GEOG 104 Exam 3
What are the three major rock classifications? A : Igneous B : Sedimentary C : Biologic D : Metamorphic
A : Igneous B : Sedimentary D : Metamorphic
. Which of the following processes are important in the formation of sedimentary rocks? A : lithification B : morphism C : deposition D : cooling
A : lithification C : deposition
Metamorphic rocks are rocks that change due to extreme ________ and __________. A : pressure B : heat C : cooling D : lithification
A : pressure B : heat
Under which two situations do metamorphic rocks form? A :In very large volcanic eruptions B : Near magma intrusions C : During mountain building events D : Under extremely deep deposition
B : Near magma intrusions C : During mountain building events
Which of the following are characteristics of an active plate margin? A :Sedimentary rocks B :Metamorphic rocks C :Continental shelves D :Volcanoes
B :Metamorphic rocks D :Volcanoes
__________ rocks are those formed from the solidification of lava and magma. A: Sedimentary B: Igneous C: Biologic D: Metamorphic
B: Igneous
Which of the following describes the internal deformation associated with glacial movement? A: It is an internal movement related to the freezing of the interior of the glacier. B: It is an internal, flexible movement related to the inner plastic quality of a glacier. C: It is an external movement related to the melting of the interior of the glacier. D: It is an external, sliding movement related to the inner rigid quality of a glacier.
B: It is an internal, flexible movement related to the inner plastic quality of a glacier.
What is the geothermal gradient? A: It is the gradual decrease in internal pressure from core to surface. B: It is the gradual increase in internal temperature from surface to core. C: It is the gradual decrease in internal temperature from surface to core. D: It is the gradual increase in internal pressure from core to surface.
B: It is the gradual increase in internal temperature from surface to core.
Through which process would two continents, like North America and Europe, gradually separate? A: Collision B: Seafloor Spreading C: Subduction D: Locking
B: Seafloor Spreading
Sedimentary rocks are: A: Only found on ocean floors. B: The dominant bedrock on Earth. C: Where most precious gems are found. D: Rare. They only occur in high mountains where compression has taken place.
B: The dominant bedrock on Earth.
What is happening at mid-ocean ridges? A: Two crustal plates are converging into one another. B: The ocean floor is slowly spreading apart at the boundary of two crustal plates. C: A fracture is developing in the middle of a single plate. D: Two crustal plates are sliding past one another but neither converging nor diverging.
B: The ocean floor is slowly spreading apart at the boundary of two crustal plates.
What is the correct term for a large magma chamber that cools beneath the Earth's surface? A: dike B: batholith C: vent D: sill
B: batholith
What element forms the basis of organic sedimentary rocks, like coal? A: silicon B: carbon C: calcium D: oxygen
B: carbon
What provides the energy that allows crustal plates to move? A: the role of tides sweeping out and in over the crust B: convection processes in the asthenosphere C: the Sun heating up the surface of the crust D: volcanic eruptions both at the surface and beneath it
B: convection processes in the asthenosphere
Which of the following are igneous rocks? i. granite ii. basalt iii. obsidian iv. shale A: ii, iii, and iv B: i, ii, and iii C: ii and iii only D: iii and iv only E: i and ii only
B: i, ii, and iii
Where does salt-crystal growth tend to be an important physical weathering process? A: in polar areas B: in arid areas C: in foggy areas D: in tropical areas
B: in arid areas
What term describes the small topographic high points that separate tributaries? A: trunk stream B: interfluve C: drainage divide D: confluence
B: interfluve
What is the correct term for the naturally occurring substances with distinctive chemical and atomic configurations? A: elements B: minerals C: rocks D: crust
B: minerals
What landform is a one-sided slope where horizontal rocks are inclined in a single direction over a large land area? A: overthrust B: monocline C: anticline D: syncline
B: monocline
What is the correct order based on size, from largest to smallest, of the following water bodies? A: gulf; bay; sea; ocean B: ocean; sea; gulf; bay C: bay; gulf; sea; ocean D: sea; ocean; gulf; bay
B: ocean; sea; gulf; bay
What weathering type explains the rusting of rock or the decomposition of the iron in rock? A: frost wedging B: oxidation C: carbonation D: hydrolysis
B: oxidation
According to their percentage by weight, what are the two main elements in the Earth's crust? A: iron and calcium B: oxygen and silicon C: iron and calcium D: potassium and magnesium
B: oxygen and silicon
What are the two most abundant elements by volume in the Earth's crust? A: carbon and sodium B: oxygen and silicon C: iron and phosphorus D: iron and hydrogen
B: oxygen and silicon
As a result of continental drift, what was produced when India converged into Asia? A: the Indian Ocean B: the Himalaya Mountains C: Asian monsoons D: the Siberian high
B: the Himalaya Mountains
What is the angle of repose? A: the minimum angle where sediment cannot overcome the pull of gravity B: the natural maximum of a slope where sediment can overcome the pull of gravity C: the minimum angle of rock jointing that can overcome mechanical weathering D: the maximum angle of the Sun above the horizon in any given season
B: the natural maximum of a slope where sediment can overcome the pull of gravity
Oceanic crust is generally _________ and contains a higher percentage of ___________ than continental crust. A: thicker; aluminum B: thinner; magnesium C: thinner; aluminum D: thicker; magnesium
B: thinner; magnesium
What layer is mostly a viscous nickel, which resembles very thick syrup? A: outer core B: upper mantle C: inner core D: lower mantle
B: upper mantle
What happens at subduction zones? A: A continental plate is forced beneath an oceanic plate and melts into magma. B: An oceanic plate is forced beneath a continental plate and cools as it sinks. C: An oceanic plate is forced beneath a continental plate and melts into magma. D: A continental plate is forced beneath an oceanic plate and cools as it sinks.
C: An oceanic plate is forced beneath a continental plate and melts into magma.
What is a passive margin? A: It is made up of oceanic crust only. B: It is an unstable tectonic plate. C: It has relatively no geologic activity. D: It is made up of continental crust only.
C: It has relatively no geologic activity.
What is true about the physical weathering process of exfoliation? A: It occurs as rock forms below the surface. B: It requires the movement of water within rocks. C: It is enhanced by temperature cycles. D: It is about the contraction of rock with unloading.
C: It is enhanced by temperature cycles.
What is true about continental crust? A: It is thinner than oceanic crust. B: It is composed of basalt. C: It is less dense than oceanic crust. D: It is thicker under nonmountainous areas.
C: It is less dense than oceanic crust.
Why does oceanic crust subduct under continental crust? A: Oceanic crust is more slippery than continental crust. B: Oceanic crust is more magnetic than continental crust. C: Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust.
C: Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust.
Which of the following describes the process of isostatic adjustment? A: Rebound is caused by the intrusions of magma into continental crust. B: Subsidence is the bounce back under the weight of sediment. C: Rebound follows erosion and deposition at the margins of the continent. D: Subsidence is the increasing mass and elevation of continental crust.
C: Rebound follows erosion and deposition at the margins of the continent.
What is one way to change the position of the water table? A: Change the chemical composition of water. B: Cause loss of water through percolation. C: Remove water through groundwater pumping. D: Alter the location of an aquiclude.
C: Remove water through groundwater pumping.
What is true about the convection currents that happen inside the Earth? A: Sinking currents lead to hot spots. B: Heated mantle material sinks. C: Rising currents lead to spreading. D: Cooled mantle material rises.
C: Rising currents lead to spreading.
Rock that is exposed to the erosive forces of the atmosphere will eventually break down and then become: A: Coal B: Metamorphic rock C: Sedimentary rock D: Igneous rock
C: Sedimentary rock
What is true about the process of weathering? A: It is the final force that acts on rock sediments. B: It helps to lithify small fragments of rock back into large formations. C: The process is influenced by external factors, like climate. D: The two primary kinds of weathering always work separately.
C: The process is influenced by external factors, like climate.
What can you infer if you see a large outcrop of limestone? A: The region must have been arid at the time of lithification. B: A pluton once existed nearby. C: The region was once covered by ocean. D: A glacier once covered the surface in that region.
C: The region was once covered by ocean.
What is perhaps the most familiar coastal depositional feature? A: a sea stack B: a spit C: a beach D: a berm scarp
C: a beach
What is a "graded" stream? A: a stream where there is a buildup of heavier sediments in the bed B: a stream has excess energy and uses it to erode the bed of its channel C: a stream has just enough energy, not extra nor deficit, to transport its load D: a stream where "braiding" has occurred within the channel
C: a stream has just enough energy, not extra nor deficit, to transport its load
What is the term for an upfold of rock layers? A: horst B: syncline C: anticline D: escarpment
C: anticline
Which layer is the least rigid and consists of molten rock that moves slowly due to convection? A: lower mantle B: upper mantle C: asthenosphere D: lithosphere
C: asthenosphere
What type of crust collision creates a folded landscape and rock structure? A: oceanic crust and oceanic crust B: all of these C: continental crust and continental crust D: oceanic crust and continental crust
C: continental crust and continental crust
What heat transfer process in the asthenosphere is influential in creating earthquakes, volcanoes, and crust deformation? A: absorption B: conduction C: convection D: advection
C: convection
What type of environmental setting do most sedimentary rocks originate from? A: erosional B: intrusive C: depositional D: organic
C: depositional
Of the material carried by a river, which is the easiest to move? A: bedload B: saltation load C: dissolved load D: suspended load
C: dissolved load
What are ways that metamorphic rocks are created? i. Rocks are slowly compressed due to overlying sediments. ii. Rocks are heated upon contact with intrusive magma. iii. Rocks are completely melted by high temperatures in the earth. iv. Rocks are deeply buried by larger crustal processes.
C: i, ii, and iv
What are the reconstructions of past plate movement from about 275 million years ago that provide evidence for continental drift? i. India was always colliding with Asia. ii. South America and Africa were probably joined. iii. North America's east coast was joined with Africa. iv. Australia was probably joined with Antarctica. A: i only B: i and iii only C: ii, iii, and iv D: ii and iv only
C: ii, iii, and iv
What glacial landform feature is analogous to a delta in fluvial landscape? A: kettle lake B: tarn C: kame D: esker
C: kame
What type of metamorphic rock is formed of limestone that has been altered by heat, pressure and/or chemical action? A: gneiss B: schist C: marble D: slate
C: marble
What coastal landforms provide the evidence for prehistoric sea-level change? A: wave-cut platforms B: sea stacks C: marine terraces D: pocket beaches
C: marine terraces
What is the term for a period of mountain building? A: monocline B: hotspot C: orogeny D: epipedon
C: orogeny
What is the liquid part of the interior of the Earth? A: inner core B: the Moho layer C: outer core D: lower mantle
C: outer core
Global salinity in the open ocean varies between 34 and 37 ______________? A: parts per million B: parts per billion C: parts per thousand D: percent
C: parts per thousand
What type of plate movement is characterized by no geologic activity whatsoever? A: divergent B: transform C: passive D: convergent
C: passive
What concept do the terms brine and brackish refer to? A: the concentration of dissolved carbonic acid in seawater B: the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide in seawater C: the concentration of dissolved sodium in seawater D: the concentration of dissolved oxygen in seawater
C: the concentration of dissolved sodium in seawater
Subsidence often occurs when ___________. A: center pivot irrigation is replaced by another type of irrigation B: the unsaturated zone becomes contaminated C: the groundwater system is tapped excessively D: an artesian well exists
C: the groundwater system is tapped excessively
Why is the asthenosphere composed of viscous material? A: It exists only beneath the fluid ocean surface. B: It is fed by groundwater that percolates downward through the crust. C: It is associated with lower pressure than the layers immediately above and below it. D: It has scattered zones of very high temperatures caused by radioactive decay.
D: It has scattered zones of very high temperatures caused by radioactive decay.
This rock type is the result of rocks being heated and pressured, so they recrystallize. A: Intrusive Igneous B: Sedimentary C: Extrusive Igneous D: Metamorphic
D: Metamorphic
What is true about the process of exfoliation? A: Plant roots push rocks apart as they work their way through cracks and crevices. B: Soluble salts are cycled within the soil. C: Oxygen chemically combines with metallic iron to form iron oxides. D: Overlying rock is worn away, allowing expansion of the rock below it.
D: Overlying rock is worn away, allowing expansion of the rock below it.
What is an important impact of frost heaving? A: Following it, other mechanical weathering processes become ineffective. B: Rocks tend to become chemically altered. C: Water evaporates from within the fissures of rock easily. D: Rocks in soil get pushed upward toward the surface over time.
D: Rocks in soil get pushed upward toward the surface over time.
What can be caused by the addition of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions derived from water? A: The rate of chemical weathering can decrease. B: The process of unloading can occur. C: Mechanical weathering can take place. D: Silicate molecules can split, weathering silicate rocks.
D: Silicate molecules can split, weathering silicate rocks.
What is true about the theory of plate tectonics? A: Earth's crust moves only as a collective whole. B: The theory is not generally accepted by the scientific community. C: Earth's crust is broken into individual, nonmoving plates. D: The theory explains the location of mountain chains.
D: The theory explains the location of mountain chains.
What is true about transform plate margins? A: They occur when two plates collide into one another. B: They are characterized by a horizontal break in the lithosphere. C: They are a dominant form of passive plate margins. D: They form a break, known as a fault, in the lithosphere.
D: They form a break, known as a fault, in the lithosphere
What process is responsible for the formation of deltas? A: a decrease in the amount of suspended sediments in the stream B: very strong offshore currents help sweep freshwater into the ocean C: an increase in stream slope near the "mouth" (i.e., near the coast) D: a decrease in the stream's velocity as the flow goes into an unconfined ocean
D: a decrease in the stream's velocity as the flow goes into an unconfined ocean
Assuming all other factors are equal, compared to a small seasonal well that draws a small amount of water, what will likely result from a well that draws a lot of water? A: less groundwater contamination B: a smaller cone of depression C: more groundwater contamination D: a larger cone of depression
D: a larger cone of depression
What is the name of the water stored in the unsaturated zone after a precipitation event that is available to plants? A: infiltrated water B: hygroscopic water C: field capacity D: capillary water
D: capillary water
What chemical weathering process produces a solution? A: hydration B: hydrolysis C: oxidation D: carbonation
D: carbonation
Which of the three categories of sedimentary rock includes sandstone, siltstone, and clay stone? A: chemical B: intrusive C: organic D: clastic E: extrusive
D: clastic
What igneous rock formation is formed as magma moves upward from a magma chamber into a vertical rock fracture? A: laccolith B: stock C: sill D: dike
D: dike
Which of these are associated with rifting within continents? i. steep canyons ii. large lakes iii. valley landscapes iv. folded mountains A: ii, iii, and iv B: i and ii only C: iii and iv only D: i, ii, and iii E: iii only
D: i, ii, and iii
What type of glacier is a dome-shaped sheet of ice that covers a vast land area? A: ice field B: alpine glacier C: continental glacier D: ice cap
D: ice cap
Where are depositional landforms more likely to form? A: in headlands rather than bays, because sediment eroded from bays is funneled into the headlands B: in headlands rather than bays, because as the wave slows down, it drops its sediment on headlands first C: in bays rather than headlands, because as the wave slows down, it drops its sediment on bays first D: in bays rather than headlands, because sediment eroded from headlands is funneled into the bays
D: in bays rather than headlands, because sediment eroded from headlands is funneled into the bays
What water body is created when a baymouth bar is formed? A: gulf B: lake C: ria D: lagoon
D: lagoon
What term describes the liquid rock that flows across the surface from volcanoes? A: magma B: pluton C: intrusive D: lava
D: lava
What is the rock family that is made from the changing of rock by heat, pressure, and/or chemical action without melting? A: regolith B: igneous C: sedimentary D: metamorphic
D: metamorphic
Where is deposition most efficient in a meandering stream? A: in the thalweg, or main flow line B: on the outside of the curve C: in the straight portion of the channel D: on the inside of the curve
D: on the inside of the curve
What term describes a localized saturated zone that sits above a specific geologic feature? A: aquiclude B: high water table C: aquifer D: perched water table
D: perched water table
What weathering type involves the buildup of certain mineral crystals on rock surfaces? A: frost wedging B: oxidation C: exfoliation D: salt-crystal growth
D: salt-crystal growth
What general rock type is glacial formation compared to? A: igneous B: metamorphic C: lithification D: sedimentary
D: sedimentary
What is a mass movement that rotates and moves down along a concave plane? A: slide B: creep C: flow D: slump
D: slump
What is the process by which one lithospheric plate is forced beneath another, causing earthquakes and volcanism? A: rifting B: lithification C: metamorphism D: subduction
D: subduction
What is the highest percentage of the transported load in a meandering stream? A: sliding load B: bed load C: dissolved load D: suspended load
D: suspended load
Rivers ultimately flow _________.? A: to a graded stream level B: below sea level C: to a termination point D: to a base level
D: to a base level
What is hygroscopic water? A: water that carries the most nutrients up toward the plant B: water that moves upward through the plant roots from the soil C: water that moves from the leaf of the plant to the atmosphere D: water that is largely unavailable for plant absorption
D: water that is largely unavailable for plant absorption
Which of the following are possible ways to classify drainage networks? I) by calculating the drainage density of a watershed II) by hierarchically ordering streams based on their size III) by analyzing the spatial organization of streams IV) by calculating the total area of a watershed
All of the above
What is the main difference between a drainage basin and a drainage divide? A: A drainage basin is the area of a watershed, where a drainage divide separates watersheds. B: A drainage basin is an area of a trunk stream, where a drainage divide is an area of a tributary. C: A drainage basin is the lowland area of a watershed, where a drainage divide is the highland. D: A drainage basin is an area of confluence, where a drainage divide is an area of divergence.
A: A drainage basin is the area of a watershed, where a drainage divide separates watersheds.
A good example of extrusive igneous rock is: A: Basalt B: Granite C: Marble D: Gneiss
A: Basalt
What is the dominant possible human impact currently on glaciers? A: Global climate change is causing glaciers to retreat. B: Global climate change is causing glaciers to increase erosion. C: Global climate change is causing glaciers to advance. D: Global climate change is causing glaciers to increase deposition.
A: Global climate change is causing glaciers to retreat.
What is true about the process of mass wasting? A: It occurs specifically on hillslopes or inclined surfaces. B: It acts only with the forces of water and wind. C: It does not influence pedogenic or soil-forming processes. D: It indicates the large-scale misuse of the most fertile soils.
A: It occurs specifically on hillslopes or inclined surfaces.
Volcanic arcs usually occur where? A: Over subducting plates. B: Near a transform plate boundary. C: Above ocean floor valleys. D: Just inland from static oceanic/continental boundaries.
A: Over subducting plates.
What will happen if base level drops or tectonic uplift occurs? A: The stream gradient increases and the stream can have renewed downcutting. B: The stream gradient increases and the stream is unlikely to downcut any further. C: The stream gradient decreases and the stream is unlikely to downcut any further. D: The stream gradient decreases and the stream can have renewed downcutting.
A: The stream gradient increases and the stream can have renewed downcutting.
What is the angle of the natural maximum slope that any deposit of a particular kind of sediment can achieve without moving under the force of gravity? A: angle of repose B: angle of incidence C: solifluction point D: equilibrium level
A: angle of repose
What term describes the impermeable rock that keeps water from moving downward? A: aquiclude B: saturated zone C: field capacity D: water table
A: aquiclude
How are barrier islands believed to form? A: by sediment deposited by streams reworked as sea level rose B: as tropical storms and hurricanes remove parts of coastlines and deposit them away C: by continued deposition along a spit cutting off a bay from the rest of the sea D: as a sea arch collapses, leaving behind a detached fragment of the original bluff
A: by sediment deposited by streams reworked as sea level rose
What is the primary cause for the emergence of a cone of depression, as in the context of the High Plains Aquifer? A: center-pivot irrigation B: artesian well irrigation C: land subsidence D: aquiclude degeneration
A: center-pivot irrigation
What is the sedimentary rock type that is formed from mineral precipitates? A: chemical B: organic C: clastic D: precipitate
A: chemical
What tectonic process do anticlines and synclines represent? A: folding B: transform faulting C: reverse faulting D: normal faulting
A: folding
Why does continental drift occur? A: geothermal activity B: Earth's rotation C: plate tectonics D: the magnetic field
A: geothermal activity
Which of the following are sedimentary rocks? i. sandstone ii. limestone iii. gneiss iv. coal A: i, ii, and iv B: iii and iv only C: ii and iv only D: ii, iii, and iv E: i and ii only
A: i, ii, and iv
The liquid nature of the outer core is believed to impact the Earth's ______ and protect us from __________. A: magnetic field; solar wind B: volcanic activity; emission of deadly gases from volcanic eruptions C: unexpected shifts in crustal plates; earthquakes D: Coriolis force; global superstorms
A: magnetic field; solar wind
With what is talus most generally associated? A: rockfalls B: mudflows C: landslides D: soil creep
A: rockfalls
What do aquicludes always have? A: rocks with very low permeability B: rocks with very high permeability C: very little pore space between particle grains D: a lot of pore space between particle grains
A: rocks with very low permeability
What minerals are primarily decomposed in the chemical weathering process of hydrolysis? A: silicates B: carbonates C: halides D: oxides E: phosphates
A: silicates
What type of plate margin is the San Andreas Fault? A: transform B: passive C: convergent with subduction D: divergent
A: transform
In areas where the rocks are folded, thereby causing streams to flow parallel to one another in adjacent valleys, what type of drainage pattern is expected? A: trellis B: dendritic C: rectangular D: radial
A: trellis
What landform results when two oceanic plates collide? A: trench B: horst C: syncline D: anticline
A: trench
How are roche moutonées formed? A: A glacial meltwater stream deposits sands, silts, and clays near a melting glacier. B: A large mound of sediment sitting on top of a glacier is left behind after melting. C: Glaciers can erode and carry large boulders, which are then dropped after melting. D: An advancing glacier both abrades and plucks exposed bedrock.
D: An advancing glacier both abrades and plucks exposed bedrock
What is the process of retrogradation? A: Deposition along wavecut platforms causes the coastline to extend toward the sea. B: The eustatic change of sea level rises and falls. C: A stream becomes drowned by the sea. D: An erosional process causes a shoreline to retreat inland.
D: An erosional process causes a shoreline to retreat inland.
What is true about the transmission of seismic waves through the Earth's interior? A: Cooler areas are more rigid and transmit seismic waves at slower speeds. B: Hotter areas are more rigid and transmit seismic waves at slower speeds. C: Cooler areas are more plastic and transmit seismic waves at higher speeds. D: Hotter areas are more plastic and transmit seismic waves at slower speeds
D: Hotter areas are more plastic and transmit seismic waves at slower speeds
What is a primary difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks? A: Intrusive rocks have coarser grains than extrusive because they cooled more quickly. B: Intrusive rocks have finer grains than extrusive because they cooled more slowly. C: Intrusive rocks have finer grains than extrusive because they cooled more quickly. D: Intrusive rocks have coarser grains than extrusive because they cooled more slowly.
D: Intrusive rocks have coarser grains than extrusive because they cooled more slowly.