt and orientation of the fault plane.
Which of the following shows the general sequence of an orogeny? -uplift-thickening of crust through accretion or magma intrusion-weathering and/or erosion -thickening of crust through accretion or magma intrusion-weathering and/or erosion-uplift -erosion-uplift-thickening of crust through accretion or magma intrusion-weathering -weathering and/or erosion-uplift-thickening of crust through accretion or magma intrusion -thickening of crust through accretion or magma intrusion-uplift-weathering and/or erosion
thickening of crust through accretion or magma intrusionuplift-weathering and/or erosion
A ________ occurs when the fault plane forms a low angle relative to the horizontal, resulting in the overlying block being shifted over the underlying. -strike-slip fault -shear fault. -normal fault -lateral fault -thrust fault
thrust fault
Areas where plates slide past one another, usually at right angles to a seafloor spreading, are -continental-ocean margins -divergent boundaries. -areas of seafloor spreading. -transform boundaries. -convergent boundaries
transform boundaries.
The principle that the same physical processes currently active in the environment were operating throughout Earth's history is known as -stasis. -uniformitarianism. -parallelism. -catastrophism. -ubiquity.
uniformitarianism.
When geologists conclude that the Grand Canyon sequence of rocks was formed through hundreds of millions of years of deposition, mountain building, and erosion, they are basing this conclusion on the principle of ________ which states that ________. -uniformitarianism; all geologic processes take immense amounts of time to occur and always occur at the same rate -catastrophism; most rock formations were created as a result of supernatural processes stasis; the Grand Canyon today is as it has always been, never changing -catastrophism; a single, large flood was responsible for the creation of the rock sequence -uniformitarianism; the geologic processes that operated in the past are the same as those that operate today, and they occurred in accordance with the same laws of nature that are operating today
uniformitarianism; the geologic processes that operated in the past are the same as those that operate today, and they occurred in accordance with the same laws of nature that are operating today
