Exam 1

The average elevation of the exposed land is Question options: 875 m (2870 ft.). -3800 m (-12,470 ft.). 100 m (325 ft.). -2070 m (-6790 ft.).

875 m (2870 ft.).

Geologically speaking, the continents began forming relatively recently. Question options: True False

False

Shortening or folding of the crust is produced by strain caused by tension. Question options: True False

False

Which one of the pictures does NOT show a rock? Question options: Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D

Figure D

________ provides the highest resolution for mapping Earth's surface. Question options: LiDAR Radar GPS Passive remote sensing platforms, such as Landsat 8,

LiDAR

Which of the following is an example of the tools scientists use to study topography? Question options: LiDAR, radar, and GPS are all used in the study of topography. GPS radar LiDAR

LiDAR, radar, and GPS are all used in the study of topography.

Which of the following is an example of a first order of relief? Question options: the Alps and Rockies North America plate the Tibetan Plateau the Shenandoah Valley

North America plate

The Zagros mountains of Iran is an example of Question options: a series of faulted mountain blocks. a zone of shearing motions. a zone of tension. a zone of compression and folding.

a zone of compression and folding.

On average, continental crust is approximately ____________ as oceanic crust. Question options: half as thick 20 times as thick equally thick five times as thick

five times as thick

The subsurface area where the motion of seismic waves is initiated along the fault plane is called the Question options: epicenter. fault area. Richter zone. focus, or hypocenter.

focus, or hypocenter.

Terranes refer to Question options: a large region where a craton is exposed at the surface. subducted oceanic crust that is melted and later reaches the surface in volcanic eruptions or cools in the subsurface as an intrusive body. fragmented crustal material from one plate and accreted to another plate. the topography of a tract of land.

fragmented crustal material from one plate and accreted to another plate.

An effusive eruption ________, whereas an explosive eruption ________. Question options: is an outpouring of low-viscosity magma onto the ground; is a violent explosion of magma, gas, and pyroclastics produces composite volcanoes; produces shield volcanoes is a violent explosion of magma, gas, and pyroclastics; produces shield volcanoes produces composite volcanoes; is an outpouring of low-viscosity magma onto the ground

is an outpouring of low-viscosity magma onto the ground; is a violent explosion of magma, gas, and pyroclastics

Igneous rocks form from _______________. Question options: heat and pressure applied to a rock molten rock cooling and forming crystals sediments cemented together precipitation of minerals out of a solution

molten rock cooling and forming crystals

Tensional stress along a fault can result in a dropped hanging-wall block relative to the footwall side, producing a Question options: strike-slip fault. reverse fault. thrust fault. normal fault.

normal fault.

The first order of relief is the most detailed order and includes mountains, cliffs, valleys, hills, and other landforms. Question options: True False

False

The topography of Earth's surface has had relatively little influence on human activities and culture. Question options: True False

False

An active volcano is defined as one that Question options: has erupted at least once within the past 10 years (immediate history). has erupted at least once within the past 100 years (recent history). has erupted at least once within the past 10,000 years (recorded history). exhibits activity indicative of an imminent eruption.

has erupted at least once within the past 10,000 years (recorded history).

An earthquake is best described as Question options: the point within the Earth where seismic waves originate. the sharp release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. the amount of ground displacement along a fault. the amount of stress rocks along plate boundaries experience.

the sharp release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.

Fault types are defined by Question options: the tilt and orientation of the fault plane. the type of rock material in which they occur. the amount of movement along the fault plane. the amount of energy liberated during movement.

the tilt and orientation of the fault plane.

Granite is a type of rock that forms deep underground from magma that cools very slowly. What type of rock is granite? Question options: metamorphic igneous clastic sedimentary

igneous

In the whole Earth, the four most common elements are oxygen, silicon, magnesium, and ____________. Question options: copper zinc iron lead

iron

Which layer of the Earth has the greatest density? Question options: crust mantle core They all have the same density.

core

Earth is a planet made up of the following three layers, of increasing density: Question options: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere crust, mantle, core oxygen, silicon, iron granite, basalt, gabbro melts, minerals, rocks

crust, mantle, core

A fracture in the crust, where rocks slide past one another, is termed a ____________. Question options: frictional discontinuity fault fold joint

fault

Earth's magnetic field is generated by the ____________. Question options: flow of the liquid outer core convective flow of the mantle magnetic minerals within the crust flow of the liquid inner core

flow of the liquid outer core

The variety of surface features on Earth results from Question options: endogenic processes only. exogenic processes only. Both endogenic and exogenic processes.

Both endogenic and exogenic processes.

Molten rock that pours forth on Earth's surface is called Question options: metamorphic. magma. intrusive. lava.

lava.

Hot, liquid rock beneath the surface of the Earth is termed ____________. Question options: brimstone volatiles lava magma

magma

If a rock is subjected to high heat and pressure, a(n) _______________ rock will form. Question options: molten igneous sedimentary metamorphic

metamorphic

Normal faults are associated with Question options: transcurrent forces. plate convergence. compressional forces. tensional forces.

tensional forces.

The concept of "orders of relief" refers to Question options: the classification of landscapes based on scale. the ordering of surface features based on height. the rate at which stress is relieved in the crust. the ordering of surface features based on their time of origin.

the classification of landscapes based on scale.

Within the United States, which area has the highest earthquake hazards? Question options: west coast east cost Gulf coast mid-continent.

west coast

Folded layers of rock can form a wavelike pattern of troughs and crests. The layers near the crest (i.e. the upward fold) form Question options: an anticline. a syncline. a tension zone. a thrust fault.

an anticline.

During a journey to the center of the Earth, one would experience temperature ____________. Question options: and pressure both increasing increasing, but pressure staying nearly the same remaining remarkably constant, but pressure increasing and pressure both decreasing

and pressure both increasing

The lithosphere lies directly above the ____________. Question options: lower mantle asthenosphere transition zone crust

asthenosphere

How do geologists learn about the layered structure of Earth's deep interior? Question options: by studying volcanic eruptions by drilling deep wells and sampling the rocks by sending space probes to sample other planets in our Solar System. by studying earthquake (seismic) waves by measuring rates of plate tectonic movements

by studying earthquake (seismic) waves

Imagine you are holding a rock composed of small sand grains cemented together. What type of rock is this? Question options: igneous chemical clastic crystalline

clastic

What type of convergent boundary associated with orogeny is illustrated here? Question options: oceanic plate-continental plate collision oceanic plate-oceanic plate collision continental plate-continental plate collision

continental plate-continental plate collision

The nucleus of old crystalline rock in each of the principal continental masses is called a Question options: continental shield, or craton. basalt mass. mountain mass. composite zone.

continental shield, or craton.

As compared to the asthenosphere, the lithosphere is ____________. Question options: hotter and more able to flow cooler and less able to flow hotter and less able to flow cooler and more able to flow

cooler and less able to flow

Of the three primary chemical layers of the Earth (crust, mantle, core), which is the thickest layer? Question options: They are all the same thickness. crust core mantle

core

From left to right, correctly label each section of this slice of the Earth. Question options: transition zone, crust, liquid outer core, solid inner core, upper mantle, lower mantle crust, liquid outer core, transition zone, solid inner core, upper mantle, lower mantle crust, upper mantle, transition zone, lower mantle, liquid outer core, solid inner core transition zone, crust, upper mantle, lower mantle, liquid outer core, solid inner core

crust, upper mantle, transition zone, lower mantle, liquid outer core, solid inner core

The area at the surface directly above the subsurface location where seismic waves are initiated is termed the Question options: epicenter. fault area. Richter zone. focus, or hypocenter.

epicenter.

________ applies to upward-faulted blocks, whereas ________ applies to downward-faulted blocks. Question options: horst; graben normal; thrust graben; horst thrust; normal

horst; graben

Vertical elevation differences in a local landscape are referred to as Question options: relief. an order of relief. topography. crust.

relief.

Approximately what percentage of Earth's surface is exposed above sea level? Question options: 62 percent 49 percent 29 percent 18 percent

29 percent

The metallic content of Earth's core is ____________. Question options: likely similar to what has been found in metallic meteorites partly liquid and partly solid an iron alloy (mostly iron with a few other elements mixed in) All of the above are correct.

All of the above are correct.

The Appalachians formed as a result of the Question options: Laramide orogeny. Alleghany orogeny. Cordilleran orogeny. Alpine orogeny.

Alleghany orogeny.

Which of the following is NOT true about Earth's crust? Question options: Continental crust has higher density than oceanic crust. The Moho defines the boundary between the crust and the mantle. The composition of oceanic crust is mafic (basalt rocks) and continental crust is more felsic (granite-like). Oxygen is the most abundant element in Earth's crust. The continental crust is 4 to 5 times thicker than oceanic crust.

Continental crust has higher density than oceanic crust.

A tall, conically-shaped volcanic peak is generally the result of effusive eruptions. Question options: True False

False

A tall, conically-shaped volcanic peak is generally the result of effusive eruptions. Question options: True/False

False

If the inside of Earth was molten, which of the following characteristics about Earth would be true? Question options: The land would rise and fall due to tidal forces. Earth would have a lesser mass. Earth would still be roughly spherical in shape. All of the above are correct.

The land would rise and fall due to tidal forces.

A thrust fault is associated with compressional stress. Question options: True False

True

The Wrangellia terranes refer to Question options: a terrane in southern Tibet that migrated to the region during the Palezoic from Australia. a former volcanic island arc that migrated 10,000 km (6200 mi.) to its present location along the western margin of North America. a mountain range that became part of the Himalayas. pieces of crust that moved with the Pacific plate to their present location near Japan.

a former volcanic island arc that migrated 10,000 km (6200 mi.) to its present location along the western margin of North America.

Orogenesis refers to Question options: the beginning of extensive faulting. a general term for a mountain-building episode that thickens continental crust. a general thinning of the crust. the formation of mountains without faulting, folding, or the capture of migrating terranes.

a general term for a mountain-building episode that thickens continental crust.

A hypsographic curve is Question options: a graph that shows the change in temperature with depth below the surface of the ocean floor. a generalized curve showing Earth's surface by area and elevation in relation to sea level. a graph that shows Earth is of relatively high relief. a graph that shows the change in temperature with depth below the surface of a continent. a graph that shows Earth's relief is great when compared to its diameter.

a generalized curve showing Earth's surface by area and elevation in relation to sea level.

Which of the following would NOT be considered a rock? Question options: a pile of unconsolidated sand. material made of shells cemented together. material made of frothy glass. material composed of interlocking crystals.

a pile of unconsolidated sand.

The San Andreas system in California is an example of a Question options: strike-slip fault. transform fault. thrust fault. both a strike-slip and transform fault.

both a strike-slip and transform fault.

Which of the following is not one of the three types of tectonic activity that causes orogenesis along convergent boundaries? Question options: oceanic plate-continental plate collision oceanic plate-oceanic plate collision continental-platecontinental plate collision oceanic plate-continental plate collision, oceanic plate-oceanic plate collision, and continental plate-continental plate collision are all convergent boundaries and cause orogenesis.

oceanic plate-continental plate collision, oceanic plate-oceanic plate collision, and continental plate-continental plate collision are all convergent boundaries and cause orogenesis.

What type of convergent boundary associated with orogeny is illustrated here? Question options: oceanic plate-continental plate collision oceanic plate-oceanic plate collision continental-platecontinental plate collision

oceanic plate-oceanic plate collision

The presence of grabens and horsts indicates the occurrence of Question options: collision activity. strike-slip activity. volcanic activity. rift activity

rift activity

Which is a physical characteristic used to classify a rock? Question options: degree of weathering mineral stability rock texture water content

rock texture

What type of rock would you expect to form from the material found along a beach? Question options: sedimentary metamorphic igneous crystalline

sedimentary

A gently sloping mountain landform built from effusive eruption is known as a Question options: cinder cones. craters. calderas. shield volcano.

shield volcano.

The most common minerals within Earth are ____________. Question options: silicates oxides hydroxides carbonates

silicates

The general term for the undulations and other variations in the shape of the Earth's surface is called Question options: geomorphology. relief. terrain. topography.

topography.

Composite cones have steep slopes and experience ________ eruptions because they are composed of ________ magma. Question options: mild; mafic mild; felsic violent; mafic violent; felsic

violent; felsic

VComposite cones have steep slopes and experience ________ eruptions because they are composed of ________ magma. Question options: mild; mafic mild; felsic violent; mafic violent; felsic

violent; felsic

Which of the following properly describes the formation of continental crust? Question options: The formation of continental crust involves the entire sequence of seafloor spreading, subduction, remelting of oceanic crust, and subsequent rise of the remelted material. All continental crust was formed millions of years ago. There is no active continental crust being formed. 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.

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 statements about shield volcanoes is correct? Question options: They occur in shield areas of Earth. They are subject to violently explosive eruptions. They form from mafic magma. They consist of tremendous quantities of pyroclastics.

They form from mafic magma.

An orogeny is usually caused by large-scale deformation and uplift of crust. Question options: True False

True

An orogeny is usually caused by large-scale deformation and uplift of crust. Question options: True/False

True

Felsic magma produces more violent eruptions that mafic magma. Question options: True False

True

Felsic magma produces more violent eruptions that mafic magma. Question options: True/False

True

Human populations are growing in areas prone to seismic activity and near active volcanoes. Question options: True False

True

Human populations are growing in areas prone to seismic activity and near active volcanoes. Question options: True/False

True

Orogenesis may begin with the capture of migrating terranes. Question options: True False

True

Orogenesis may begin with the capture of migrating terranes. Question options: True/False

True

The Appalachian Mountains are older than the Rocky Mountains. Question options: True False

True

The Appalachian Mountains are older than the Rocky Mountains. Question options: True/False

True

People often say that California is going to "fall into the ocean,". This idea is totally wrong because the San Andreas fault would have to be a ________ fault associated with ________ forces for this to happen. Question options: normal; tension normal; compression reverse; tension reverse; compression strike-slip; compression

normal; tension

A continental craton is best described as Question options: a landform undergoing constant tectonic activity. the product of active folding and faulting. the surface accumulation of molten rock. the inactive remains of ancient tectonic activity.

the inactive remains of ancient tectonic activity.