midterm exam

North America's Appalachian Mountains were formed by _____________ between North America and Africa A.) transform boundary B.) Continental collision C.) seafloor spreading D.) divergent boundary

B.) Continental collision

Tectonic plate movements and interactions produce: A.) River B.) Earthquakes C.) Mountain ranges D.) Volcanoes E.) Hurricanes

B.) Earthquakes C.) Mountain ranges D.) Volcanoes

The ever-chaning landscape of earth differs from those on the other terrestrial planets because of: A.) Meteorite impacts B.) Plate tectonic activity C.) abundant liquid water D.) Volcanic activity E.) Vegetation

B.) Plate tectonic activity C.) abundant liquid water E.) Vegetation

If a geologist discovered coal in a modern-day cold, snowy location, he or she could conclude that A.) a meteorite must have struck the area B.) the area was once covered with swamps and/or jungles C.) the area was once covered by an ocean D.) this discovery was anomalous E.) None of the above

B.) the area was once covered with swamps and/or jungles

When gas bubbles remain trapped in a magma or lava even after the melt freezes, the resulting holes in the rock are called A.) corpuscles B.) vesicles C.) crystals D.) aerosols E.) foci

B.) vesicles

Why were geologists of his day opposed to Wegener's hypothesis?

Because, at the time, there was no definite way to explain that continents had the ability to be mobile.

What source(s) of energy makes it possible to move matter through the rock cycle? A.) the Earth's internal heat B.) solar energy C.) All of the possible answers are correct D.) gravity

C.) All of the possible answers are correct

Why is there a sudden drop in P-wave velocity at the core-mantle boundary? A.) As pressure increases, P-wave velocity decreases B.) The P-wave is refracted at the boundary, causing its velocity to decrease C.) P-waves travel slower through liquids D.) The increase in temperature slows the P-wave velocity

C.) P-waves travel slower through liquids

Rock produced by solidifying of magma underground is referred to as A.) extrusive igneous rock B.) rocky crystallizations C.) intrusive igneous rock D.) Bowen's crystallized rock E.) wall rock formations

C.) intrusive igneous rock

The various geologic settings in which rocks can melt, metamorphose, or become sediment are ultimately generated by A.) the magnetic field B.) heat from the Sun C.) plate tectonics D.) life at the Earth's surface

C.) plate tectonics

What type of volcano is likely to be found near a convergent zone? A.) hot spot B.) cone C.) stratovolcano D.) fissure eruption

C.) stratovolcano

Earth science study include A.) study of rocks B.) study of water and life in the ocean and how the ocean moves and interacts with the land C.) study of planets, stars, and other objects in the universe D.) study of conditions of the atmosphere conditions and overall weather patterns over time E.) All of the above

E.) All of the above

What is the name of the volcano that erupted in 79 C.E. (common era), destroying the city of Pompeii? A.) Mt. Pele B.) Mt. Rushmore C.) Mt. St. Helens D.) Mt. Fuji E.) Mt. Vesuvius

E.) Mt. Vesuvius

What type(s) of changes do we monitor for in assessing how likely a volcano is to erupt? A.) gas emission B.) earthquakes C.) ground-shape changes D.) changes in heat flow E.) all of the above F.) none of the above

E.) all of the above

A magma high in silica (SiO2) is called A.) mafic B.) magma C.) granite D.) basalt E.) felsic

E.) felsic

Fault scarp

a small step on the ground surface that forms when one side of a fault moves up vertically. Strike-slip faults do not exhibit fault scarps.

Earthquake's focus

the point on the fault plane where slip begins and from which seismic waves radiate.

Which of the statements below is not valid? A.) A theory is a commonly accepted guess B.) A theory is subjected to continuous testing C.) A theory has survived more scientific testing testing than a hypothesis D.) A theory may be based on experimentation, observation, or both E.) None of the above

A.) A theory is a commonly accepted guess

The agents of rocks weathering are A.) Wind B.) Water C.) Plate tectonic activity D.) Landslide E.) Ice

A.) Wind B.) Water E.) Ice

Which of the following would form a negative gravity anomaly? A.) a large reserve of metal ore B.) extra mass at depth C.) an observed gravitational pull that is stronger than the reference spheroid D.) a zone of open space in the lithosphere, such as a cave or cavern

D. a zone of open space in the lithosphere, such as a cave or cavern

What is the best estimate for the age of the Earth? A.) 5.64 billion years B.) 13.8 billion years C.) 541 million years D.) 4.56 billion years

D.) 4.56 billion years

An iceberg will sink into the sea until it displaces its own weight in water, leaving only the "tip of the iceberg" exposed when it floats. Which of the following describes a floating iceberg? A.) All of the possible answers are correct B.) It is denser than seawater C.) It is a gravity anomaly D.) It is in isostatic equilibrium

D.) It is in isostatic equilibrium

The basic premise of ___________________ is that discrete pieces of semi-rigid lithosphere move very slowly relative to each other over a softer ____________________

plate tectonics; asthenosphere

According to the theory of plate tectonics, the plates are: A.) discrete pieces of lithosphere which move with respect to one another B.) linked pieces of lithosphere which float atop the asthenosphere C.) composed of either continental or continental and oceanic lithosphere D.) moved by the creation of new crust and subduction of old crust E.) significantly more plastic than the rigid asthenosphere atop which they float

A. discrete pieces of lithosphere which move with respect to one another D. moved by the creation of new crust and subduction of old crust

Which of the statements below is not valid? A.) A theory is a commonly accepted guess. B.) A theory is subjected to continuous testing. C.) A theory has survived more scientific testing than a hypothesis. D.) A theory may be based on experimentation, observation, or both

A.) A theory is a commonly accepted guess.

The oldest seafloor is generally less than 200 million years old. Why? A.) All oceanic lithosphere eventually gets subducted beneath the continents by the time it is 200 million years old B.) According to geological dating methods, the entire Earth is less than 200 million years old C.) When oceanic floor becomes older than 200 million years, it turns into continental crust D.) Heat from volcanic activity remelts parts of the ocean floor once it becomes 200 million years old

A.) All oceanic lithosphere eventually gets subducted beneath the continents by the time it is 200 million years old

Which of the following are sources of energy that drive the rock cycle? A.) Earth's internal heat B.) energy from Earth's magnetic field C.) energy from the Sun's radiation D.) organisms that live on Earth

A.) Earth's internal heat C.) energy from the Sun's radiation D.) organisms that live on Earth

Identify the statement that best describes the rock cycle A.) It is the overall process of change by which one rock is transformed into another B.) It is the process by which old rocks are destroyed C.) It is the process by which new rocks are created D.) It is the process by which tectonic plates change positions.

A.) It is the overall process of change by which one rock is transformed into another

How do seismic waves tell us the Earth's outer core is liquid? A.) S-waves can't travel through liquid, which creates a large shadow zone when waves travel through the Earth B.) S-waves move slower through the outer core C.) P-waves refract around the Earth's outer core D.) P-waves can travel through the inner and outer parts of the core E.) S- and P-wave velocities increase dramatically at the core-mantle boundary

A.) S-waves can't travel through liquid, which creates a large shadow zone when waves travel through the Earth

You have made it to the top of Mount Everest and notice that the rocks that make up the uppermost part of the mountain contain multiple fossils of organisms that once lived in an ocean. Which of the following hypotheses best fits the data you have collected? A.) The rocks at the top of Mount Everest were formed under the ocean and then uplifted as the mountain formed B.) The rocks at the top of Mount Everest were placed there by previous climbers C.) The rocks at the top of Mount Everest were carried up by large glaciers D.) The organisms were once adapted to live on the tops of mountains, but have now evolved to live in the ocean

A.) The rocks at the top of Mount Everest were formed under the ocean and then uplifted as the mountain formed

Why is the term "Earth System" used to describe the set of processes operating on Earth? A. There are many related physical processes on Earth B. Earth is consistent, with little year-to-year change C.) All processes on Earth are driven by a single source D.) The processes on Earth are systematic and predictable

A.) There are many related physical processes on Earth

Which of the following issues initially prevented widespread acceptance of Alfred Wegener's continental drift hypothesis? A.) Wegener's lack of a good mechanism to explain why the continents moved B.) the apparent match of the coastlines of Africa and South America C.) the presence of identical terrestrial species on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean D.) the presence of ancient glacial deposits in equatorial regions

A.) Wegener's lack of a good mechanism to explain why the continents moved

Which of the following regions makes up the biggest percentage of the Earth's surface? A.) abyssal plains B.) continental shelves C.) the plains on continents D.) deep-ocean trenches E.) mountains

A.) abyssal plains

Deforestation of the Amazon rainforest for cattle grazing is an example of A.) anthropogenic change B.) natural change C.) sustainable change D.) renewable change

A.) anthropogenic change

A large circular depression created by the collapse of a volcano into its drained magma chamber is called a A.) caldera B.) flank vent C.) crater D.) fissure E.) conduit

A.) caldera

Which of the following accurately lists the layers of the Earth from surface to center? A.) crust, mantle, core B.) mantle, crust, core C.) core, crust, mantle D.) crust, core, mantle

A.) crust, mantle, core

The various geologic settings in which rocks can melt, metamorphose, or become sediment are ultimately generated by A.) plate tectonics B.) heat from the Sun C.) the magnetic field D.) life at the Earth's surface

A.) plate tectonics

Tectonic plate movements and interactions produce _________. A.) volcanoes B.) hurricanes C.) earthquakes D.) rivers E.) mountain ranges

A.) volcanoes C.) earthquakes E.) mountain ranges

Questions about geologic processes that occur either too slowly or too quickly to see in real time or predicting behavior of earth phenomena like sea level rise due to human activities can best be studied using which earth science technique A.) Chemical analyses B.) Computer Modeling C.) Field observation D.) Laboratory analyses

B.) Computer Modeling

Which of the following is an accurate interpretation of the properties of the outer core and mantle based on P-wave behavior? A.) Wave velocity is unrelated to the refraction of P-waves B.) Wave velocity is slower in the outer core than in the mantle C.) One cannot make any interpretations about velocity without also knowing how S-waves behave D.) Wave velocity is faster in the outer core than in the mantle.

B.) Wave velocity is slower in the outer core than in the mantle

Seafloor spreading is driven by volcanic activity that occurs A.) in the middle of abyssal plains B.) along mid-ocean ridges C.) along fracture zones D.) at the edges of continental shelves

B.) along mid-ocean ridges

In the Earth System concept, minerals and rocks are found in the A.) hydrosphere B.) geosphere C.) atmosphere D.) biosphere

B.) geosphere

Which Earth system spheres are involved in this particular scientific investigation on hydraulic fracturing? A.) cryosphere B.) geosphere C.) hydrosphere D.) atmosphere E.) biosphere

B.) geosphere C.) hydrosphere D.) atmosphere E.) biosphere

An earthquake would be least likely at a(n) A.) active continental margin B.) passive continental margin C.) continent-content convergent zone D) subduction zone E.) None of the above

B.) passive continental margin

The sequence of crystallization of minerals as a magma cools is known as Bowen's A.) assimilation. B.) reaction series. C.) Law of Crystallization. D.) overreaction process. E.) fluid-to-solid series.

B.) reaction series

Large volcanoes that have a low, broad shape and are made of successive flows of low viscosity lava are called A.) stratovolcanoes B.) shield volcanoes C.) cinder cones D.) ignimbrites E.) composite volcanoes

B.) shield volcanoes.

Which of the following is an example of anthropogenic change? A.) A volcanic eruption B.) the current global warming trend C.) the movement of tectonic plates D.) the formation of a tornado

B.) the current global warming trend

The San Andreas fault zone in California is an example of a boundary A.) convergent B.) transform C.) None of the above D.) hot-spot E.) divergent

B.) transform

The lithosphere does not A.) bend or break under pressure B.) contain ultramafic rock C.) consist of the crust and lower mantle D.) have portions categorized as continental or oceanic

C. consist of the crust and lower mantle

A crystalline igneous rock with crystals too small to see without magnification is said to have a(n) _____ texture. A.) porphyritic B.) phaneritic C.) aphanitic D.) phenocrystic E.) fragmental

C.) aphanitic

Hot, thin, runny mafic lava flows that have low silica content typically crystallize to produce A.) rhyolite B.) andesite C.) basalt D.) granite E.) limestone

C.) basalt

If a volcano has erupted within the last 10,000 years but is not currently erupting, geologists refer to it as A.) active B.) extinct C.) dormant D.) recurring E.) rhyolitic

C.) dormant

The melting associated with the addition of carbon dioxide (CO2) or water (H2O) to rocks is referred to as A.) pressure melting B.) decompression melting C.) flux melting D.) subduction of volatiles E.) pressure addition.

C.) flux melting

Alfred Wegener's idea of continental drift was rejected by American geologists because A.) his English was too poor to be understood by them B.) he had relatively little evidence supporting the existence of a supercontinent C.) he could not conceive of a valid mechanism that would cause continents to shift positions D.) the apparent fit of continental coastlines is blurred when the margins are defined by the edges of continental shelves rather than sea level

C.) he could not conceive of a valid mechanism that would cause continents to shift positions

Geology A.) stands alone and does not incorporate other fields of physical science B.) is relevant to scientists, but not to the daily lives of everyday citizens C.) helped determine that the planet existed long before humans did D.) predicts that the Earth will soon stop changing naturally

C.) helped determine that the planet existed long before humans did

Which of the following is a line of evidence that supports the case for water on Mars? A.) identification by Mars rovers of corundum and olivine, minerals that form in the presence of water B.) the presence of canali, which are long, straight "canals" that crisscross the Martian surface C.) images of landforms on the surface that resemble channel networks, deep gullies, and scour features D.) the existence of liquid water just below the surface

C.) images of landforms on the surface that resemble channel networks, deep gullies, and scour features

Which of the following are goals of scientific investigations? A.) use primarily inspiration, interpretation, and personal insight to answer questions B.) turn data into a useful, tangible products for the public to enjoy C.) present information in a neutral or objective manner D.) develop a possible explanation for observations E.) turn data into useful knowledge

C.) present information in a neutral or objective manner D.) develop a possible explanation for observations E.) turn data into useful knowledge

Which of the following newsworthy topics is LEAST related to an aspect of Earth Science? A.) Earthquake has rocked Ridgecrest CA B.) the eruption of a volcano in Mexico C.) the collapse of a building in New York D.) If the forecast for its strength holds, Dorian would be the first hurricane of Category 4

C.) the collapse of a building in New York

The San Andreas fault zone in California is an example of a ____________________ boundary. A.) divergent B.) convergent C.) transform D.) hot-spot E.) none of the above

C.) transform

An iceberg will sink into the sea until it displaces its own weight in water, leaving only the "tip of the iceberg" exposed when it floats. Which of the following describes a floating iceberg? A.) It is a gravity anomaly B.) It is denser than seawater C.) All of the possible answers are correct D.) It is in isostatic equilibrium

D. It is in isostatic equilibrium

Which of the following is NOT an example of the scientific method? A.) A procedure for conducting research that states that a testable hypothesis should be verifiable and the results repeatable. B.) A systematic approach to observing phenomena, drawing conclusions, and repeatedly testing hypothesis. C.) A procedure for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses. D.) A method which seeks to understand the natural world from accounts of mystical revelations, mythology, or from information embedded in one's traditions, language, or culture

D.) A method which seeks to understand the natural world from accounts of mystical revelations, mythology, or from information embedded in one's traditions, language, or culture

Which of the following headlines from possible news stories relate(s) to Earth Science? A.) New Ebola vaccine shows promising results in human clinical trials B.) NASA prepares for launch of James Webb telescope, which will give us new insights into outer space C.) Scientists search genome to make cancer treatments more effective D.) EPA under the microscope after 2015 Colorado Gold King Mine spill E.) Ancient artifacts found in Mayan Temple reveal what life was like for the wealthy Mayans

D.) EPA under the microscope after 2015 Colorado Gold King Mine spill

The low-velocity zone (LVZ), found 100 to 200 km beneath oceanic crust, represents A.) the crust-mantle boundary B.) a particularly strong layer in the Earth's interior C.) the upper part of the lithosphere D.) conditions where mantle peridotite partially melts and fills voids between grains

D.) conditions where mantle peridotite partially melts and fills voids between grains

Yellowstone is a classic example of which type of volcanism? A.) continental rift B.) mid-ocean ridge C.) convergent volcanic arc D.) continental hot spot E.) island arc

D.) continental hot spot

An eruption that emits low viscosity lava fountains of mafic lava that can flow long distances is referred to as a(n) _____ eruption. A.) explosive B.) Strombolian C.) epidermal D.) effusive E.) Plinian

D.) effusive

A pyroclastic flow is a A.) slow volcanic flow. B.) subsurface volcanic flow. C.) high-altitude volcanic event. D.) ground-hugging, scalding avalanche of volcanic ash and gas. E.) volcanic explosion under an ice sheet.

D.) ground-hugging, scalding avalanche of volcanic ash and gas.

Regions of the seafloor with positive magnetic anomalies were formed during times when earth's magnetic field A.) was exceptionally week B.) was exceptionally strong C.) had reversed polarity D.) had normal polarity

D.) had normal polarity

Hot mafic lava can be described best as _____ silica and _____ viscosity A.) low; high B.) high; high C.) medium; medium D.) low; low E.) high; low

D.) low; low

If a geologist discovered coal in a modern-day cold, snowy location, he or she could conclude that A.) this discovery was anomalous B.) the area was once covered by an ocean C.) a meteorite must have struck the area D.) the area was once covered with swamps and/ or jungles

D.) the area was once covered with swamps and/ or jungles

If a geologist discovered coal in a modern-day cold, snowy location, he or she could conclude that A.) the area was once covered by an ocean B.) a meterorite must have struck the area C.) the discovery was anomalous D.) the area was once covered with swamps and/or jungles

D.) the area was once covered with swamps and/or jungles

Change happens everywhere on our earth. The main agents causing change are A.) Geological B.) Meteorological C.) Anthropogenic D.) Astronomical E.) All of the above

E.) All of the above

An earthquake would be least likely at a(n) A.) active continental margin B.) continent-continent convergent zone C.) subduction zone D.) E.) passive continental margin

E.) passive continental margin